When it comes to selecting the perfect grass for your lawn, there are a lot of factors to consider. The type of grass you choose will impact the appearance, maintenance, and durability of your lawn. In recent years, two types of zoysia grass have emerged as popular choices for homeowners: Zeon and Zenith.
Zoysia Zenith vs Zeon
In this blog, we'll take a look at the showdown between Zeon and Zenith and help you decide which one is right for your lawn.
Appearance
Both Zeon and Zenith have a fine texture and a dark green color that make them stand out from other types of grass. However, there are some differences in their appearance. Zeon has a slightly wider blade than Zenith, which gives it a slightly more "lush" appearance. On the other hand, Zenith has a more uniform color, with fewer variations in shading. If you're looking for a grass that has a more manicured appearance, Zenith may be the better choice for you. If you prefer a grass that looks a little more natural, Zeon might be a better fit.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both Zeon and Zenith are relatively low-maintenance compared to other types of grass. They both require infrequent mowing and are resistant to disease and pests. However, there are some differences in how they grow and spread. Zeon is known for its slower growth rate and is less likely to spread aggressively, which can be a good thing if you want to keep your lawn contained. On the other hand, Zenith has a faster growth rate and is more likely to spread, which can be a good thing if you want your lawn to fill in quickly.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a grass for your lawn. Both Zeon and Zenith are known for their durability and are able to withstand heavy foot traffic, drought, and extreme temperatures. However, there are some differences in their tolerance for shade and salt. Zeon is more shade-tolerant than Zenith, which means it can be a good choice if you have trees or other obstacles that block out some of the sunlight. On the other hand, Zenith is more salt-tolerant than Zeon, which means it can be a good choice if you live in an area with high levels of salt in the soil. Both are popular throughout the US, but many landscaping pros tend to prefer Zeon in the Southeastern US.
Cost
The cost of Zeon and Zenith can vary depending on where you live and where you buy it from. However, in general, Zeon tends to be slightly more expensive than Zenith. This is partly because Zeon is a patented grass variety and is only available through licensed distributors. If you're on a tight budget, Zenith may be the better choice for you.
Other Zoysia Options
When it comes to choosing the best zoysia grass for your residential lawns or commercial landscaping, there are many factors to consider. In addition to the popular Zeon and Zenith varieties, there are other zoysia grasses to consider, such as Emerald, Empire, Zorro, and more.
One such option is Zoysia japonica, a warm-season grass with a medium-coarse leaf texture and deep green color. It is known for its drought tolerance and excellent shade tolerance, making it a great option for lawns in hot and arid climates. Similarly, Zoysia matrella, also known as Manila grass, has a fine leaf texture and is more shade-tolerant than other zoysia grasses. It is often used in partial shade areas and is a popular choice for golf course greens.
Another shade-tolerant zoysia option is Emerald zoysia, which is a hybrid of Zoysia japonica and Zoysia tenuifolia. It has a fine leaf texture, deep green color, and excellent shade tolerance. It is often used for home lawns and is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, attractive grass option. Similarly, Zorro zoysia is a warm-season grass that is known for its cold tolerance and excellent shade tolerance. It has a medium-coarse leaf texture and is often used in commercial landscaping applications.
Maintenance of Zoysia Grasses
When it comes to maintaining zoysia grasses, it's important to note that they are best mowed with a reel mower rather than a rotary mower. This is because zoysia grasses tend to grow more laterally than other types of grass, and a reel mower is better equipped to handle this type of growth. Additionally, zoysia grass can be grown from grass seed, but it is most commonly sold as zoysia sod.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the perfect grass for your lawn, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both Zeon and Zenith have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a grass that looks a little more lush and natural, Zeon might be the better choice. If you want a grass that looks more manicured and uniform, Zenith might be a better fit. If you're looking for a grass that is low-maintenance and durable, both Zeon and Zenith are good options. Ultimately, the decision between Zeon and Zenith will come down to your personal preferences, budget, and the climate and soil conditions in your area.
