So, you want a low-maintenance lawn that looks beautiful and is durable? You may very well go for Zoysia grass for that ideal lush-carpet look. There are many varieties, but Zeon and Zenith are two popular ones. Here we explain in detail which one suits your aesthetic and usage needs the best -and why.
Zenith Zoysia, created originally from Zoysia japonica, grows from both seed and sod, making it great for users with a limited budget. The cold survival is better than most Zoysia varieties, and the leaves have a medium-coarse texture. Zeon Zoysia, created from Zoysia matrella hybrid,is only sold bylicensed growers, leading to a hefty price tag. The fine blades and plush feel are ideal to create a fancy landscape.
Do not go by sheer looks when it comes to choosing between these two Zoysia varieties. You have to think of factors like maintenance needs, regional climate, and lawn traffic. Zenith is better suited to cooler climates, while Zeon copes well with high heat.
Texture And Appearance – Choose Wisely
Did you ever get the feeling of the lawn grass hugging your feet when walking barefoot? Zeon Zoysia will offer you that typical velvety feel. Its 2 mm blade width leads to a fine-textured, delicate look reflecting sophistication. Even in scorching summer days, the vibrant green color does not fade, making it perfect for both home turf and golf courses.
Zenith Zoysia has a slightly coarser texture with 3-5 mm wide blades, forming a denser, more uniform carpet. The shade is darker green with little color variations, giving it a more natural look.
Think of what your aesthetic needs are. Zeon gives you that typical plush, putting green look, while Zenith creates a rugged and natural-looking lawn. While both varieties recover from foot traffic, Zeon scores better for its finer blades.
Heat And Drought Tolerance – Let The Sun Shine
Is summer becoming heavy on your yard? You will need grass that does not wither away. Zeon is an excellent drought-tolerant grass with its high leaf density and deep roots. It survives for weeks without water, without getting worn out, studies have shown.
When it comes to drought survival, Zenith also shines bright. It needs approximately 1 inch of water per week to survive dry spells. However, its roots are not as robust as Zeon’s to cope with extreme heatwaves. So, in finer analysis, Zeon races ahead.
Think of the region you live in. In hot, arid places like Arizona and Texas, Zeon fits the bill best. In places with milder climates and decent rainfall, Zenith is an ideal choice.
Shade Tolerance – When The Sun Goes Down
Do you have large trees in your lawn? Zeon Zoysia can cope well with shaded areas and it may do with only 4 hours of sunlight a day. Its fine blades and upright growth have made it a shade-tolerant champion, outshining most other warm-season grass varieties. It does not catch fungus in humid environments.
Zenith Zoysia deals with partial shade but it will need a little more sunlight per day-around 5-6 hours- to thrive. If there’s heavy tree cover, you will see patchy growth. Zenith sustains under moderate shade but not so when the shadows are deep.
So, for shaded lawns you should choose Zeon over Zenith. For partly shaded lawns, both fit the bill. Keep the mowing height to 2 inches in shady spots so that the grass can soak in the light well.
Maintenance Needs – How Much You Need?
Think of your spare time for lawn maintenance. Zenith Zoysia is a fast-growing cultivar, needing frequent mowing–about every 7to 10 days. It fills bare spots and spreads fast. For fertilization, you can use 2-3 lbs of nitrogen for each 1,000 sq. ft, per year.
Zeon Zoysia is ideal when you need a low-maintenance lawn. It grows slowly, so mowing needs will be less frequent. You can mow once every two weeks and use 1-2 lbs of nitrogen per year. It won’t easily invade your garden, unlike Zenith.
So, Zeon is ideal when you need a typical low-maintenance lawn, but Zenith fits the bill better when you have enough spare time for care.
Pest And Disease Prevention – Which Is Better?
You surely won’t want a fungus- and pest-infested lawn, right? Zeon resists mole crickets and billbugs exceptionally well, and its dense growth kills off weeds. It fights Rhizoctonia fungus better than other Zoysia varieties.
Zenith Zoysia is also pest-resistant but lags behind Zeon by a margin. Over-fertilization may lead to infestation by armyworms and turf insects. It is also vulnerable to Rhizoctonia in wet conditions. Keep a tab on water levels and fertility, too. However, its pest resistance is still manageable.
Zeon is ideal when you want a lawn that fights off most pests and fungus infections. Zenith is good in pest resistance if you monitor watering and fertilization carefully.
Price And Availability
Zenith Zoysia is a budget-friendly grass, for both seeds and sod. You can buy it in many nurseries or online. Zeon Zoysia, sold only through licensed distributors, costs much higher. Finding suppliers can be tough too, and you may have to explore the southeast for distributors. Then there is the added installation cost.
For those with a modest wallet, Zenith is the right choice for its mix of versatility and lower price. If money is not a concern, and you want a premium-looking lawn, choose Zeon. Look for regional suppliers for better deals.
