How to Tell If Your Plugs Need More Water—and When to Stop

New zoysiagrass plugs need water to grow—but too little, and they dry out before taking root; too much, and they drown before they ever get a chance to grow. Finding the right balance is key to helping your plugs establish strong, healthy grass that lasts for years.

Zoysiagrass is naturally hardy and drought-tolerant once mature, but during those first few weeks, consistent moisture is essential. The tricky part is knowing exactly how much is enough.

This guide breaks down how to recognize when your plugs are thirsty—and when it’s time to put the hose away.

Why Watering New Grass Plugs Right Matters

Water is essential, but it’s only half the story. Grass roots need both water and oxygen to thrive — water hydrates, while oxygen fuels growth.

Too little moisture leaves behind dry, compacted soil that suffocates your plugs from below. An underwatered lawn struggles to develop healthy roots and can quickly turn thin and brittle.

Too much water, on the other hand, causes root rot and fungal growth. When soil stays saturated for too long, it starves the roots of oxygen, leading to yellowing, dead grass, or even an overly wet soil surface where mushrooms start popping up.

The goal is balance—keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. This is the environment where zoysiagrass roots can grow deep, strong, and resilient.

Signs Your Zoysiagrass Plugs Need More Water

New plugs are vulnerable, especially before they’ve fully rooted into the soil. Watch for these clear signs of dehydration:

• Dry, cracked soil that pulls away from the plugs.

• Grass blades appear dull, bluish-gray, or start curling inward.

• Loose plugs that lift easily—a sign the roots haven’t anchored yet.

• No new growth after the first week or two.

• Thin areas or patchy spots where plugs aren’t spreading evenly.

To check, stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Signs You’re Watering Too Much

Just as underwatering can stunt growth, overwatering can smother new lawn plugs. Look out for these red flags:

• The lawn feels squishy underfoot, or water pools after watering.

• Grass blades turn yellow or look wilted even though the soil is wet.

• Mushrooms or powdery mildew appear on the surface.

• Foul smells or slimy residue — a clear sign of excess moisture.

Too much water deprives the roots of oxygen, encourages fungal growth, and creates the ideal environment for lawn diseases like brown patch.

The Best Watering Routine for Zoysiagrass Plugs

Your watering routine should evolve as your plugs establish:

• Days 1–10: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water lightly once or twice a day to keep the area damp.

• Days 11–20: Taper down to once daily, giving the soil time to breathe between sessions.

• Weeks 3–4: As roots grow deeper, switch to deep watering two or three times a week. This encourages stronger, more drought-tolerant roots.

Always water early in the morning—it reduces evaporation and keeps grass blades dry overnight, minimizing the risk of fungal problems. Remember, frequent watering keeps the surface moist; deep watering helps grass roots grow deep and stable.

Adjusting for Weather, Soil, and Sprinkler Systems

Your environment plays an essential role in how much water your plugs need.

• In hot, dry weather, increase watering slightly to prevent drought stress.

• In clay soils, reduce frequency — they hold moisture longer and are prone to compacted soil.

• In sandy soils, water more often but for shorter durations to maintain even moisture.

• If you’re using a sprinkler system, check coverage zones regularly to avoid excessive watering or wasted water from overlapping sprays.

The best method is always observation—if the lawn feels squishy or you notice puddles, pull back; if it’s dry and crumbly, water more deeply.

Best Time to Plant Zoysiagrass Plugs

Although you can plant almost anytime of the year, the best time to plant zoysia plugs is late spring through early summer, when soil temperatures reach around 70°F or warmer. During this period, the plugs grow quickly and establish strong roots before the cooler months arrive.

However, remember to avoid planting during cold, damp conditions or in the peak of extreme heat, as both can slow root development and stress young plugs. Timing it right gives your new lawn a strong, energetic start—and sets the stage for a dense, healthy lawn later on.

How to Plant Zoysia Grass Plugs

Planting zoysiagrass plugs is easy but requires a little prep work for best results:

1. Prepare the area. Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil so roots can spread easily.

2. Space your plugs properly. Plant each plug 12–18 inches apart, depending on how fast you want coverage.

3. Water immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

4. Use NutriPod® plant food for grass plugs during planting. It delivers essential nutrients directly to the roots, helping them establish faster and stronger.

How Many Zoysia Plugs Do I Need?

Your plug spacing determines how many you’ll need to cover your area:

• 12-inch spacing: roughly 1 plug per square foot.

• 18-inch spacing: about 0.44 plugs per square foot.

To calculate your total, multiply your lawn’s square footage by the plugs per foot based on your spacing preference.

For example:

• A 200-square-foot lawn with 12-inch spacing needs around 200 plugs.

• With 18-inch spacing, you’ll need about 90 plugs.

Closer spacing gives faster coverage; wider spacing is more economical but takes longer to fill in.

Supporting Healthy Growth

Once your zoysiagrass plugs are in the ground, a little ongoing care makes all the difference. Limit foot traffic while the plugs are taking root to protect delicate new growth, and mow only when the grass reaches about three inches tall—never removing more than one-third of the blades at a time. Keep an eye out for issues like pest infestations, powdery mildew, or other lawn diseases that can develop in overly damp conditions. With regular watering, balanced nutrients, and a bit of patience, your plugs will gradually fill in, creating a healthy, resilient lawn that’s built to last.

When to Stop Watering

Once your Zoysia is mature, it will not require constant watering. Check the soil regularly—when the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water again.

Established Zoysia is naturally drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering your lawn. Excessive watering weakens turf, encourages fungal growth, and wastes water. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week to maintain a strong root system and lush, vibrant lawn.

Read the Signs and Grow with Confidence

Learning to listen to your zoysiagrass plugs—by watching their color, texture, and soil moisture—takes the guesswork out of lawn care.

With balanced moisture, good timing, and the right nutrients, your plugs will fill in beautifully, creating a soft, durable, and healthy lawn you’ll love spending lawn time on.

Ready to grow your best yard yet? Buy zoysiagrass plugs today and start building the thick, beautiful lawn you’ve been dreaming of.