Zoysia Mowing Guide
Maintain 1.0-2.0 inches with a rotary mower or 0.5-1.5 inches with a reel mower. DO NOT scalp zoysia in spring — it recovers far too slowly to justify it, unlike bermuda. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height in a single cut. Mowing frequency is lower than bermuda because zoysia grows slower — typically once per week during peak season, every 10-14 days in shoulder seasons. Keep blades sharp; zoysia's tough leaves tear easily with dull blades, leaving white tips. A reel mower produces the cleanest cut but a quality rotary works fine at 1.5-2 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should I mow zoysia?
Maintain 1.0-2.0 inches with a rotary mower or 0.5-1.5 inches with a reel mower. Find your height and stay consistent — zoysia hates dramatic height changes.
Can I scalp zoysia in spring?
No. Unlike bermuda, zoysia recovers too slowly from scalping. A hard scalp can leave brown patches for weeks. Lower your height gradually over 2-3 mowings instead.
Why does my zoysia have white tips after mowing?
White or tan tips mean dull blades are tearing the grass instead of cutting it. Zoysia's dense canopy makes clean cuts harder. Sharpen blades every 8-10 hours of mowing.
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