Zoysia grass types stand out as a highly popular choice among Houston area residents, for good reasons. When compared to St. Augustine and Bermuda grass, Zoysia is more low maintenance, has excellent shade tolerance, and is drought tolerant. With challenging sunny, hot summers and occasional freezing periods in the winter, choosing the right type of grass is crucial for a lush and resilient lawn. We recommend keeping Zoysia top of mind when deciding which grass could be best for your home in Houston.
Top 3 Reasons Why Zoysia is Growing in Popularity:
Low Maintenance: Zoysia grass is lower maintenance than Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass. With a slow growth rate, you will benefit from mowing and fertilizing less frequently. Zoysia grasses also adapt quickly and need less water once established, making them a great option with less tending to.
Shade Tolerance: Zoysia grasses perform well in partially shaded areas, which is a significant advantage considering the hot climate in Houston where shade is sought-after and can be beneficial. Check out our ‘Best Grass for Shade in Texas’ article to learn more about shade-tolerant grass types, but you’ll find Zoysias make up the top 3 spots on the list.
Drought Tolerance: Zoysia grass is known for its ability to form deep roots that help to conserve moisture. This allows it to withstand periods of drought and remain green, even with minimal water.
Most Popular Zoysia Grass Types for Houston, Texas
1. Palisades Zoysia– Palisades Zoysia is our #1 seller of medium-bladed Zoysias for home lawns. It features a medium/coarse blade and adapts well to various soil types. Known for its drought tolerance, shade tolerance, cold tolerance, and slow growth. This low-maintenance grass is an ideal choice for Houston homeowners. It can thrive in ½ day of sun, so it’s moderately sun-tolerant and shade-tolerant. Ideal for residential and commercial lawns alike due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
2. Zeon Zoysia– Zeon Zoysia is distinguished for its fine-bladed texture and excellent shade tolerance. It’s considered a true “barefoot lawn grass,” as it’s extremely plush, enjoyable to walk on, and foot-traffic friendly. It has the best shade tolerance of any variety, requiring only 3 hours of direct sunlight. Zeon Zoysia is the #1 Zoysia recommended for a half-day shade or more. Perfect for lawns with trees or structures that create shade throughout the day.
3. Emerald Zoysia– Emerald Zoysia is known for its beautiful, deep green color, fine texture, and slow growth. It boasts the darkest green color among fine-blade Zoysia varieties, making it very visually appealing. With its slow growth pattern, it requires less frequent mowing and fertilizer than other grass types. It’s a very economical choice for homeowners seeking a beautiful lawn with minimal upkeep. Emerald Zoysia is shade tolerant, but best suited for areas receiving at least half a day of sunlight or more.
4. Cavalier Zoysia– Cavalier Zoysia is a fine-bladed grass, similar to emerald, but with a plusher texture. Known for its softness, it is ideal for areas where you want to be barefoot and enjoy the soft grass feel, playing yard games, chasing your kids and pets, or working out. Cavalier Zoysia maintains good shade tolerance while exhibiting moderate drought tolerance. Suitable for residential lawns where a finer, softer grass texture is desired without compromising on durability. Popular uses are for homeowners that want a fine-bladed, golf course look to their yard.
The reasons why Zoysia grasses are so popular in Houston are apparent, but choosing the best Zoysia type for your lawn depends on your specific needs regarding shade tolerance, maintenance level, and aesthetic preferences. Palisades, Zeon, Emerald, and Cavalier each offer unique characteristics that cater to different aspects of lawn care and environmental conditions. By understanding what sets them apart from each other and which type would be best for your space, you can make an informed decision to ensure a vibrant and resilient lawn year-round. The Grass Store carries many types of grass that are well-suited for Houston and surrounding areas. We’re here to help you accomplish your landscaping design dreams by offering the best sod, grass, and service around. Contact us today to ask questions, receive a free quote, book an appointment, or come visit us in Conroe, Texas!
