Zoysiagrass is one of the most popular warm-season grasses used in lawns across the southern United States. Homeowners appreciate its dense, carpet-like texture and ability to handle a variety of environmental conditions, but this grass type does present a few challenges for lawn care enthusiasts.
Keep reading to learn more about Zoysiagrass, and check out our sodding services if this sounds like the right turf for your lawn!
Zoysiagrass is easily recognizable by its fine to medium leaf blades that create a thick, lush lawn. The color ranges from a light green to deep emerald, depending on the variety and level of care it receives. Unlike some other warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass grows in a dense, mat-like fashion, forming a soft and uniform turf. This natural density not only makes for an attractive lawn but also helps suppress weeds by crowding them out. The grass blades themselves are relatively stiff compared to cool-season grasses like fescue, and they often feel slightly prickly under bare feet, particularly in older varieties.
During its growing season, which typically lasts from late spring through early fall, Zoysiagrass maintains a vibrant green hue. Because it is a warm-season grass, it enters dormancy in colder months, turning a straw-brown color in late fall and winter if temperatures get too cold. The duration of dormancy depends on the climate, with Zoysiagrass remaining green for longer periods in warmer regions and browning out sooner in cooler areas.
Key Characteristics:
One of its most notable advantages is its drought resistance. Thanks to its deep root system, Zoysiagrass can survive extended dry periods better than many other turfgrasses. Although it benefits from occasional irrigation during prolonged droughts, it generally requires less water than cool-season grasses, making it a more sustainable option in areas with water restrictions. In addition to being drought-tolerant, Zoysiagrass thrives in full sun and is highly resistant to heat, making it an excellent choice for southern climates.
Zoysiagrass is also highly durable and can withstand weed growth as well as moderate foot traffic, which is why it is commonly used on golf courses, sports fields, and residential lawns. While it does not recover from damage as quickly as Bermudagrass, it remains more resilient than many other warm-season varieties. Zoysiagrass also has a good tolerance for salt, making it a viable choice for coastal properties where salt spray or saline soil conditions may be a concern.
Main Benefits:
Zoysiagrass follows a typical warm-season grass life cycle, meaning it thrives in warm temperatures and goes dormant in cooler conditions. Summer is when you can expect to get the most out of a Zoysiagrass lawn, but extended drought periods and excessive heat can stress the turf despite its high tolerances for summertime extremes. Excluding such factors, typical growth of Zoysiagrass throughout a year can be expected as follows.
Despite its many advantages, Zoysiagrass is not suitable for every lawn or climate. It is not a suitable grass for colder climates, as it remains dormant for extended periods and may even suffer cold damage, leading to patchy or weakened turf. This grass type is not known to perform well in heavily shaded environments; while some varieties tolerate partial shade, they will struggle in areas with dense tree cover or buildings that block most of the sunlight.
Another factor to consider is Zoysiagrass’s slower recovery rate. While it is a durable grass, it does not repair itself as quickly as Bermudagrass, which aggressively spreads to fill in bare spots. If your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic, pet activity, or frequent disturbances, you may find that Zoysiagrass does not recover quickly enough to maintain a uniform appearance. It is also important to note that Zoysiagrass may not stay vibrant and green all year long due to its winter dormancy. Those who dislike the brown, dormant look may need to overseed with a cool-season grass or consider a different turf option.
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping a Zoysiagrass lawn healthy and looking its best. Though Zoysiagrass is typically known as a relatively low-maintenance grass, it still needs specific maintenance in order to thrive throughout the growing season. To keep a Zoysiagrass lawn looking as full and green as possible, homeowners should follow proper maintenance practices throughout the year.
If you are in the Baton Rouge or Lafayette areas and want to bring your Zoysiagrass lawn to life, Brothers Lawn Service is here to help! Call us today to learn more about our services or to plant a new Zoysiagrass lawn from scratch on your property.
If you are looking for a reliable lawn care company in Lafayette & Baton Rouge, then look no further. Brothers Lawn Service & Landscaping is your full-service lawn care expert and we promise a 100% satisfaction guaranteed! We ensure the quality of our service by providing personal attention to each and every lawn.