How to Plant Zoysia Grass Plugs and Get a Beautiful Lawn

Prepare the planting area before planting your zoysia grass plugs. Use a non-selective herbicide to kill any existing vegetation two to three weeks prior to planting; apply the herbicide according to the directions on the product label.

Water your lawn area thoroughly the day before planting to help soften the soil. Apply up to 2 inches of supplemental irrigation and allow it to sink into the soil.

Dig the planting holes for the zoysia grass plugs using a plugger or long-handled bulb planter. Dig the holes 4 to 6 inches apart in rows spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. For best results, dig the holes in a diagonal grid or checkerboard pattern for the fastest lawn coverage.

Add a small scoop of plug starter fertilizer to the bottom of each planting hole. Use the fertilizer according to label directions to avoid damaging your zoysia grass plugs.

Drop one zoysia grass plug into each of the prepared planting holes. Press the plugs into the holes, if necessary, to ensure that the roots make good contact with the soil. Backfill some of the displaced soil around the zoysia grass plugs if the the holes are just slightly larger than the plugs themselves.

Irrigate the zoysia grass plugs with up to 1 inch of water immediately after planting. Water the plugs daily for three to four weeks after planting to prevent their roots from drying out; moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches each time you irrigate. Reduce the frequency of irrigation to once or twice per week once the plugs are established.