Zoysia Lawn Features
Zoysia is a perennial warm-season turfgrass that spreads by stolons and rhizomes. This dense turf is characterized by stiff leaf blades. Zoysia exhibits exceptional wear tolerance, good drought tolerance and moderate shade tolerance. Unlike some other warm-season grasses, it tolerates cold, so it can work in some areas in the transition zone. Zoysia has low water and nutrition requirements. Once fully established, a zoysia grass lawn resists weeds well due to a dense growth pattern. Zoysia goes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost but resumes growth as soil temperatures return to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Zoysia enters dormancy earlier in the winter than other warm-season grasses and may remain brown longer. Below are some other zoysia characteristics to note:
Daily Sunlight Requirement: Adaptable to full sun to partial shade (six to eight hours of sunlight)
Sun Tolerance: Excellent
Shade Tolerance: Moderate
Grass Color: Dark green in season, tan/brown when dormant
Grass Texture: Medium
Drought Tolerance: Good
Disease Resistance: Good
Traffic Tolerance: Exceptional
USDA Planting Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (may not be adaptable to all areas within each climatic zone) — find your USDA zone
Recommended Planting Dates: Mid- to late spring after the last frost or early fall, depending on your specific location
Average Germination: 14 to 21 days
Mowing Height: 1 inch to 2-1/5 inches
How Much Grass Seed Do I Need?
Whether you’re planning for a brand-new lawn or overseeding an established one, it’s important to know just how much grass seed you’ll need. Lowe’s can help with our Grass Seed Calculator. Just input your measurements, growing zone and grass seed type to find out how much you’ll need to complete your seeding.
Seeding Instructions for Zoysia Grass
The ideal time to plant zoysia is in mid- to late spring (after the final frost) or early summer. It can also be planted in fall, a minimum of 60 days before the first frost is expected. Beyond this point, any seed planted may not survive the winter, due to insufficient time to establish in the ground before cold weather arrives.
In addition to spreading seed, you can also plant zoysia grass plugs or sod.
Seeding a New Lawn
Seeding an Existing Lawn
Applying Weed Control Products to Zoysia Grass
Applying weed control products to grass prior to seeding can affect the seeds’ ability to grow. Read and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations and application instructions prior to applying any weed control products and before seeding.
Don't use any pre-emergent or weed and feed control products 90 days before you plant the seed. The chemicals in these products may cause seeds to be damaged or inhibit germination.
Caring for Zoysia Grass
Mowing
When your zoysia grass has grown to at least 1/3 inch higher than the recommended height of 1-1/2 to 2 inches, begin mowing. The dense growth pattern of zoysia grass, combined with mowing, will keep weeds at bay.
Additional Zoysia Care Tips
- Avoid removing more than 1/3 of the total grass blade length at any single mowing to keep your grass thick and healthy.
- Increase your mowing height in summer months to reduce grass stress. See Lawn Mowing Tips for more information on how to mow your lawn correctly.
- An established zoysia lawn needs about an inch of water each week. Water infrequently but deeply to help the root system to grow deeper, allowing the grass to better handle dry conditions.
- Remove thatch on a periodic basis. Excessive thatch can block water, sun and fertilizer from reaching the soil. Dethatch in early spring before the grass begins to turn green again. After dethatching, remove the material by raking it up or mowing with a bagger.
- Aerate the lawn in early spring. Aeration helps oxygen, water and nutrients reach the grass roots.
When using lawn treatments or lawn care products, always follow package directions regarding proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures and safety precautions.