Turfgrass Spec Sheet: Zeon Zoysiagrass

Description

Zeon is the next generation of fine-textured zoysiagrasses and, due to its superior growth and disease/insect resistances, is destined to replace Emerald. Thick and comfortable like all zoysia lawns, like there’s padding underneath, this fine-bladed zoysia also feels soft-textured to bare feet (other fine-bladed zoysia can feel slightly prickly to bare skin).

Uses

Anywhere that a dependable, luxurious lawn is desired from residential lawns, condos, hotels, and resorts, to businesses, and golf courses.

Adaptability

Zeon thrives in the extreme heat of the lower south and the cold winters of the upper South, from coastal areas to the lower mountains. It will establish, survive, and provide a beautiful lawn from Virginia to Texas and south to Key West.

Adaptability Zones

Zones 5b to 11a on the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map or Zones 1-4 on the Turfgrass Hardiness Map.

Dormancy

Zeon is a warm-season grass that grows best in hot climates. In the upper south, it stays green longer into the fall than other varieties, eventually going dormant for the winter.

Shade Tolerance

Zeon performs great from full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 hours of direct sunlight.

Drought Tolerance & Water Management

Zeon survives drought conditions by going dormant (leaves roll up and turf turns gray). Zeon does not like poorly drained soils, especially where water may stand for several days. Optimum water management for Zeon, as with any grass, is dependent on soil physical characteristics and climate. In general, Zeon will require 1” of water per week.

Weed Tolerance

Zoysia’s dense growth when well maintained can reduce the weed population, but, to be sure, use of a pre-emergent herbicide (specified for use on zoysia lawns on the label) is recommended in the spring and fall. Zeon is tolerant of most herbicides, but carefully read and follow all herbicide product labels.

Insect Tolerance

Zeon is particularly tolerant of common lawn insect pests, especially compared to Emerald and Meyer. Grubs and bill bugs (plus mole crickets in the Lower South) are turf insects that can cause damage. Armyworms can be a problem on newly-laid sod, so preventative treatment is recommended when laying new sod in July-November.

Disease Resistance

In Zeon, diseases are not really a problem unless water and/or fertility has been mismanaged. Zoysia Patch disease (Rhizoctonia fungus) can be a problem in over-fertilized lawns. We recommend annual spring compost topdressing with our Soil3 organic compost to minimize disease impact (more info at soil3.com) and help control thatch.

Traffic & Wear Tolerance

Zeon tolerates typical yard traffic such as dog and family use, plus it’s used on high-impact areas such as golf courses and has been used in large venues for entertainment and picnics. For any damage that is sustained, Zeon recovers and grows back very quickly to fill in the bare spots.

Fertility

Apply between 2 to 3 lbs. of slow-release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, during the growing season. Select a fertilizer that is labeled for use on zoysia lawns. In general with warm-season lawns, too much fertility will result in a thatchy and unhealthy lawn, but Zeon is known for accumulating less thatch than other zoysias. Always fertilize based on a soil test. Don’t use “winterizers” in the fall. Supplemental application of Iron will improve grass color. Compost topdressing with Soil3 and aerating in the spring, after spring green up, can supply one of Zeon’s fertilizer applications for the year. The practice of compost topdressing with Soil3 is true organic lawn care.

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6 to 7. Do not apply lime without a soil test.

Mowing Height

Maintain cutting height of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Mowing may be required on a 7 to 10 day interval. Mow no more than 1/3 of the leaf off at one mowing. Use sharp mower blades. Mow with a rotary or robotic lawn mower.

Establishment

Zeon is only available as sod. Complete sod establishment instructions are on our website. Zeon is not available from seed.

Continued Care

Mow, water, fertilize... enjoy! Zeon requires only moderate maintenance, especially for a fine-textured lawn.

Quality

Zeon is only available as blue tag certified. The unauthorized/unlicensed commercial propagation or transfer of this product to third parties for such propagation is prohibited by the patent owner. Patten Seed Company/Super-Sod is a Licensed Grower of Zeon in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and purveys certified Zeon in the Eastern US.