Zoysia Plugs vs. No-Mow Lawn Mix

Relative Hardiness

• Zoysia is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. It can be grown throughout the southern United States and in transition zones where summers are too warm and winters too cold for other grasses. Zoysia requires regular fertilization, grows in most soils, and is tolerant of drought and some shade. The fescues in no-mow lawn mixes are hardy in zones 2 through 7. Fine fescues grow well in shade, prefer well-drained soil and are drought tolerant.

Grass Appearance

• Zoysia grass has a fine or coarse texture, depending on the variety, and forms a thick turf. When dormant in the fall and winter, the leaves turn a light brown color. Hard and sheep fescues, which form the bulk of no-mow mixes, are bunch grasses with a coarse texture and tough leaves. They grow best when mowed high or not at all. No-mow mixes also include creeping fescues, which form a denser turf, and can be mowed between 1 and 3 inches tall.

Mowing Maintenance

• Zoysia is a relatively high-maintenance grass. Though it grows slowly and can take up to two years to establish as a newly planted lawn, it will require regular mowing to keep the overall grass height between 3/4-inch and 2 inches tall. Mowing every 5 to 7 days when the grass is actively growing is recommended. No-Mow fescues grow slowly and have short grass blades. They do not require mowing, but can be mowed once or twice over the growing season. This will keep the overall height shorter and encourage dense growth.

Planting Requirements

• To plant fescues, sow 4.5 pounds of seed with a starter fertilizer containing 1 pound each actual nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Lightly rake fertilizer and seed into the soil. Irrigate to keep the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil moist until the grass is established. To plant zoysia plugs, use a plugger to create holes in the soil spaced 6 to 12 inches apart in a diagonal grid. Plant one plug in each hole and press soil around the plug. Apply a starter fertilizer with a N-P-K ratio of 12-12-12 at a rate of 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Water the plugs in well, and keep moist for 2 to 3 weeks.