Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf popular across the southern and transition zones of the United States. Its appeal lies in its dense, carpet-like texture and resilience in hot climates, making it a desirable choice for homeowners seeking a lush lawn. Determining if Zoysia is expensive requires looking beyond the initial purchase price to consider both the method of establishment and the total long-term cost of ownership.
Initial Acquisition Costs
The upfront cost of a Zoysia lawn is determined by the chosen method of establishment, with three primary options available. Each option offers a different balance of expense and time.
Sod
Laying sod is the most immediate solution, creating an instant lawn but incurring the highest material and labor costs. Zoysia sod material typically ranges from $0.70 to $1.30 per square foot, depending on the specific cultivar and region. Professional installation can add another $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot for labor, resulting in a total installed cost between $1.20 and $2.80 per square foot.
Plugs
A mid-range option in terms of cost and establishment time is using Zoysia plugs. Plugs are small sections of grass with established root systems planted at intervals. A tray containing 32 plugs, which can cover approximately 72 square feet once mature, may cost around $29. This method is significantly more affordable but requires patience, as it can take three to four months for the plugs to spread and achieve full coverage.
Seed
The most budget-friendly method, though the slowest to establish, is planting Zoysia seed. Only a few specific varieties, like Zenith Zoysia, are commercially available as seed. A two-pound bag of Zenith Zoysia seed, covering up to 2,000 square feet, may cost approximately $148. This low material expense is offset by the slow establishment process, which can leave the lawn vulnerable to weeds during the initial growing phase.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
The prices for Zoysia grass materials are heavily influenced by the specific cultivar selected. Newer, proprietary varieties, such as Zeon or Empire Zoysia, often feature enhanced characteristics like finer texture or improved shade tolerance. These specialized traits require more intensive research and production, leading to a higher price point than older, common cultivars like Meyer Zoysia.
The purchase location also plays a significant role in the overall expense. Zoysia is perishable, and its cost is linked to the geographic region and the distance it must be transported. Areas where Zoysia is locally grown will see lower prices due to reduced transportation fees. Additionally, the economy of scale applies to bulk purchases of sod or plugs. Buyers ordering a large quantity typically receive a substantial discount on the per-square-foot price compared to those buying smaller amounts.
Long-Term Maintenance and Value Comparison
While the initial investment for Zoysia, particularly sod, can be high, its long-term maintenance characteristics often result in considerable savings compared to other turf types like Fescue or Bermuda grass. Zoysia is recognized for its superior drought tolerance, a direct benefit of its deep, extensive root system. This means Zoysia requires less supplemental irrigation once established, leading to lower monthly water bills, especially in hot, dry summer months.
The dense growth pattern of Zoysia naturally creates a thick mat that crowds out common weeds. This natural resistance reduces the need for costly annual herbicide applications and other chemical treatments. Zoysia also has a low nitrogen requirement and needs less frequent fertilization to maintain its health and color compared to fast-growing grasses like Bermuda.
A major financial advantage of Zoysia is its slow growth rate, which translates into reduced mowing frequency. While aggressive grasses like Bermuda may require mowing multiple times per week, Zoysia often requires less frequent attention. This reduction saves time, labor, and fuel costs over the growing season. Consequently, the higher initial expense of Zoysia is often justified over time by the lower recurring costs for water, chemicals, and maintenance labor, making the overall total cost of ownership more favorable.