Zoysia grasses are perfect turfgrass for your lawn as they are high on adaptability, resilience and aesthetics. Meyer Zoysia (Zoysia japonica ‘Meyer’) and Emerald Zoysia (Zoysia japonica x Zoysia tenuifolia) are two of the most popular varieties. Both help you grow attractive, dense lawns with excellent heat and drought tolerance. However, they differ in maintenance, appearance, growth and environmental adaptability.
Looking to choose the right grass for your lawn? Here is a comprehensive guide.
Texture and appearance
Meyer Zoysia is great for active lawns with medium-coarse blades and a deep, lush green appearance. The texture gives a soft yet robust feel under the feet.
Looking for grass variant for show lawns and front yards? Emerald Zoysia is a preferred choice. It grows densely, giving a carpet-like look. You’ll appreciate its finer, wiry texture and dark emerald green color.
Development and origin
Meyer Zoysia – Developed in the 1950s, this cold-tolerant grass is an improved cultivar of Japanese Zoysia. It was introduced to provide a durable lawn option for transition zones between cool and warm climates. It was the first Zoysia variant widely adapted in the U.S., especially in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic.
Emerald Zoysia – It is a hybrid of Z. japonica and Z. tenuifolia, released by the USDA and the University of Georgia in 1955. Choose it if you prefer a finer leaf texture and high shade tolerance. It’s a popular choice for ornamental lawns in the southern U.S.
Cold Tolerance and climate adaptability
Meyer Zoysia excels in transition zones thanks to its exceptional cold tolerance. Ideal for USDA zones 6-8, it survives chilling winters with minimal risk of winterkill.
Emerald Zoysia is more heat-tolerant but less cold-tolerant, performing best in zones 7-10. It may suffer damage in areas with harsh winters and significant snowfall.
Light Requirements
Meyer Zoysia thrives in full sun, needing at least of 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, it may struggle in low-light conditions.
Emerald Zoysia is more shade-tolerant, doing well with as little as 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. It is ideal for yards with tree cover or limited sun exposure.
Drought And Water Requirements
Both grasses are drought-tolerant, but with nuances:
Meyer Zoysia has a deeper root system, helping it withstand long dry spells. However, it may enter dormancy and turn brown sooner than Emerald during droughts.
Emerald Zoysia, with a shallow root system, tends to retain the it’s green color longer under moderate drought but recovers more slowly from damage or dormancy.
Growth Rate and Maintenance Needs
Meyer Zoysia grows faster laterally, quickly filling spots. This also means it needs more frequent mowing and dethatching to prevent thatch build-up.
Emerald Zoysia grows more slowly, requiring less mowing. Its natural dense mat reduces weed growth, but it’s ideal for high-traffic areas due to slower recovery.
Disease And Pest Resistance
Meyer Zoysia is resistant to common pests like billbugs and armyworms, reducing pesticide needs. However, it is susceptible to large patch disease (Rhizoctonia) in humid climates if not managed well.
Emerald Zoysia, with its dense growth and fine leaves, is prone to thatch accumulation, which can harbour fungi. Regular aeration and correct mowing height are essential for its health.
Soil preferences and fertilization needs
Both varieties prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0 – 6.5) and have moderate fertilizer needs, especially compared to cool-season grasses.
- Meyer Zoysia is more adaptable to various soil types, including clay soils.
- Emerald Zoysia thrives in well-prepared loamy soils with good drainage and water retention.
Cost considerations
Curious about installation and upkeep costs? Meyer Zoysia sod is generally more affordable and establishes quickly, lowering long-term repair costs. Emerald Zoysia is more expensive due to its finer texture, slower growth, and ornamental appeal.
| Feature | Meyer Zoysia | Emerald Zoysia |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Fine and elegant |
| Sunlight | Requires full sun | Tolerates Partial shade |
| Cold Tolerance | Excellent | decent |
| Drought Resistance | High | decent |
| Growth Rate | Medium to fast | Sluggish |
| Recovery from Damage | Quick | Sluggish |
| Maintenance Level | Decent | Low to Decent |
| Best For | Active lawns, northern zones, and parks | Ornamental lawns, shaded areas, and southern zones |
Summing it up
Both Meyer Zoysia and Emerald Zoysia offer lush, dense lawns with strong drought and heat resistance. The right choice depends on your regional climate, lawn usage, and maintenance preferences. With the right selection, you can enjoy a green, resilient, and attractive lawn that lasts for years.
