Everything you need to know about Zoysia Grass | Turf Variety Series

In our latest video series, we give you a full overview of the main turf varieties commonly found in Australian lawns. Click subscribe to follow along if you haven’t already.

In this video we talk about zoysia grass.

Zoysia grass are warm season grasses that are native to South East Asia and the pacific region. These grasses are commonly known to be highly drought and wear tolerant.

Key Characteristics of Zoysia Grass

Most Zoysia grass types are well-adapted to tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates in Australia.

Key traits:
• Establish slower than most other grass types.
• Zoysia Grass have a relatively fine leaf up to 5mm wide and 40-50mm long which is soft to touch.
• Zoysia grasses spread both by stolons and by rhizomes and are noted for their relatively slow growth rate which reduces the frequency that mowing is needed.

Zoysia as a turf grass type have several different sub-genus, all of which carry very different characteristics and aesthetics to the next. While they still do carry the name botanically in a lot of marketing material, it is important to understand the difference when looking at the different options available.

Zoysia Macrantha
Zoysia Macrantha’s are the only zoysia which are considered Australian natives and are commonly referred to as prickly couch. Macrantha generally performs better in the warmer climates of Australia and in full sun areas. The wear tolerance and shade tolerance of Zoysia Macrantha’s are inferior to the other types of zoysia.

Zoysia Japonica
Zoysia Japonica originates and is native to the coastal grasslands of South East Asia. Japonica’s have a medium leaf texture, fair shade and wear tolerance and again are more suited to the warmer climates of Australia. Zoysia Japonica’s will struggle through the colder months in southern areas of Australia.
Zoysia Matrella
Like Japonica’s, Zoysia Matrella’s are native to South East Asia. Unlike their Japonica counterparts, Matrella’s have a very fine leaf and have high shade tolerance. Until just recently, Matrella’s were primarily used in golf, but now their qualities have proven they are perfect for home lawns and commercial applications. Matrella’s like Sir Grange Zoysia require less mowing, less fertiliser, less water and have higher density than the other zoysia’s.

Zoysia Matrella can be successfully installed all around Australia and make for a fantastic lawn both domestically and commercially.

Zoysia Grass Maintenance

Irrigation

• If watering is necessary once established, water only when there are signs of the grass drying out, e.g. wilted leaves
• Do not over water in the cooler winter months
• If irrigation is needed, deeply soak the top 100mm of soil
• Water early morning for improved efficiency and plant health

Mowing

Zoysia grasses, Zoysia Matrella in particular, have a leaf blade that has a high silicone content, which makes it very strong. This, along with its dense vertical growth, gives grasses like Sir Grange Zoysia superior surface strength and appearance.

• Ensure that mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing of the leaf
• Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at any one time unless dethatching
• For best results, dethatch in late winter just before the grass comes out of dormancy
• Remove clippings each mow to prevent thatch build-up

Fertilising

• Fertilise between early spring and mid to late summer if required
• It is not recommended to fertilise in autumn, wait until spring to reapply if needed
• Liquid iron, natural colourants and micronutrients can be used to improve colour without the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers in autumn and winter.

Weed and pest control

Most commercially available chemical weed and pest control products can be used on zoysia lawns, but it is always best to read the label and check with your Lawn Solutions Australia grower for recommended products before any application.
Lawn Solutions Australia supplies Sir Grange Zoysia, a zoysia matrella which has been selectively bred for its superior drought and shade tolerance, as well as reduced need for additional nutrients.

Only accredited Lawn Solutions Australia turf suppliers can supply Sir Grange Zoysia, known as BRF Zeon Zoysia in the US. Lawn Solutions has exclusive access to the world’s leading zoysia grasses from the largest zoysia grass breeder in the world.

If you think zoysia grass is a good option for you, get in touch with your nearest Lawn Solutions Australia grower for more information.
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Thanks for watching and we hope to catch you next time.

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