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| So, I'm going back and forth trying to decide between planting fescue seed or going with emerald zoysia (there is one other thread regarding lawn renovation in N. GA). I had a couple of landscapers come out over the weekend, both of which suggested sodding the emerald zoysia instead of planting TTTF, given the extreme heat and water requirements the past couple years. I have two questions regarding the zoysia: 1) how well does it do with shade? qualitative statements of 'moderate' or 'good' shade tolerance aren't helping me much. I have about 3,000 square feet out of 6,000 that only get a couple hours of sun a day, max. I'm concerned about that. 2) is it acceptable to lay the sod in September in the south? Typically, it's hot September and doesn't get cold until November. I'd rather not lay dormant sod - If laid in September, is there sufficient time for establishment?
FYI - the best price quoted was $350/pallet for the emerald zoysia, with 16 pallets required (lawn will be about 7,200 square feet following tree removal and grading). That price includes grading and soil conditioner. Thoughts? Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by texas-weed 7A (My Page) on Tue, Sep 6, 11 at 18:50
| You can lay sod anytime of the year providing the ground is not snow covered, mud or frozen. If you lay it now you should be able to get the roots to take before first frost. Just be sure to keep it watered this winter and not let the shallow roots dry out and freeze. A dry freeze is certain death for Zoysia and Bermuda. As for the shading issue is impossible to answer without looking at it. What I would do if I were you is have the two landscape contractors tell you their evaluation. If they are reputable they will tell you the areas in which they have concern with and might even suggest doing something else with those areas. If they do, don't take it lightly because they know it will be a problem. If that is the case consider a shade ground cover or shade garden in those areas. |
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| Thanks, TW - I'll go ahead and sod without worry in the next week or two. That should give about 6-8 weeks of lead time before the first freeze. Spoke with one contractor and asked again specifically about shade. His response was "the grass will have no problem on the shaded side of the house". The shade is primarily coming from a large oak and a dogwood or two, which will be pruned to a canopy of 20-30 feet to provide more light for good measure. Bottom line, he doesn't feel it should be a problem. I've decided to go ahead with emerald zoysia sod at this time. It's part of a larger renovation including multiple tree removal, stone retaining wall, lawn reshaping, grading, and, now, sod. Thanks for all the advice, both direct and through the months of reading! |
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- Posted by texas-weed 7A (My Page) on Fri, Sep 9, 11 at 9:39
| When you prune the trees, not only thin and open up the canopy, also raise the canopy so sun light can get under the trees in morning and afternoons when the sun is low in the sky. Good Luck TW |
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