If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance lawn, you’ve probably heard about zoysia grass. Understanding the zoysia grass pros and cons is the first step to deciding if it’s the right turf for your yard.
This warm-season grass is famous for its durability and dense growth. But it’s not perfect for every situation. Let’s look at what makes it great, and where it might not be the best fit.
Zoysia Grass Pros and Cons
To make a smart choice, you need a balanced view. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the major advantages and disadvantages of zoysia grass.
The Advantages of Zoysia Grass (The Pros)
Zoysia has earned its popularity for some very good reasons. For homeowners in the right climate, its benefits are hard to beat.
Exceptional Drought Tolerance
Once established, zoysia grass is incredibly resilient during dry spells. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture other grasses can’t reach.
During a drought, it will go dormant and turn brown, but it usually recovers quickly once water returns. This can lead to significant water savings over the summer.
Superior Heat Resistance
Zoysia thrives in hot weather. While cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass struggle and brown in the peak summer heat, zoysia is just hitting its stride.
It loves full sun and can handle reflected heat from driveways and sidewalks better than many other turf types.
Slow Growth Means Less Mowing
This is a huge pro for busy people. Zoysia grows much slower than Bermuda or St. Augustine grass.
You might only need to mow it every 10 to 14 days during its peak growing season. Some weeks, you might not need to mow at all.
Forms a Dense, Weed-Resistant Sod
Zoysia grows laterally, creating a thick, carpet-like mat. This dense growth chokes out many common weeds, reducing your need for herbicides.
It’s naturally aggressive, which is a good thing when it comes to keeping invaders out of your lawn.
Good Wear and Tear Tolerance
That dense sod also makes it fairly tolerant of foot traffic. It can handle kids playing and occasional gatherings better than some finer grasses.
It won’t hold up like a sports field, but for a typical family yard, its durability is a strong asset.
Fewer Pest and Disease Problems
Compared to other warm-season grasses, zoysia has fewer major insect issues. It’s less susceptible to chinch bugs and sod webworms than St. Augustine.
While not immune to disease, proper care can prevent most problems, making it a relatively low-fuss option.
The Disadvantages of Zoysia Grass (The Cons)
Now for the other side of the coin. These drawbacks are why zoysia isn’t a universal solution.
Long Winter Dormancy and Brown Color
In its growing zones, zoysia stays green in the summer but goes fully dormant after the first hard frost. It turns a straw-like brown and stays that way until spring temperatures consistently reach about 70°F.
This means you could have a brown lawn for 5-6 months of the year, depending on your location. Some people overseed with ryegrass for winter color, but that adds work.
Very Slow Establishment from Plugs or Sprigs
If you’re not laying solid sod, be prepared to wait. Zoysia spreads slowly. Planting plugs or sprigs can take two to three growing seasons to fully fill in.
This requires patience and diligent weed control during the establishment phase, which can be frustrating.
Poor Shade Tolerance
Zoysia needs sun – at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will thin out and struggle in shaded areas under trees or next to north-facing walls.
In partly shaded lawns, you might end up with patchy, uneven growth, which isn’t very attractive.
Thatch Buildup Can Be a Problem
The very density that makes it great can cause issues. Zoysia is prone to developing a thick layer of thatch (a mat of dead stems and roots) above the soil.
If thatch gets over half an inch thick, it prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots. This requires dethatching, which is a labor-intensive job.
Difficulty in Repairing Damaged Areas
Because it grows so slowly, bare spots or damaged areas take a long time to heal on their own. You often need to manually replant plugs or patch with sod.
This slow recovery can be a nusiance if you have to dig for utility lines or if a disease patch appears.
Can Become Invasive
Its aggressive, spreading growth habit is a double-edged sword. Zoysia will readily creep into flower beds, over sidewalks, and into neighboring lawns if not contained with physical barriers or edging.
You’ll need to edge regularly to keep it in bounds, which adds to your maintenance tasks.
Not Ideal for Cool Climates
Zoysia is a warm-season grass. It performs best in the “transition zone” and south. In areas with cold winters, it may not survive, or the dormancy period will be excessively long.
It’s generally not recommended for the northern third of the United States.
Is Zoysia Grass Right For Your Lawn?
Weighing the pros and cons, zoysia shines under specific conditions. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you live in the appropriate climate (roughly USDA zones 6-11)?
- Is your lawn mostly in full sun, with minimal shade?
- Do you prefer a low-mow lawn and don’t mind it being brown in winter?
- Are you patient enough for slow establishment or repair?
- Is water conservation or drought resistance a high priority for you?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, zoysia could be a fantastic choice. If you need year-round green, have lots of shade, or live in a cooler area, you might want to consider other grasses.
How to Plant and Care for Zoysia Grass
If you’ve decided zoysia is for you, here’s how to get started and keep it healthy.
Planting Methods
You have three main options, each with different costs and timelines.
- Sod: The fastest and most expensive method. Provides an instant lawn. Best planted in late spring to early summer.
- Plugs: Small squares of sod planted 6-12 inches apart. A cost-effective compromise, but takes time to fill in.
