Can You Cut Zoysia Grass with a Rotary Mower?

Zoysia grass is a popular choice for homeowners who want a lush, green lawn that requires minimal maintenance. However, one question that often arises is whether or not a rotary mower can be used to cut this type of grass.

Can You Cut Zoysia Grass with a Rotary Mower?

The answer is yes, but with some important considerations.

Firstly, it’s important to note that zoysia grass has a tough blade that can be difficult to cut cleanly.

For this reason, reel mowers are often recommended as they use a scissor-like method of cutting that is better suited for this type of grass.

However, if the lawn is cut on a regular basis and kept short, a rotary mower can work just as well. It’s also important to ensure that the blades on the mower are sharp and in good condition to avoid damaging the grass.

While a reel mower may be the preferred choice for cutting zoysia grass, a rotary mower can still be used effectively if the grass is kept short and the blades are sharp. Homeowners should also make sure to follow proper maintenance procedures for their mower to ensure it is working at its best.

Understanding Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is native to Asia. It is known for its dense growth, fine texture, and ability to tolerate drought and heat. Zoysia grass is commonly used for lawns, golf courses, and sports fields.

Characteristics of Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass has some unique characteristics that set it apart from other grasses. Here are a few of them:

• Slow growth: Zoysia grass grows slowly, which means it requires less mowing than other grasses.
• Drought tolerant: Zoysia grass has deep roots that allow it to withstand drought conditions.
• Heat tolerant: Zoysia grass can tolerate high temperatures and is often used in warm climates.
• Fine texture: Zoysia grass has a fine texture that gives it a soft feel underfoot.
• Low maintenance: Zoysia grass requires less water and fertilizer than other grasses, making it a low-maintenance option.

Mowing Zoysia Grass

When it comes to mowing zoysia grass, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is recommended to use a reel mower because zoysia is a tough-bladed grass and reel mowers’ scissor-like method of cutting is better suited. However, if you cut your lawn on a regular basis and keep it short, a rotary mower can work.

When caring for your zoysia grass, be sure to maintain a height of 1.5 inches and avoid trimming more than ⅓ of the length at once.

A reel mower is best for this task, but a rotary mower can be used if you keep the lawn short and mow it regularly. Zoysia is a low-maintenance grass that thrives in hot and dry conditions, with slow growth and a fine texture.

Related: Are Lawn Mower Blade Bolts Reverse Thread

What is a Rotary Mower?

A rotary mower is a type of lawn mower that uses a horizontal blade that spins around a vertical axis. The blade is located underneath the mower deck and is powered by an engine or motor. The blade rotates at high speeds, cutting the grass with a scissor-like action.

Rotary mowers are popular because they are versatile and can handle a variety of grass types and conditions. They are also relatively easy to use and maintain. They are available in both gas-powered and electric models, and some models are even cordless.

One of the main advantages of a rotary mower is its ability to handle tall or thick grass.

The spinning blade is able to chop through the grass with ease, making it a good choice for overgrown lawns. However, it is important to note that using a rotary mower on wet grass can lead to clumping, which can damage the mower and create an uneven cut.

A rotary mower is a good choice for most homeowners who want a reliable and versatile lawn mower.

It is important to choose the right mower for your needs, however, as some models are better suited for certain types of grass or lawn conditions.

Can You Cut Zoysia Grass with a Rotary Mower?

Zoysia grass is a popular choice for homeowners due to its lush green appearance and low maintenance requirements. However, it can be difficult to maintain with a rotary mower due to its tough-bladed nature.

While rotary mowers can be used on zoysia grass, it is important to note that they can cause damage to the grass blades. This is because they use a horizontal blade that can tear or shred the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This can lead to brown spots and uneven growth patterns in the lawn.

To avoid this, it is recommended to use a reel mower when cutting zoysia grass. Reel mowers use a scissor-like method of cutting that cleanly slices through the grass blades, resulting in a healthier and more even lawn.

However, if a reel mower is not available, there are ways to use a rotary mower on zoysia grass without causing damage.

One way is to adjust the mower blades to a higher setting to avoid cutting the grass too short. It is also important to mow the grass when it is dry to prevent tearing and shredding of the blades.

While it is possible to cut zoysia grass with a rotary mower, it is not the ideal method due to the potential for damage to the grass blades.

Using a reel mower is recommended for a healthier and more even lawn, but if a rotary mower must be used, adjusting the blades and mowing when the grass is dry can help prevent damage.

Pros and Cons of Using a Rotary Mower on Zoysia Grass

Pros of Using a Rotary Mower

Rotary mowers are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are affordable, easy to use, and require minimal maintenance. Here are some of the benefits of using a rotary mower on Zoysia grass:

• Versatility: Rotary mowers are versatile and can handle a wide range of grass types, including Zoysia grass. This makes them a great option for homeowners who have a variety of grass types in their yard.
• Mowing Height: Rotary mowers are ideal for mowing Zoysia grass at a higher height. This is because they are designed to cut longer grass and can easily handle blades up to 4 inches long.
• Speed: Rotary mowers are faster than reel mowers, allowing you to mow your lawn quickly and efficiently.

Cons of Using a Rotary Mower

While rotary mowers have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks when it comes to mowing Zoysia grass. Here are some of the cons of using a rotary mower on Zoysia grass:

• Blade Damage: Zoysia grass has a tough blade, and rotary mowers can cause damage to the blades if they are not sharp enough. Dull blades can rip and tear the grass, leading to a brown and unhealthy-looking lawn.
• Uneven Cut: Rotary mowers can sometimes leave an uneven cut on Zoysia grass. This can be due to the mower’s blade design, which can cause the grass to bend and fold over, resulting in an uneven cut.
• Less Precision: Rotary mowers are less precise than reel mowers, which can result in a less uniform cut on Zoysia grass. This can be especially noticeable if you are mowing at a lower height.

When choosing a mower for your Zoysia grass, consider the advantages and disadvantages of a rotary mower. It may be a good fit for you, but remember to weigh both the pros and cons before making your decision.

Best Practices for Mowing Zoysia Grass with a Rotary Mower

Mowing Height

When mowing zoysia grass with a rotary mower, it is important to keep the cutting height at 1.5 inches or higher.

This will help the grass to develop a deep root system and become more drought resistant. Mowing too low can damage the grass and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Mowing Frequency

Zoysia grass should be mowed about once a week during the growing season. This will help to keep the grass looking neat and tidy and prevent it from becoming too long and difficult to mow.

It is important to avoid mowing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as this can stress the grass and cause it to turn brown.

Blade Sharpness

Using a sharp blade is essential when mowing zoysia grass with a rotary mower. A dull blade can tear the grass instead of cutting it, leaving ragged edges that can turn yellow and make the lawn look unsightly. It is recommended to sharpen the blade at least once a year or more often if the mower is used frequently.

To ensure the best results when mowing zoysia grass with a rotary mower, it is also important to keep the mower in good condition and to avoid mowing when the grass is wet.

By following these best practices, homeowners can keep their zoysia lawns looking healthy and attractive throughout the growing season.