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TELEPHONE OPELIKA 695+J 
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TELEPHONE AUBURN 134-R 
Kings Nursery 
GROWERS OF 
ZOYSIA MATRELLA GRASS 
TREES, SHRUBS: AND EVERGREENS 
WHOLESALE-AND RETAIL 
BOX 63 
AUBURN, ALABAMA 
LOCATED ON THE OPELIKASAUBURN: HIGHWAY 
[COPY] 
ZOYSIA GRASS FOR LAWNS 
Zoysia matrella No. 13521, commonly called Zoysia, 
was introduced from the Orient by the U. S. Department 
of Agriculture. It is undoubtedly the best lawn grass 
that has been found in Alabama. So far as is known, 
it is suited for use in all parts of the State. 
Zoysia grass has a fine leaf, is dark green in color, 
produces a dense sod which feels like a rug and does 
not get as weedy as does Bermuda grass. It is one of 
the earliest grasses to begin growth in the spring and 
one of the last to die in the fall. It is green much longer 
than Bermuda grass (9 to 10 months of the year in central 
Alabama). It grows only 8 or 4 inches tall, does not have 
to be mowed often, and will grow under trees satis- 
factorily. Frequent mowing will help produce a more 
dense and attractive sod. It has stood a more dense shade 
than any other grass tested at the Alabama State Experi- 
ment Station. 
Caution: This is not the same grass as the one sold 
under the name of Korean lawn grass (Zoysia japonica), 
the seed of which is available. 
PREPARATION OF SOIL 
Deep and thorough preparation of the soil is necessary 
in establishing a good lawn of Zoysia as is the case with 
other lawn grasses. Since Zoysia requires a good fertile 
soil for best growth, about 5 to 10 pounds of 6-8-4 
fertilizer to each 100 square feet should be worked into 
the soil in preparation. 
PLANTING WITH SOD 
Since no seed are available Zoysia must be established 
by vegetative means. It can be propagated by small squares 
of the grass or by sprigs. These should be set about 
12 inches apart in squares, being careful to leave the 
leaves of the grass above the ground, as the plants will 
not grow from underneath the soil. The plants should 
be firmly set and the area rolled and watered. It is 
necessary to give Zoysia protection from more rapidly 
growing weeds and grasses until it becomes established. 
TIME FOR PLANTING 
Zoysia may be planted at most any time during the 
year if moisture conditions are suitable or if water is 
available. Under most conditions, best results are ob- 
tained by setting it in March or early April or in October. 
CARE OF THE SOD 
After Zoysia is dug, it should be kept moist, and it 
should be kept in the shade as much as possible until set. 
CARE AND MAINTENANCE 
Mowing: After the Zoysia lawn is established, allow 
the grass to grow for some time — to a height of about 3 
inches before clipping. After the grass has reached this 
height, it should be mowed regularly with the mower set 
high until the grass is well established. Unless other 
grass such as Bermuda or Kentucky bluegrass is used 
with Zoysia very little mowing will be required. How- 
ever, as stated previously, a better sod and more attractive 
appearance will result from continued regular mowing. 
This will also help Zoysia to overcome competition. 
Watering: Zoysia grass lawns should be watered 
thoroughly once or twice a week during dry seasons until 
the grass is well established. Once a good sod is established 
very little watering will be needed. By planting this 
grass during wet seasons, it has been established and 
maintained without any artificial watering. 
Fertilizing: A good program for fertilizing a Zoysia 
grass lawn is to ‘start early in the spring with an ap-. 
plication of a fertilizer such as 6-8-4 or 4-10-7 at the 
rate of 1 pound for each 100 square feet and repeat this 
application at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks, 
Note: The major portion of this article was taken 
from material prepared jointly by Dr. D. G. Sturkie, Asso- 
ciate Agronomist, Alabama Experiment Station, Auburn, 
Alabama and Homer S. Fisher, Extension Landscape Gar- 
dener, Auburn, Alabama, for use in a general lawn bul- 
letin which will be available later. 
Homer S. FIsHer, 
Extension Landscape Gardener, 
Auburn, Alabama 
— <ercise, every care to see that our products are ‘handled in a manner that will keep’ them fresh and alive; we cannot: guarantee 
acne oir Tere he fparetc after they leave our hands. Any plant which proves to be something other than what: it is. sold for, will be replaced, but in 
no-easé a greater price be allowed for any plant replaced than originally paid, 
‘All quotations are for immediate acceptance. No liability tous should stock be sold upon receipt of order or injury from frost or hail,also, should 
strikes or other causes prevent delivery. A 
