Houston is infamous for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. Because of this, many homeowners have difficulty finding grass that can thrive in their yards. Luckily, there are types of turfgrasses that are well-suited for the city’s climate. Zoysia grass is one of these turfgrasses that is able to withstand the harsh environment of Houston.
What is Zoysia Grass?
Turfgrasses are classified as cool-season or warm-season based on their growth habits. They’re commonly used for golf courses, lawns, and other particular areas. Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass that dies back in the winter and goes back to life during the spring.
It is medium-textured and has a dense, carpet-like growth habit. The blades of grass are dark green and have a V-shaped appearance. Its leaf edges are serrated or toothed.
Zoysia grass may be slow to establish itself in the beginning, however, once it does there’s very little maintenance required. Because of this, weeds have a difficult time growing in Zoysia grass because of its dense growth habit.
It grows best in temperatures between 80°F and 95°F. However, this does not mean that the grass cannot tolerate cooler or hotter temperatures. Zoysia grass is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant turf grasses available.
It is a popular choice for homeowners in Houston because it is able to take the abuse of the city’s hot and humid weather. It is also tolerant of partial shade, perfect for yards that do not get much time under the sun.
Keeping your Zoysia Grass Healthy
Zoysia grass is a tough turfgrass, but it still needs to be well-cared for in order to stay healthy. The most important thing you can do for your Zoysia grass is to provide it with adequate drainage. The hot and humid weather of Houston can lead to excessive moisture in the soil, which can lead to fungal diseases.
It is important to water your Zoysia grass deeply and infrequently. This will encourage the grass to develop a deep root system that is able to withstand periods of drought. It is also important to make sure that you are mowing your Zoysia grass at the correct height.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your Zoysia grass stays healthy and thrives in the Houston climate.
Best Zoysia Varieties for Houston
There are many different types of Zoysia grass, but not all of them are well-suited for the Houston climate. The following varieties of Zoysia grass have proven to be able to thrive in the city.
- Zeon Zoysia
- Empire Zoysia
- Meyer Zoysia
- El Toro Zoysia
These varieties of Zoysia grass are more expensive than other types of turfgrass, but they are worth the investment if you want a healthy lawn that can withstand the Houston heat.
Alternative Grasses for Houston
If you are looking for an alternative to Zoysia grass, there are a few other options that are well-suited for the Houston climate. Here are a few other turfgrasses that you may want to consider for your yard:
Bermuda Grass
This is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa. It is coarse-textured and forms a dense mat. It is also tolerant of heat and drought, making it a good choice for Houston yards. If you like the coarseness of Bermuda grass, then using this as an alternative to Zoysia grass may be a good choice for you.
St. Augustine Grass
This is another warm-season grass that is native to the southeastern United States. It forms a thick mat and has a medium-textured leaf. St. Augustine grass is also tolerant of heat and humidity, making it a good choice for Houstonians. Suppose you liked Zoysia grass but want something different but similar. In that case, using St. Augustine grass as an alternative may be a good idea.
Centipedegrass
This is a warm-season grass that is native to Asia. It has a medium-coarse texture and forms a dense mat. Because it can also tolerate high temperatures and humidity, it is a good choice for Houston yards. If you are looking for an alternative to Zoysia grass that has a different texture, or if you want to mix it up for an itneresting look, adding this along with Zoysia grass isn’t a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
Growing a lawn in Houston can be a challenge because of the city’s climate. Zoysia grass is a good choice for Houston yards because it is tolerant of the city’s hot and humid weather. It is also low-maintenance, only needing infrequent watering and mowing.
However, if you are looking for an alternative to Zoysia grass, the two best choices that can do well in the Houston climate would be Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass.