Nut Sedge in Empire Zoysia

Orlando Steve · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Winter Park,FLORIDA

I have a front lawn I have put empire zoysia here in the Orlando, Florida area. I am very pleased with it and the only real issues I have are the weeds that come up where the sod has not grown together. The main one I am fighting is nut sedge and crab grass . Any ideas on the best thing to use the nut sedge and crab grass with my zoysia turf?

e Craig · Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 4:18 pm Post subject:

Hmmmm, I'm not very familiar with two of the grasses that you mention. They rarely thrive down here. But I have been face to face w/NUT GRASS!

Generally, it loves damp soils and is not very competative in drier conditions. Have you checked your drainage patterns and watering schedule[s]? Some irrigation installers may even suggest watering sevral times a week, which is much more than required for lawns.

Take care.
Craig

Orlando Steve · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Winter Park,FLORIDA

I am only watering once a week when it doesn't rain. It does seem to be worse when we do get a lot of rain.

e Craig · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 9:59 am Post subject:

Okay, but we must keep in mind that frequency is only part of the equation. We must also take into account the amount and drainage [surface and vertical] of the water. The roots of zoysia and other lawn grasses will generally follow the moisture down, usually below the moist area near the surface that nutgrass loves. The area near the surface needs to dry to discourage the nutgrass, etc. Organically healthy soil will help in this vertical drainage.

All this is discussed in various DD locations. The only one that comes to my mind right now is "One inch Myth" in the "Gardener Exchange" forum.

Take care.
Craig