Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is part of the “creeping grass” family which originated in Eastern Asia. The grass is commonly planted in parts of the US but is still namely found in grasslands and prairie regions abroad.

You’ve likely encountered lots of Zoysia grass in your lifetime. It’s a favorite of lawn care professionals for use on golf courses, particularly fairways and any other surface that needs an even, uniform mat of grass. In fact, Zosia grass is so hearty it’s even been used as turf for football and soccer fields!

Where in the U.S. does Zoysia grass fare best?

This cultivar prefers temperate, warm climates and loves the mild weather of Florida. It’s regularly sold commercially as sod all throughout the United States, particularly in the southeast and southwestern regions where winter frosts aren’t too severe.

One reason homeowners love this species is its relative lack of care. Zoysiagrass (as it’s sometimes known) doesn’t grow very fast so it doesn’t need a lot of mowing. It’s also extremely resistant to many different weed species meaning it’s likely to stay lush, green, and clean all throughout the year!

Depending on what climate it’s planted in Zoysia grass tends to flourish during the warm, wetter months and go dormant in winter, as is the case with many popular home lawn species.

The benefits of Zoysia grass include:

  • Low maintenance and little mowing
  • Resistant to many weed, fungus, and insect threats
  • Can withstand hotter, more arid temperatures than other like-species
  • Requires less fertilization than other varieties

Considering a Zoysia lawn?

The best time to plant a new Zoysiagrass lawn is spring or fall, depending on where you live. It’s always smart to talk to a local lawn care professional before undergoing any large changes in your yard.

As with any home lawn, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide on a Zoysia grass carpet for your yard.

  1. Keep your Zoysiagrass clipped shorter than you would other grasses and be sure you leave the clippings as you mow. They’ll provide nutrients for the grass!
  2. In general, your Zoysia will need about 1” of water per week. If you notice the grass looking grayish or dry, feel free to give more water as needed.
  3. Zoysia can withstand heavy wear and tear. It’s a great choice for homes with kids or pets so let your family outside to enjoy the yard!
  4. If you notice your Zoysia getting patchy, invest in sod plugs or seed before totally resodding your lawn. Zoysia sod can be a bit hard to find and may be expensive.

If you still have questions about whether or not hearty Zoysia grass is a good choice for your particular home or climate as your neighbors or talk to a nursery in your area. As with any type of grass, a professional can walk you through the plusses and minuses of a Zoysia yard and talk to you about your options for sodding, seeding, and overall care.

TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.

Getting Started with TruGreen

  1. Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
  2. Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
  3. With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
  4. Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.