How to Plug Zoysia

Measure the square footage of the area to be plugged, to determine how many plugs you need for adequate coverage. Use a tape measure if necessary. A 50-foot by 20-foot space, for instance, measures 1,000 square feet. For a plugging rate of one plug per square foot, you need 1,000 zoysia plugs in this case.

In the late spring after frost danger has passed, mow the area to be plugged, with the mower on its lowest setting. The goal is to get zoysia plugs into the ground and have the dirt/grass separating slightly above the existing ground level, with the zoysia grass itself above the level of existing lawn growth.

Water the area to be plugged. It is much easier to dig moist soil and existing lawn than it is to dig dry earth and grass.

Dig holes with the transplanting trowel slightly larger or a little deeper than the dirt part of your zoysia plugs. Place one or two holes per square foot, depending on your desired plug spacing. Your lawn area will start to resemble a checkerboard square of holes. Dig all holes you plan to plant that day, so plugs spend the least amount of time possible resting on the lawn before they are planted in the lawn. After digging all the holes, water the holes.

Cut zoysia with cutting shears to the desired plug shape (1-, 2- or 3-inch squares) to fit the holes. Zoysia Farms Nurseries recommends dampening the zoysia squares to make separation more efficient. Cutting is easier from the bottom (dirt/roots) side of zoysia turf than from the grass top. Your plugs are in 2-inch or 3-inch trays, cutting is not necessary.

Plant plugs in the holes, backfilling with dirt from the hole around the sides of the plugs as you plant them. Plugs will sit a little higher than the surrounding turf.

Step on each plug after planting. According to Zoysia Farms, which has been selling Meyer Zoysia by mail order for over 50 years, do not skip this step of stepping. The goal is to have the loose roots of the plug make good contact with the soil so root growth can commence right away.

Fertilize new plugs with a 1-2-1 mixture of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Zoysia Farms recommends using only a water-soluble fertilizer.

Water the newly plugged and fertilized area.

Water the plugs daily for the first three weeks with a fine mist for 15 minutes each day. Do not water if there is rain on any of these days.