Management strategies for preventing and recovering from zoysiagrass winterkill

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) is a warm-season grass used from tropical to temperate climates, and it generally requires fewer inputs than most other cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. The development of new zoysiagrass cultivars has increased its use in the United States, but its adaptation and specific uses are species and cultivar dependent. The playability of zoysiagrass and reduced inputs required to maintain this species have made it a popular choice for golfing surfaces. The greatest threat to zoysiagrass health and survivability is winterkill. This management guide discusses winterkill: what it looks like, what causes it, and where it occurs. Additionally, this management guide describes best management practices for the prevention and recovery of zoysiagrass from winterkill damage.