How to Install Zoysia Sod in Northern Virginia

Use a nonselective herbicide to kill any grass, weeds or other vegetation at your chosen planting area. Follow the instructions on the herbicide package to determine how much herbicide to use for your planting area. Apply the herbicide two to three weeks before installing your zoysia grass sod to ensure that the herbicide has had enough time to dissipate.

Cover the surface of the soil at your planting area with 50 lbs. hydrated lime and 20 lbs. 5-10-15 fertilizer per every 1,000 square feet. Top the lime and fertilizer with a 1-inch layer of well-rotted compost. Use a garden tiller to work the lime, fertilizer and compost into the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

Rake the surface of the soil until smooth, making sure to fill in and smooth out any dips or low spots in your planting area. Note that leveling out the surface of your planting area will help the zoysia sod to take root more quickly.

Water the amended soil at your planting area generously the night before laying the zoysia sod. Provide as much irrigation as needed to moisten the soil at the planting area to a depth of 4 inches. Note that the soil should be moist to the touch, but never waterlogged.

Begin laying the zoysia grass sod, starting at the planting area's longest, straightest edge. Lay the zoysia sod pieces end-to-end, pushing the edges of the pieces together as tightly as possible. Stagger the sod pieces when laying subsequent rows to prevent the seams from lining up; this results in a more natural-looking lawn with better coverage.

Go over the entire planting area with a water-filled lawn roller to ensure the roots of the zoysia sod make good contact with the amended and moistened soil.

Water the zoysia sod immediately after installation to moisten the top 1 inch of soil. Continue to provide your new zoysia grass lawn with enough supplemental irrigation to maintain evenly moist soil until the sod has had the chance to establish itself and form a strong root system.