- Sprigs: Individual stems or nodes. The least expensive but slowest method, requiring the most weed control during establishment.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Zoysia care follows a warm-season rhythm.
- Spring (Green-up): Wait until fully green before mowing. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide if crabgrass is a problem. Fertilize lightly after green-up.
- Summer (Peak Growth): Mow as needed, usually at 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Water deeply but infrequently if rainfall is lacking. Watch for signs of stress.
- Fall (Slowdown): Reduce watering as growth slows. Apply your final fertilizer about 6 weeks before the first expected frost. Keep mowing as long as it’s growing.
- Winter (Dormancy): Minimize foot traffic on the brittle, brown grass. This is a good time to plan for spring and service your mower.
Mowing Tips
Always use a sharp mower blade. A dull blade will tear the tough zoysia blades, leaving a ragged, grayish look that’s more suseptible to disease.
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing. The ideal height depends on the variety, but generally keep it between 1 and 2.5 inches.
Watering and Fertilizing
Zoysia’s deep roots mean it needs less frequent but deeper watering. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
It is not a heavy feeder. Over-fertilizing leads to excessive thatch and disease. One to three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year is usually sufficient, split into 2-3 applications.
Managing Thatch
Check your thatch layer each spring. If it’s thicker than half an inch, it’s time to dethatch. Use a vertical mower or a power dethatcher.
This is a tough job, but it’s crucial for lawn health. The best time to dethatch is during peak growth in early summer, so it can recover quickly.
Popular Zoysia Grass Varieties
Not all zoysia is the same. Different varieties offer unique traits.
- Emerald Zoysia: A fine-textured, dark green hybrid. Very dense and beautiful but less cold-tolerant and more prone to thatch.
- Meyer Zoysia (Z-52): A popular, cold-hardy variety with a medium texture. Known for good durability and a faster spread than some others.
- Zeon Zoysia: A fine-bladed variety with a soft feel, excellent shade tolerance (for a zoysia), and reduced thatch production.
- Empire Zoysia: Has a wider blade, giving it a coarser texture. Very aggressive and drought-tolerant, with a deep green color.
- Geo Zoysia: Known for its exceptional cold tolerance and very slow vertical growth, meaning even less mowing.
Choosing the right variety depends on your specific climate, desired look, and maintenance preferences.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even tough zoysia can run into issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Large Patch and Dollar Spot Diseases
These fungal diseases often appear as circular, discolored patches. They are common in spring and fall when the grass is wet and temperatures are mild.
Prevention is key: avoid overwatering, don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen in the fall, and ensure good drainage. Fungicides can be used if the problem is severe.
Compacted Soil
Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil under your zoysia, limiting root growth and water infiltration.
Aerate your lawn every year or two in the late spring or early summer. This involves pulling small plugs of soil out to create air space. It’s one of the best things you can do for lawn health.
Winter Kill in Marginal Climates
In the northern parts of its range, a severe winter can sometimes cause zoysia to die, not just go dormant.
If areas fail to green up in spring, you’ll need to reseed or resod those spots. Choosing a cold-hardy variety like Meyer or Geo is your best defense.
Weed Invasions During Dormancy
Since the lawn is brown and not growing, winter annual weeds like henbit and chickweed can move in.
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall can prevent these weed seeds from germinating. You can also spot-treat weeds as they appear.
FAQ About Zoysia Grass
How does zoysia grass compare to Bermuda grass?
Zoysia is slower growing, more shade tolerant, and has better cold tolerance than Bermuda. Bermuda handles heavy foot traffic slightly better and recovers from damage faster. Zoysia is generally considered lower maintenance due to its slower growth.
Can I mix zoysia grass with other grasses?
It’s not recommended. Zoysia is aggressive and will eventually overtake most cool-season grasses, creating an uneven look. In its dormant period, the mixed lawn will appear patchy—green cool-season grass next to brown zoysia.
How often should I water my zoysia lawn?
Water deeply about once a week, providing 1 inch of water, if there’s no significant rainfall. The “footprint test” works well: if you walk on it and the grass blades don’t spring back, it’s time to water.
What is the best time of year to plant zoysia?
Plant zoysia sod, plugs, or sprigs in late spring through early summer. This gives it the entire warm growing season to establish its root system before winter dormancy.
Why is my zoysia grass turning yellow?
Yellowing can have several causes: iron deficiency (apply iron chelates), overwatering, disease, or soil compaction. Check your watering habits and consider a soil test to pinpoint the issue before treating.
Is zoysia grass soft to walk on?
It depends on the variety. Fine-bladed types like Zeon are quite soft. Broader-bladed types like Empire are more coarse. All zoysia forms a dense mat, which feels firm underfoot compared to some grasses.
Choosing a lawn grass is a big decision. Zoysia offers a compelling mix of toughness and low care, but its long dormancy and slow growth are real trade-offs. By carefully considering the zoysia grass pros and cons against your specific yard and lifestyle, you can determine if this resilient turf is the perfect foundation for your outdoor space. Remember, the best lawn is the one that meets your needs without creating endless work.