The Softest Types Of Zoysia Grass For A Barefoot Lawn

There are plenty of reasons why zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) is such a popular grass for yards and lawns. Homeowners love that this ground cover practically takes care of itself, as it is highly durable, drought- and heat-tolerant, weed-resistant, and easy to mow. It doesn't even require much fertilization. But if you like to walk across your grass barefoot, you'll especially appreciate how soft it feels underfoot. Not all varieties of the grass are created equal, though, so some feel more supple than others. Zeon zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica Steud. X Zoysia matrella) and emerald zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica Steud. X Zoysia pacifica) are the softest varieties of zoysia, making them the ideal option for bare feet.

Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf grass, so it starts actively growing in the spring and continues to thrive throughout the summer. When the temperatures drop in fall, it goes dormant, turning a yellow-brownish color. It is a perennial grass, though, which allows it to return year after year. Zoysia grass blades range from fine to medium textured, depending on the variety, but all types give a lawn a cushiony feel. Zeon zoysia and emerald zoysia both have a fine-bladed texture, so you can walk comfortably on them without shoes.

Zeon zoysia grass is a zoysia grass cultivar that is a particularly popular choice for lawns in the southern United States because of its texture, appearance, and low maintenance. Its blades are a dark green color and grow in a dense pattern. The blades are approximately 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch wide and grow upright, so zeon zoysia can form a neat, trim lawn. However, because it is a low-growing grass, it also has a particularly full, lush appearance.

While it is a very attractive turf grass, Zeon zoysia also makes for a pretty low-maintenance lawn. It grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate hot, dry conditions with limited rainfall because it develops such a deep root system. It can also get by on just four hours of sun per day, tolerating the shade more effectively than other zoysia grass varieties. Zeon zoysia grows more slowly, too, so you can mow your lawn less often than with other zoysia cultivars.

Like other zoysia grasses, Zeon zoysia is durable, but it recovers from damage more quickly than other varieties. It can withstand heavy foot traffic without developing thin patches, making it ideal for homes with pets and children. And kids will love running through Zeon zoysia barefoot because its fine-textured leaves have such a soft, plush feel on the skin.

Emerald zoysia is another fine-bladed zoysia cultivar. However, its blades are slightly wider than those of Zeon zoysia, measuring approximately 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch wide. It is a striking dark emerald color and grows in a horizontal pattern that resembles a carpet. It forms an extremely dense lawn that tends to have a more polished look compared to other zoysia grasses.

Like Zeon zoysia grass, emerald zoysia is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9. It develops a deep root system, so it is highly heat-tolerant, withstanding temperatures up to 100 degrees. It isn't as drought-resistant as Zeon zoysia, though, so it usually requires moderate rainfall to grow successfully. It also needs a bit more sun, growing best when it receives four to five hours of sunlight per day.

Because emerald grass grows more quickly than Zeon zoysia, you'll need to mow it more frequently. However, it has greater cold tolerance, which allows it to stay green longer into the fall than Zeon zoysia. Homes with children and pets will also love it because it withstands wear and tear effectively, making it an excellent option for busy areas that see regular foot traffic.