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Scalping Zoysiagrass: What It Is & Why to Avoid It

Scalping means mowing so low that the crown (where blades emerge) is damaged. It weakens any turfgrass, including zoysia.

Proper Mowing Rule

Remove no more than ⅓ of the blade height per cut. For zoysiagrass, maintain 1½–2 inches. Mow frequently enough to follow this rule, and you’ll avoid scalping stress.

About Gardening: Scalping Bermuda in Spring: Proper Timing and Height for Faster Green-Up; Recovering Zoysiagrass from Solar Blanket Damage; Converting Bermudagrass to Zoysiagrass by Plugging; Controlling Zoysiagrass Creeping into Asphalt Driveways; Removing Bermudagrass from a Zoysiagrass Lawn: Strategies and Timing; Zoysiagrass for Shade: Choosing the Right Variety; 'JaMur' Zoysiagrass: A Promising Low-Maintenance Turf for Georgia; Improving Clay Soil Before Planting Zoysiagrass: Why Amazoy Isn't the Answer; Overseeding Thin Zoysia in Shade: Don't Waste Your Money; Why Zoysiagrass Greens Up Late

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When to Scalp Zoysia (and Bermuda) for Faster Spring Green-Up

Establishing Zoysiagrass from Local Sod Plugs

Identifying Zoysiagrass: Late Green-Up, Stiff Blades, Slow Growth

Scalping Bermuda Lawns: When and How Low to Go

Zoysiagrass Winter Fertilization: Question the November Application

Don't Overseed Zoysia with Ryegrass

Patching 'Emerald' Zoysia with 'Zeon': Genetic Variability Means It's an Experiment