As a general rule soil analysis should be done at least every three years on home lawns. This is done by taking random samples of soil from around the yard, mixing these thoroughly and taking about a pint of soil to the extension service. They will analyze the soil and make recommendations as to any amendments needed.

FERTILIZATION
April 15 If danger of frost has passed, begin fertilizing lawn with a complete slow release fertilizer such as 16-4-8 at the rate of 1/2 lb of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. Continue this monthly until August 15 th. A winterizer such as 0- 10- 10 should be applied in October.

MOWING
Mow at 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches with a high-speed rotary mower. Do not allow grass to overgrow between mowing so as to avoid scalping.

WEED AND PEST CONTROL
Weeds are best control with a pre-emergence program. Apply Atrazine in Mid-February. There are numerous chemicals for post emerge weed control in Zoysia grass. Bill bugs can be a problem in Zoysia. Damage shows up as dry looking, straw colored areas. There are several control chemicals such as Merit and Meridian if bill bugs are detected.

DISEASE CONTROL
Brown patch may surface from time to time. Prompt attention is a must to prevent serious damage. Generally an application of a contact fungicide such as Chlorothalonil will take care of this.

IRRIGATION
Do not over water. Apply irrigation as needed to prevent extreme stress. Never irrigate to the point of standing water or runoff.