Summary

Zoysiagrass is a durable warm-season turf for Tennessee that spreads by stolons and rhizomes and forms a dense, tough lawn in full sun to light shade. This guide explains how to identify it, manage dormancy and thatch, and fertilize with lower nitrogen needs than bermudagrass. It covers drought and salinity tolerance, common insects, diseases, and weeds, and compares popular vegetative and seeded varieties such as Meyer, Palisades, Zeon, Emerald, and Zenith. Also includes newer breeding and interest in zoysia for golf greens.