Characteristics of Zoysia Grass

It may be a funny lawn name, and in fact the name has been changed many times over the years. Even in the last few years since Zoysia has been making major inroads into the Australian domestic turf market. Some lawn turf growers still continue to muck about with the name to the confusion of customers and the detriment of the quality of this grass.

Today, Zoysia may be referred to by growers as simply Empire Grass, or Empress Grass. Despite this confusion, don't be put off, as Zoysia is well worth consideration. Lawn care regimes are simple with no special requirement other than following standard good lawn care regimes. A cylinder mower will provide the best mowing results for this lawn, but a normal rotary mower will provide an excellent quality finish also.

Zoysia lawn has many great qualities often sought for home lawns, it is tough and able to withstand wear and tear, has low invasiveness, retains a good colour throughout the year, can out-compete many weeds, hardy to drought, and is excellent in full sun.


If that sounds like a spiel, then maybe it is. As far as the author is concerned this lawn grass should be among the Number 1 choices for most Australian homes, being far more user friendly than Couches, and other varieties such as Kikuyu.

The only other variety that could match it for user friendliness would be the Soft Leaf Buffaloes, which have slightly better shade tolerance capabilities. A little bit of lawn care is all that is needed to turn this grass into a lush carpet of lawn.