Zoysia Australis Lawn Care

How to install and maintain your Zoysia Australis

Zoysia Australis is a premium medium-textured turf with a rich, deep green colour. Chosen for its wear tolerance, shade performance and low fertiliser requirements, it’s a fantastic low-maintenance option for Australian yards.

With just a few simple maintenance practices, Zoysia Australis will develop into a dense, healthy lawn that looks great year-round.

Installation

Zoysia Australis forms a dense, tightly knitted turf with excellent tensile strength and a strong network of rhizomes and roots, making correct installation essential for long-term success.

Installation Tips:

  • Install your turf as soon as possible after delivery
  • Lay onto a minimum of 200mm of quality sandy loam. A high sand content is recommended for best results.
  • Apply Lawn Solutions Australia Lawn Launcher to encourage root development and help retain moisture.
  • Roll the newly laid turf to ensure good contact between the turf & soil.

Watering

Correct watering is essential during establishment.

  • Days 1-21: Water for at least 20 minutes early each morning & again during the hottest part of the day. Increase to 30 minutes per watering when temperatures exceed 30°c.
  • Days 22-35: Reduce watering to every second day.
  • Once established: Water only as required, allowing the lawn to dry slightly between irrigations. During the cooler months minimise watering to prevent waterlogging.
  • Water early in the morning whenever possible to maximize watering efficiency & plant health.
  • When irrigation is required, apply enough water to deeply soak the top 100mm of soil, encouraging deeper root development & a more resilient lawn.

Fertilising

Zoysia Australis has been selectively bred to thrive with significantly less fertiliser than many traditional warm-season turf varieties. In most situations, it requires around 1/3 of the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn, making it an economical and low-maintenance choice.

Fertilizing Tips:

  • Apply AGTurf Premium Fertiliser at a rate of 10g/m2 or 1kg/100m2.
  • Fertilise between early spring and mid to late summer, only as required.
  • Avoid fertilising during autumn, as this can encourage unnecessary growth heading into the cooler months. If needed, wait until spring to reapply.
  • During the autumn & winter, liquid iron, natural colourants and micronutrients can be used to enhance colour without promoting excessive growth from nitrogen-based fertilisers.

Weed and Pest Control

Zoysia Australis naturally exhibits allelopathic characteristics, meaning it releases natural compounds that help suppress the growth of many common weeds & unwanted grass species. While this provides an added level of weed resistance occasional weed control may still be required to keep your lawn looking its best.

Weed & Pest Control Tips:

  • Most  commonly available weed & pest control products are suitable for use on Zoysia Australis. Always read & follow the product label before application.
  • If you’re unsure which product is right for your lawn, please contact one of our team. We’re always happy to provide advice & recommend the most suitable weed or pest control solution over the phone or via email

Mowing

Zoysia Australis produces a beautiful deep green lawn that performs best when maintained at a mowing height of 15-40mm. In shadier areas, allowing the lawn to grow slightly longer can improve its health & appearance.

Mowing Tips:

  • Keep mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut & prevent leaf tearing.
  • Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in a single mow, unless dethatching.
  • For best results, dethatch in late winter, just before the lawn comes out of dormancy.
  • Remove grass clippings after mowing to help reduce thatch build-up & maintain a healthy lawn.

Shady Areas

One of the standout features of Zoysia Australis is its shade tolerance. Once established, it can thrive in areas with significantly less sunlight than many other warm-season turf varieties. This natural characteristic has been further enhanced through selective breeding, making Zoysia Australis an excellent choice for both sunny and partially shaded gardens.

Shade Tips:

  • Zoysia Australis can tolerate up to 70% shade once established.
  • Avoid overwatering shaded areas, as the soil will retain moisture for longer.
  • Minimise foot traffic in heavily shaded areas to reduce stress on your lawn.
  • Ensure your turf is laid on a minimum of 200mm of quality soil to encourage strong root development.

Download your Zoysia Australis Installation and Maintenance Guide