Zoysia grass is the luxury warm-season lawn. It is dense like a carpet. Soft under bare feet. And it handles shade better than any other warm-season grass. But it comes with a catch. It is slow. Very slow.
I helped a friend plant zoysia from plugs two years ago. It took the entire first season to fill in. But now it is the best-looking lawn in his neighborhood. Here is what you need to know before you commit to zoysia.
What Makes Zoysia Grass Special
Zoysia forms the densest turf of any warm-season grass. The blades are fine and soft. When you walk on established zoysia, it feels like a plush carpet. Weeds have a hard time breaking through that density.
Zoysia handles shade. Bermuda grass needs eight hours of sun minimum. Zoysia can get by with four to six hours. If you have trees but still want a warm-season lawn, zoysia is your best option.
Zoysia is more cold-tolerant than Bermuda. It stays green later into fall and greens up earlier in spring. It can survive winters as far north as the transition zone where Bermuda would die.
How to Plant Zoysia Grass
Zoysia can be planted from seed, sod, or plugs. Seed is the newest option and the cheapest. But it is the slowest to establish.
Zoysia from seed: Plant in late spring when soil temperature reaches 70 degrees. Zoysia seed needs warmer soil than Bermuda. Germination takes 14 to 21 days. The seedlings are tiny and weak at first. You must keep them constantly moist for a full month. Find zoysia seed on Amazon.
Zoysia from plugs: Plant plugs 6 to 12 inches apart in late spring. They will spread and fill in over one to two growing seasons. Plugs are more reliable than seed but take patience.
Zoysia from sod: Instant lawn. Expensive but worth it for small areas. Lay sod in late spring or early summer. Keep it wet for the first two weeks.
Zoysia Grass Maintenance
Mowing: Mow zoysia at 1 to 2 inches. It can be cut shorter than Bermuda in some varieties. Zoysia grows slower than Bermuda so you will mow less often. Every 7 to 10 days is usually enough.
Use a sharp mower blade. Zoysia blades are tough. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it. Torn grass tips turn brown and make the lawn look ragged.
Fertilizing: Zoysia needs less fertilizer than Bermuda. Two to three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Two or three feedings spread from late spring through mid-summer. Stop by August to let it go dormant.
Watering: Zoysia needs about one inch of water per week. Its deep root system handles drought fairly well. But it will show drought stress faster than Bermuda. The leaves curl and turn bluish-gray when thirsty.
Thatch management: Zoysia builds thatch heavily. Dethatch or aerate every two years. Do this in late spring when the grass is actively growing and can recover fast.
Zoysia vs Bermuda: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Zoysia | Bermuda |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment speed | Very slow | Fast |
| Shade tolerance | Moderate | None |
| Cold tolerance | Good | Fair |
| Density | Excellent | Good |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
Pick zoysia if you want the best-looking warm-season lawn and are willing to wait for it. Pick Bermuda if you want a lawn fast and do not mind frequent mowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is zoysia so slow to establish?
Zoysia puts more energy into roots and stolons than top growth during its first year. The underground growth takes time but creates a stronger lawn long-term. Most zoysia lawns look thin in year one, decent in year two, and amazing in year three.
Can I plant zoysia in the transition zone?
Yes. Zoysia is one of the best grasses for the transition zone. It handles both summer heat and winter cold better than Bermuda. Meyer and Zenith are good cold-tolerant zoysia varieties.
Does zoysia turn brown in winter?
Yes. Like all warm-season grasses, zoysia goes dormant and turns brown in winter. It is one of the first warm-season grasses to go dormant in fall and one of the last to green up in spring.
Shop Zoysia Grass Guide: The Luxury Warm-Season Lawn on Amazon
