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Why Zoysia?

Zoysia is a particularly hardy grass that grows well in a wide range of conditions and requires far less watering and mowing than most grasses. At the same time, this "tough" grass creates a thick, soft carpet that feels great in bare feet. Zoysia is ideal because it actually grows differently. It sends out runners or "stolons," expanding sideways more than it grows tall.

This is why it is so dense and effective at choking out most summer weeds and replacing existing grass. With our superior blend of zoysia, you can plant a network of plugs in a new or existing lawn and it will grow into a lush, even, weed-free lawn within several growing seasons.

 

The key reasons zoysia is so attractive for homeowners:

Cuts water bills

Reduces mowing by two-thirds

Zoysia thrives in heat and cold

Chokes out crabgrass and weeds all summer long

No more chemicals

Never needs replacement -- even heals itself

Zoysia is THE answer for slopes, play areas and bare spots

 

Soil Conditions

Clay Soil

Zoysia plugs will grow in all kinds of clay soils. Although clay soils are dense, zoysia grass has strong roots that penetrate and create air passages for good root development.

Rock-like Soil

Zoysia plugs will grow in rock-like or granite soil, but you will need to mix in a layer of top soil before planting.

Salty soil

Zoysia plugs will grow in most salty soils. Because zoysia grass is highly salt tolerant, it is recommended for areas near coastlines where salty soils are often found. Zoysia will grow well in areas near roads and driveways that are salted to melt winter ice and snow.

Sandy soil

Zzoysia plugs grow especially well in sandy soil because there are many airspaces that allow zoysia's roots to penetrate, providing quicker root development.

Soil pH

Although zoysia grass grows well in many different types of soil, the ideal soil pH level is 6 to 7. pH levels can be altered by using granulated lime to raise the pH level or small quantities of sulfur to lower it. When using sulfur, it is important not to over-apply, as sulfur is an acidifying agent that can burn lawns. Insert a pH meter into your soil at several locations to determine pH levels.

Full Sun

Zoysia will thrive in full sunshine and is heat tolerant to temperatures up to 120°F

Shady Conditions

Zoysia can be planted in part shade, as long as the area to be planted gets at least 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight a day.

If you are planting your plugs under trees, make sure that the pH of the soil is between 6 and 7. Trees have a tendency to alter the pH of your soil. pH levels can be modified by using granulated lime to raise pH and small quantities of sulfur to reduce it.

Slopes and Borders

Excellent on Slopes and Hills

Zoysia works very well in areas with steep slopes and hills. Zoysia plugs make it easy to plant the grass on steep areas and once established they will create a thick carpet-like grass. It will also require less mowing, which can be difficult and dangerous on steep slopes.

Great Erosion Control

Zoysia's deep root system (about 2 feet when fully established) and the thickness of the turf will work to significantly reduce slope erosion. zoysia plugs make it easy to initially plant zoysia on steep areas as well.

Children and Pets

Safe for Children and Pets

Zoysia is completely safe for children and pets. Because there is no need to use poisonous chemicals on your lawn, your children and pets can romp on the lawn without fear of contamination. Zoysia's durability means you will have no worries about damage that can result from lawn play.

More Tolerant of Animal Waste

Zoysia is more tolerant to pet urine and feces than most grasses. However, no grass will survive prolonged or constant exposure to pet waste. Pets should be kept off of the new plugs for at least 30 days in order for the plugs to become established.

After the plugs are established, you can minimize the effects of pet waste by periodically liming the soil in order to restore the pH level to an acceptable range between 6 and 7.

Safe for Horses and Dogs

Zoysia grass plugs are safe for horses and dogs. While zoysia has minimal nutritional value, eating zoysia will not harm horses and dogs.

Safe for Wells and Septic Systems

Zoysia grass is safe for wells and septic systems as well as leach fields. The developed root system of zoysia may reach 2 or more feet below the soil surface but cannot penetrate well walls, septic systems or damage underground lines.

Resists Pests

Zoysia has an inherent resistance to the effects of most insects and diseases and resists injury from most chemicals when pest populations do require controls.

Chokes Out Weeds

Once established, the dense turf created by zoysia significantly reduces summer weeds. Voysia will choke out all existing cultivated and wild grasses, including Bermuda (often called wire grass) and St. Augustine. For best results keep these grasses away from newly planted zoysia plugs.

Winter Dormancy

Zoysia, like deciduous trees, goes dormant after the first killing frost and will go off its green color until the ground reaches temperatures of about 50°F in the spring. This is a normal, healthy process. In fact, zoysia's ability to go "dormant" is important to its ability to better withstand extreme winter cold and still come back full and green every spring. Zoysia will not be damaged by snow and cold weather conditions. Zoysia can withstand temperatures of -30°Fahrenheit ( -30°F below zero).

Why Not Zoysia Seed?

Zoysia, the first cultivar to be released by the US Department of Agriculture is still the superior standard. Vegetatively propagated zoysia grass will provide a higher quality lawn than any of the seeded varieties.

Historically, it has been extremely difficult to create a fine zoysia grass lawn from seed. It is hard to grow because only a small percentage of zoysia seed will successfully germinate and it is extremely sensitive to light. Consequently, areas to be established by seed need to be covered with erosion cloth to reduce surface disruption caused by rain or irrigation and irrigation is most important. Zoysia seed requires copious and frequent watering until the lawn is completely established. That's a lot of water!

All the zoysia grass seed we have seen and tested resulted in lower quality turf stands. Seeded varieties produce medium to coarse textured turf. Overall growth is somewhat uneven and tends to form mounds.

Winter-hardy zoysia grass seed does not yet exist. Attempts to produce zoysia grass seed that spreads quickly and stays green longer do so by sacrificing winter hardiness. What good is a seeded zoysia grass lawn if the first cold frost will wipe it out?

What do Zoysia Plugs look like?

Zoysia grass resembles Kentucky bluegrass as far as texture and appearance. Each plug is a piece of Zoysia sod that measures 3" square, totaling 12" of perimeter area for maximum runner growth.

How are plugs shipped?

The plugs are shipped in 12" x 15" pieces of sod. Each piece of sod is a grid of 20 plugs, but to ensure maximum freshness and viability, the sod is not cut all the way through. Before planting, finish the separation with shears. Plugs are shipped the same day they are packed with a moisture-proof lining so the roots reach you fresh, vigorous and ready to grow.

How long will the plugs last before planting?

Zoysia plugs are living plants, therefore, we recommend planting them as soon as possible. If the plugs cannot be planted upon receipt, remove them from the cartons, placing blade side up in an area that receives some sunlight (not direct sun). Mist the plugs with water and keep them moist until planting. Plugs must be planted within 2 weeks of receipt.