Does a Zoysiagrass Lawn Work?

Advantages

• A warm-season grass, zoysia grows especially well during hot summer months and can survive severe heat stress while cool-season grasses turn brown. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils and forms a soft, dense turf once established. It requires less water then many other turf grasses and can withstand close mowing.

Disadvantages

• Though heat-tolerant, zoysiagrass does not tolerate cold and will turn brown at the first sign of frost in fall, turning green again only after the last frost has passed the following spring. It is slow to establish and very difficult to get rid of once established. Zoysia also tends not to thrive in shady spots.

Geography & Climate

• Zoysiagrass can provide attractive turf on southern lawns, but if you live in an area that experiences cold winters, it would be better to choose a cool-season grass like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. Even in warmer climates, zoysiagrass lawns may need to be overseeded with a cool-season grass during winter.