[lovsthosebigdogs]

I got a letter from my lawn service people asking if I want their new winter seeding program for Zoysia grass because it browns .They would put down other seed to grow through the Zoysia. I have a yearly renter and do not see my property. Beyond the $160 for seeding the other extra expenses for additional mowing and watering (they told me this) we'd have to coordinate it all with our renter Not sure what to do on this one. I want the renter to have a nice house BUT is this something I should do or not? I don't want to be cheap for a couple of hundred dollars but I don't have money yp throw away on unneceaary things either. How big a deal if I don't and how brown and awful will my Zoysia/ house look in winter? I don't want my home to be so awful that the renter looks elsewhere when his lease is up. What do YOU do in winter for your lawns?

[gomoho]

wow, haven't heard of this one - my guess is if you go with this your lawn caretaker will have to increase his rate 'cause he will be coming more often in the winter. But, wouldn't it be lovely to be green all year?

[Mikeod]

I wouldn't do it. Yes, it makes the house look better with green grass all winter. But, as stated above, you have increased expense for lawn care and water when most of your neighbors are enjoying the dormant period. Plus, for zoysia, the dormant period is fairly short.

Your house would probably be the only one on the block with a green lawn. If it's important to you, you may want to consider having the lawn dyed/painted when it goes dormant. Saves water.

[Skybo]

I over-seeded with winter rye last year, mainly because I was unfamiliar with zoysia and wasn't sure how well the dormant grass would hold up with my dogs running around on it. But I don't think I needed to be concerned about that. So I don't intend to over-seed this year. It was nice to see green grass through the winter, but not really worth it in my view. My neighbors' dormant grass looked fine ... It looked normal. My yard was the one that looked a little weird.

[Virginians]

Let me know if decide to over seed. I'll do it for $50.00.
I could the $40 after buying the seed for $10.00

[gomoho]

I don't know that rye needs supplemental irrigation once established. Anyone have the facts??? And how many times would it need to be mowed? I have seen it thrive in coastal NC in the winter with no irrigation - maybe would be the same here?

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by gomoho

I don't know that rye needs supplemental irrigation once established. Anyone have the facts??? And how many times would it need to be mowed? I have seen it thrive in coastal NC in the winter with no irrigation - maybe would be the same here?

Remember the winter is our dry season. I don't know how frequently it would need to be mowed, but it will need mowing. Look at the overseeded golf courses. Dormant zoysia rarely needs mowing as it's not growing.

[marennorge]

Well, one of the lawn services adds green coloring to their liquid fertilizer to maintain the look of a lush green lawn.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

So far it doesn't sound like my rental will be out of place with winter dormant zoysia if I decide not to go with the extra seed. Actually I would rather not have yo spend the money, I just didn't want to have the house on the street that looked awful and embarasses my renter. Thanks everyone.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by lovsthosebigdogs

I got a letter from my lawn service people asking if I want their new winter seeding program for Zoysia grass because it browns .They would put down other seed to grow through the Zoysia. I have a yearly renter and do not see my property. Beyond the $160 for seeding the other extra expenses for additional mowing and watering (they told me this) we'd have to coordinate it all with our renter Not sure what to do on this one. I want the renter to have a nice house BUT is this something I should do or not? I don't want to be cheap for a couple of hundred dollars but I don't have money yp throw away on unneceaary things either. How big a deal if I don't and how brown and awful will my Zoysia/ house look in winter? I don't want my home to be so awful that the renter looks elsewhere when his lease is up. What do YOU do in winter for your lawns?

Just like the golf courses do in fall for the winter. (except they only do the fairways and greens. not rough) Its just a rye seed

[Bogie Shooter]

rye grass overseed will add to the lawns thatch thickness.....not always a good idea.