[scarlso2]

Hello All,

I'm a long-time lurker. Wanted to post and introduce my lawn/self. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains enjoying beautiful KBG. Moved to Houston out of school and was appalled by the St. Augustine in my lawn. I struggled with it for a few years (fungus problems, weeds, etc.) and finally made a change this Spring. I went for Zorro Zoysia, and I love it! I think I might prefer it to KBG! I've only had it for a few months so we'll see what I think of Dormancy. I've been cutting it with a Fiskars push reel and it's been fine. I just got a greens mower on Ebay so I'm excited to figure that out. This site (and that other one) were super helpful in my preparations and answering questions so thanks everyone. Looking forward to learning more.

 

[Redtenchu]

Welcome to TLF!

Yard looks beautiful, congrats on the Greens Mower.

Keep us updated on your experience, we don't have many Zoysia/Greens Mower members.

How big is the lawn? What greens Mower did you purchase?

 

[Ware]

Welcome! Glad you're here!

 

[scarlso2]

Thanks! The lawn is only 500 sf currently. It's about to be 1500. I'm currently working on renovating the front/side now.
I purchased Iriasj2009's JD 180b...exactly the kind of thing I wanted. I had my eye out for Mcclane's and True cuts, something with a higher HOC, but I'm excited to get it into shape for a greensmower. I really like the look at around 1" so I'll take the greens mower as high as it'll go and see what happens. If anyone has any tips I'd be very open to hearing them

 

[jayhawk]

Going all in on zorro (other 1000 ft)?

 

[scarlso2]

I think I will stick with Zorro for the other 1000. I debated trying out Zeon, but I really just have no complaints with Zorro so I'll probably stick with it.

 

[jayhawk]

I don't know that i've seen first hand Zorro but it appears to be almost identical to zeon. You see any L1F zoysia out there ? seen some crazy images @ Bluejack National.

general advice is - Thall shall not violate 1/3 rule (lower you go, leveling is paramount); if you want it shorter, ease into over time.
keep the blades sharp - zoysia's blade tinsel strength is high and you know there is a lot density; dull or out of wack reel / bedknife set up > it won't tolerate it well
stay vigilant on fungus' :thumbup:

 

[scarlso2]

Never seen L1F, but I've heard about it. The Carlton Woods Fazio course not too far from me has Zeon. It did seem very similar to Zorro.

I am worried about the undulations I have. I'm definitely going to start high. I'll post some pics of my first attempts... good or bad.

 

[scarlso2]

First attempt with my new(to me) JD 180b. I noticed a huge difference in cut cleanliness compared to my fiskars, and the groomers did a great job cutting more grass. I think my HOC is just over 1". There's some work I want to do to the JD that I'll post over in the equip section in the next few weeks. I'm going to try to get below an inch as well but I'll wait until my reel is cutting paper clean

 

[Ware]

First attempt with my new(to me) JD 180b. I noticed a huge difference in cut cleanliness compared to my fiskars, and the groomers did a great job cutting more grass. I think my HOC is just over 1". There's some work I want to do the the JD that I'll post over in the equip section in the next few weeks. I'm going to try to get below an inch as well but I'll wait until my reel is cutting paper clean

How was it to maneuver in that tight space?

 

[scarlso2]

Haha maneuvering was interesting... it really wasn't bad, but it'll be much better once I hack the transport axle like I've seen done in the other JD posts. Is there no way to remove that without cutting it like I've seen done on the Toro's?

 

[scarlso2]

Pulled out my Fiskars today since I'm working on the JD. This Zorro was planted in May and it blows me away how it just keeps getting thicker. It's like a rug!

 

[Spammage]

Looking great! :thumbup:

 

[jayhawk]

Im not surprised. Grooming 1 mo is a nice option to have.

Is that front or back?

 

[scarlso2]

That's the back yard. The front is being prepped for the same treatment

 

[Iriasj2009]

Pulled out my Fiskars today since I'm working on the JD. This Zorro was planted in May and it blows me away how it just keeps getting thicker. It's like a rug!

Awesome! You should post a close up for us . Would you say that the areas that get the least amount of sun are thicker, the same, or seem thinner since you've sodded?

 

[jayhawk]

That's the back yard. The front is being prepped for the same treatment

What's the Builder choice (cheapest) sod around you? St Aug? Zorro should have great curb appeal.

 

[Iriasj2009]

That's the back yard. The front is being prepped for the same treatment

What's the Builder choice (cheapest) sod around you? St Aug? Zorro should have great curb appeal.

It's St Augustine, probably half the price of the nice looking zoysias.

 

[scarlso2]

Yeah the St. Augustine is terrible. We had a lot of flooding last year and just about everyone is dealing with some nasty fungi.

Here's a closeup of the Zorro with a piece of St Augustine for comparison.



The side yard gets very little sun and the Zorro is holding up just about as well as the St Augustine did. It's definitely not as thick as the back with full sun, but it doesn't appear to be getting thinner either.

 

[Txmx583]

Wow, that looks awesome!!!! I'm sold on zoysia now!! I want to get some to fill the shaded areas in my backyard. I think it will blend decent with my tifway 419.