Zoysia Grass — Complete Guide
Zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica) is a dense, wear-resistant warm-season grass that forms a thick, carpet-like lawn. It tolerates moderate shade better than Bermuda and produces a beautiful dark green lawn that feels soft underfoot. Zoysia is slower to establish than other warm-season grasses but rewards patience with exceptional durability.
Is Zoysia Grass Right for Your Lawn?
| Characteristic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shade Tolerance | Medium |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Traffic Tolerance | High |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Season Type | Warm-season |
Where Does Zoysia Grass Grow Best?
Zoysia thrives in the warm-season zone and transition zone (USDA zones 6-10). It is more cold-tolerant than Bermuda, making it a better choice in the upper reaches of the warm-season belt. Zoysia goes dormant and turns tan-brown in winter.
How Much Zoysia Seed or Sod Do I Need?
Seed: 2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for a new lawn, 1 lb per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding.
Sod: Most Zoysia is installed as sod or plugs rather than seed. 1 pallet covers approximately 450 sq ft.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dense, weed-resistant turf
- Tolerates moderate shade
- Very durable under foot traffic
- Soft, comfortable texture
- More cold-tolerant than Bermuda
Cons
- Slow to establish from plugs or seed
- Turns brown in winter
- Thatch buildup requires periodic dethatching
- Can be difficult to mow if allowed to grow too tall