Is Zoysiagrass Right for Your Lawn?

Zoysiagrass is a favorite among homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, dense, and visually appealing lawn. Many who grow it praise its soft, carpet-like feel—perfect for walking barefoot, relaxing outdoors, and even hosting gatherings. It’s a durable grass that can withstand heavy foot traffic and offer a lush aesthetic throughout the growing season.

While zoysiagrass has excellent wear tolerance, it does require some attention, particularly during extreme heat. It may show signs of wilting under intense sun, but a supplemental sprinkle can help it bounce back. Once established, zoysiagrass is relatively low-maintenance. It spreads horizontally rather than growing excessively tall, reducing mowing frequency.

If you’re considering this turf, understanding its characteristics, maintenance needs, and suitability for your location is essential.

Everything to Know About Zoysiagrass

Zoysia is a fine to medium-textured grass with a thick, dense growth habit. It forms a lush, green carpet and spreads via stolons and rhizomes, making it excellent for erosion control and wear resistance. This warm-season grass thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-11, making it an excellent option for southern and transitional climates. It also has improved cold tolerance than other warm-season grasses, allowing it to survive mild winters, though it will go dormant in colder temperatures.

Like other warm-season grass varieties, zoysia benefits from deep, infrequent watering to maintain its lush appearance. This practice encourages deeper root growth, which improves its drought tolerance and overall resilience. It performs well in various soil types, but proper drainage is essential to prevent excess thatch and fungal diseases. Its slow-growing nature means it takes longer to establish than bermudagrass, but it requires less mowing and maintenance once it matures.

Establishing Zoysiagrass From Sod

Zoysiagrass can be successfully established from sod, providing homeowners with an instant, lush lawn without the lengthy establishment time required for seed. Bethel Farms offers a premium selection of zoysiagrass sod, including Icon Zoysia and the new Gateway Zoysiagrass. These varieties are known for their resilience, soft texture, and ability to create a healthy, uniform zoysia lawn that thrives in warm climates.

Icon Zoysia: This variety is celebrated for its soft feel and ability to maintain a rich green color with minimal maintenance.

Gateway Zoysiagrass: A new variety recognized for its minimal seed heads, fast recovery, and quick establishment. With class-leading cold tolerance and a fine-textured appearance, it offers homeowners a resilient, low-maintenance lawn that thrives in various conditions.

Soil Preferences

Zoysia thrives in well-draining soils with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. It tolerates a range of soil types but struggles in compacted or overly wet conditions. Proper soil preparation helps prevent drainage issues and supports healthy root development.

Sunlight Needs

Zoysiagrass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. While it can tolerate 4–6 hours of dappled or filtered sunlight it is not as shade-tolerant as other grass types. In heavily shaded areas receiving less than 4 hours of daylight, a zoysia lawn may become thin, weak, and struggle to maintain its density.

Drainage and Irrigation Needs

A Zoysia lawn has moderate watering needs and is drought-resistant but benefits from deep, infrequent watering. Ideally, it should receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week, spread over one to two watering sessions. Watering frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions, with supplemental watering provided during extreme heat.

When is the Best Time to Install Zoysiagrass Sod?

The best time to install zoysia sod is in late spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm. The grass can be established quickly during this period, taking advantage of optimal soil temperatures and active growth. Avoid planting in late fall or winter, as cooler temperatures slow down root development, making it harder for the sod to establish before dormancy.

In Florida’s warm and humid climate, the installation window is longer than in other regions. Sod can be successfully planted for much of the year, but it's best to avoid periods of extreme heat, cold snaps, or sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the grass and delay establishment. Timing your sod installation during stable weather conditions helps the sod take root efficiently, promoting a healthy, dense lawn.

Maintenance and Care for a Zoysia Lawn

During the establishment phase, a Zoysia lawn requires frequent watering to help the sod or newly planted grass develop strong roots. Watering lightly but consistently in the first few weeks keeps the soil moist without becoming overly saturated. As the lawn matures, gradually reduce the frequency while increasing the depth of watering to encourage deeper root growth and greater drought tolerance.

Mowing Requirements

Mow zoysiagrass at 1–2 inches for optimal health and appearance. Due to its slower growth rate than bermudagrass, Zoysia requires less frequent mowing, making it a lower-maintenance option for homeowners. However, regular mowing is still necessary to prevent excessive thatch buildup and maintain a uniform, dense turf.

Fertilizing Needs

Zoysia lawns require moderate fertilization during the growing season. Applying the right amount of fertilizer supports healthy growth and maintains the lawn’s vibrant color. However, overfertilization can cause excessive thatch accumulation, which may lead to drainage and disease issues. For best results, use a slow-release fertilizer and apply it in multiple light applications rather than all at once to avoid sudden growth surges.

Watering

Water deeply but infrequently for a healthy Zoysia lawn to promote strong root development. Avoid overwatering as it can create shallow root systems and increase the risk of fungal diseases such as brown patch. Adjust irrigation based on weather conditions, reducing watering during cooler months and increasing it during prolonged dry spells.

Thatch Management

Occasional dethatching is necessary to prevent excessive thatch buildup, which can restrict water and nutrient absorption. Additionally, core aeration helps reduce soil compaction and improves drainage, allowing roots to access essential nutrients more efficiently.

Pest and Disease Control

Zoysia grass is susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions, with brown patch and dollar spot being common threats. Pests like armyworms and white grubs can also damage the turf. Proper lawn care practices—including regular mowing, deep watering, and aeration—help prevent these issues and keep the lawn healthy.

Recovery and Repair

If damage occurs, you can use grass plugs to repair thin or bare spots in your lawn. Because Zoysia spreads through rhizomes and stolons, planting zoysiagrass plugs in affected areas can accelerate recovery and promote even coverage. For the best results, use the same Zoysia variety as your existing lawn for a seamless blend of color, texture, and growth pattern.

Is Zoysiagrass Better Than St. Augustine and Bermuda?

Zoysiagrass is often compared to Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass, as all three are warm-season options widely used in Florida. Below is a comparison of their key characteristics to help determine which best suits your lawn’s needs.

Each grass type has its advantages, with zoysiagrass offering a balance of durability, drought resistance, and moderate maintenance, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a resilient and attractive lawn with less frequent mowing requirements.

Is  Zoysia Right for Your Lawn?

Zoysiagrass is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn with a dense, carpet-like texture and outstanding durability. It thrives in areas with moderate sun exposure and some shade tolerance, making it a versatile option for various landscapes. However, remember that zoysiagrass establishes slowly, so patience is key during the initial growth stage.

Consider other grass options if you need fast establishment or repair or have a heavily shaded yard.

If zoysiagrass sounds like the right fit for your lawn, Bethel Farms offers premium zoysiagrass sod for sale to help you achieve a lush, healthy lawn. Visit our website to explore our high-quality turfgrass options!