Zoysia Lawns

Zoysia
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States . USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 200. Washington, DC.

Description:

Zoysia is a hardy summer grass. It is tolerant of high traffic conditions, drought resistant and thrives in the most northernmost areas of all the summer grasses. It is an aggressive spreader, spreading via rhizomes and at times being somewhat invasive of flower and vegetable beds. Once Zoysia is established it develops a thick growth which crowds out weeds and other undesirable growth.

Zoysia grass textures range from fine to course depending on the variety. Most varieties can be planted from seed although plugs are a popular way of planting a Zoysia lawn and are almost mandatory is planting over an old lawn where the old lawn will not be completely removed. Zoysia has good Salt tolerance so it is especially well suited for coastal use. An Undesirable (to some) characteristic of Zoysia is the fact that it turns a brown to light tan color in the winter.

Characteristics:

Traffic ToleranceHigh Traffic Tolerance
Type Warm Season Grass
AcidityPH 6.0 – 7.0
Maintenance LOW Maintenance, Does not require Frequent Mowing
FertilizerCommercially available Lawn Fertilizers
Growth RateSLOW Growing
Light:Full or Almost Full Sun somewhat shade tolerant
Watering Drought Resistant
Mowing Height 1-2”
2 to 3″ Via Plugs, Sprigs or Seed
Salt ToleranceHigh
Best USDA Zones 5(lower)-10
USDA Information on Zoysia