OT Landscape Experts - Grass Preference

If you're not going to make the effort to maintain the Zoysia right (cut with a reel mower, get rid of the other grasses, weeds, etc.), go centipede, it's less maintenance.

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Grass Preference

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I've had Emerald Zoysia (there are many varieties) for about 7 years. I did a lot of research before I got it. The blades are very wiry, so a regular rotary mower frays the grass tips. The grass is so dense, that the frayed tips give a scalped look, even if you only cut 1/8" off the top. A reel mower cuts like scissors. So when it's sharp, it won't fray the tips. However, I Bought a $1500 reel mower (walk behind) that I no longer use because within a month of cutting, the reel needs to be re-sharpened. Last I had it done, it was $80 to have sharpened. After a month or so, it will start fraying the ends again just like a rotary mower, so it just doesn't pay for me to keep that up. That's info you won't find doing research, but quickly learn once you have it. It's the single biggest let down I've had in this whole experience. I don't mind the work, but $80 a month and an hour's drive each way is too much for me. With a softer grass like Bermuda, keeping a reel mower sharp may not be as bad, and Bermuda is likely more forgiving too. For the last few years, I cut with my rotary riding mower on Monday, and by the weekend the frayed tips have healed and it looks good. But for the first 3 days or so, it has a frosted look from the millions of frayed ends.

In hot and humid South LA, my experience has been that growing conditions are actually too good for Emerald Zoysia. It grows faster and denser here, which results in quicker thatch build up. Having to de-thatch at least once or twice a season negates the benefits of having such a dense turf. Dethatching opens it up to weeds over and over again, not to mention it is major work collecting it all after you remove it.

My Zoysia has a lot of appeal when it looks its best, but it is a lot of work. I could write a book on it.