Posts Tagged ‘ Types of Zoysia ’

Zoysia Grass: Seeds vs. Plugs

posted on March 1st, 2010 by John

If you are considering purchasing zoysia for your lawn, you may be considering a few different options. In your research, you may find that zoysia is not an all-inclusive term. Not only are there are different types of zoysia, there are also different ways to plant it: seeds or plugs.

Seeds

Seeds are a new option for planting your Zoysia, although it tends to be more expensive and can require more to cover a comparable area. Seeds can be planted from May to June, resulting in a very short planting period of about 6 weeks in most regions of the country.

The area to be seeded must be well prepared, flat and with no competition from other grasses or weeds.  The seeded area must be watered frequently and kept moist until established, and must be covered with an erosion cloth to reduce surface distribution caused by this watering. They are also sensitive to light and temperature. Because of this, seed has generally only been successful when planted by professions, such as golf course managers.

The grass that results from Zoysia seed is a medium to coarse textured lawn. It can grow unevenly and in mounds. The resulting grass is also not very resilient against cold temperatures, sometimes resulting in death during winter.

Plugs

Here at Zoysia Farms, we believe in the power of plugs. Although plugs require more time to fill in than seed, the success rate is virtually 100%. Even more so, they require less maintenance overall. You don’t have to water often, and the grass isn’t light sensitive. The grass is thick and tough enough that erosion isn’t a problem. Grass resulting from plugs is an even lawn that proves to be hardier in colder temperatures.

Planting is easier, too. We have already done all of the hard work for you. We ship you the product, and you plant exactly what we provide to you: a living plant. The planting period is much longer, too. Rather than the 6 week planting period for seeds, zoysia grass plugs have a planting season that spans from early spring to fall.

Amazoy Zoysia: What’s the Difference?

posted on February 25th, 2010 by Steve Schug

As we have mentioned, Zoysia is a particularly hardy grass that grows well in a wide range of conditions. We also let you know a little bit about its history, both historically and company specific.

But zoysia isn’t just a catchall. There are many different types of zoysia. They act similarly, but can look and grow differently. Read more below about the most popular types of zoysia on the market today.

Amazoy / Meyer Z-52

This is the type of zoysia we specialize in. It has a medium, dark green color and an intermediate leaf texture and shoot density (thickness). It is known for fast spring green up (gain color back if it goes dormant) and is the most cold tolerant. It is sold as plugs and sod.

Emerald

Emerald zoysia is a hybrid of zoysia, and was developed in Georgia. It is dark green in color, with a very fine leaf texture. It grows more quickly than other zoysia, but is only available as sod. This hybrid grass has fair shade tolerance and high shoot density, but doesn’t have superb cold weather tolerance.

Matrella / Manila

Zoysia matrella or manila grass originated on the island of Manila, hence its name. It has an intermediate leaf texture and shoot density. It does not hold up well in colder temperatures and is slow to establish.

Zenith

Similar to Meyer Z-52 in appearance, but grows less dense. It does not do well in areas that are shaded and its ability to withstand cold temperatures is questionable.

Empire

This type of zoysia is from Brazil. It has a courser texture than other zoysia and is the least cold tolerant.

To see descriptions of other zoysia grasses, click here.