Zoysia grass - Zoysia spp

What does it look like

A lawn sidewinder, Zoysia grass is a dense, low growing grass with fine pointed leaves. It goes dormant in the winter, turning tan until the spring restores its familiar green.

How does it grow?

Zoysia grass is a warm-season Perennial that spreads by rhizomes and stolons and has deep roots. It has been established primarily by plugs or sod, but newer varieties can be established by seed.

How does it rate for the average homeowner?

Zoysia grass is a popular grass in the transition zone and South because it has outstanding heat tolerance and stands up to winter better than any other warm-season grass. This also has allowed Zoysia grass to survive in many northern yards. As it is a warm-season grass, don't expect it to break out of dormancy until soil temperatures are above 60° F. Many homeowners dislike the unattractive and unpopular brown appearance this grass has until it awakens. In the proper setting, Zoysia grass becomes dense and relatively weed and disease free once it is established. But you must exhibit patience while it gets established, because it does not spread with particular speed.

In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?

Zoysia grass does best in warm, humid climates, but can survive some subfreezing climates. It does not do well in areas where subfreezing temperatures are common. This grass excels in transition and southern zones because of very good drought and heat tolerance. As for wear and tear, it is slow to recover from overuse and takes its time when growing from seeds or plugs.

Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?

Zoysia grass is best when used alone. Do not mix it with other grasses and do not mix common Bermuda grass with hybrid Bermuda grass as patches will develop. This is a very difficult grass to over seed in the winter, as it has gone dormant while retaining its thick mat.

Unique qualities:

• Fair shade grass
• Slow to develop and recover from excessive traffic
• Forms a dense turf that is relatively weed-free
• Will develop thatch in areas with no traffic
• Outstanding winter hardiness

Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:

• Mowing ranges between 1-3 inches.
• Fertilize with 3-4 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually.
• Water 0.5-1.0 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.