OK, not looking for opinions, just facts!

I've had bermuda and i've had St. Augustine. I prefer St. Augustine, But, i have a new house and the backyard has alot of shade so bermuda is out. Does Zoysia handle shade well? full sun also?

Im looking for ease and maybe reduced water consumption since SA is a water pig.

I need pros and cons of Zoysia!!

and im located in Dallas.

I.Y.A.C.Y.A.S. '91

I like the palisades zoysiagrass. Its a little tough to find, but I think its awesome. I saw it at a turf seminar a few weeks back. It has low water requirements, dark green color and a broader leaf than the bermuda. It also has excellent shade and heat tolerance.

lawn guy told me the zoysia is the best thing to put in the shady areas if you are trying to match bermuda. so I assume it has the bermuda look but can tolerate the shade.

Zoysia is easier to maintain than St Augustine or Bermuda. Its density prohibits weed growth, and it uses very little fertilizer. It grows a little slower and holds its color into the winter a little better. I would think the Palisades zoysia would be a little more shade tolerant as it has a slightly broader leaf than the "bermuday" zoysias. I planted it in my brothers yard and it is amazing stuff. It will impress your friends and neighbors, guaranteed.

To me, the only drawback is cost. It is about twice the cost of St Augustine. Also, if a simpler look is feasible, consider Buffalo grass.

[This message has been edited by Troutslime (edited 8/3/2009 11:34a).]

Is Zoysia available as seed, or only as plugs/sod?

thanks,
Caladan

Some varieties are available in seed, but I would not go that route. Establishment is very slow, and you will end up with more weeds than grass. Same thing with the plugs. Bite the bullet and sod it, you will get much more satisfaction from it.

Thanks for the answer. Actually, my yard is already sodded, but the S. Augustine needs a lot of water and is having a tough time in a few areas that are full sun. I thought about throwing some Zoysia seed out there and see what happens. Let them fight it out, so to speak, and see which grass does better in the long run.

The St Augustine will run as it already holds the advantage and its growth rate is faster. If you let the St Augustine go, bermuda will eventually take hold.

Kjodie-

How are Fescue lawns doing in the drought up there?

Dallas in a Drought? All area lakes less then 2 ft low in August is veery un drought like.

Sorry, I figured they were dry as well. Regardless, how's the Fescue up there?

no clue, 99.9% of people have bermuda or St. Augustine lawns. I couldn't spot fescue if it was the only picture on the table.