Why is my zoysia "losing" out to weeds?

Question

I was under the impression that zoysia grass was a very hearty grass and would take over most other grasses, which is fine with me because I prefer it. But my zoysia seems to be losing out to some type of clover. I've fertilized to no avail. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Zoysia, once established, will crowd out most other plants and weeds but it's not bullet-proof. Sometimes you will have to help it out. It sounds like you have black medic or oxalis both of which look like clover. They are very hearty themselves and once they catch hold they are tough to get rid of. So you have two very hearty plants going head-to-head. In your case I wouldn't say the zoysia is losing because you could have a million in another kind of grass--but it needs some help.

Get some Ortho Weed*b*Gon MAX (not regular WbG) or Bonide Oxalis Clover and Chickweed Killer. Both are identical and made to get hard-to-kill weeds. Mix some up or use the ready-to-use formula and spray the weeds when the temp is above 60 degrees F and no rai is expected for 24 hours. This should kill them and once they are gone it will be very hard for them to get re-established in your zoysia.