Zoysia Grass in Cairns
- Sustainable Lawns for Today and the Future
- Low-Maintenance, High-Performance Turf Varieties
- Specialists in Climate-Adapted Grass for Cairns
Zoysia Grass for A Better Environment
Zoysia grass species are native to tropical and temperate parts of south and eastern Asia and the tropics of northern Australia. They form dense mats of grass and are slow-growing, as well as low-growing. Zoysias are tough grasses that survive with low nutrition and varying water quality. They are versatile grasses that can be used as home lawns, feature areas in landscaping and provide environmental solutions that no other turf grasses can.
Two species, Z.matrella and Z.macrantha, are native to Australia and occur naturally along the coastline from Etty Bay to Port Douglas in North Queensland, where they were collected for the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane more than 100 years ago. Matrella is very shade-tolerant and salt-tolerant; Macrantha is shade-tolerant and exceptionally good in salty conditions. Both have been used extensively in coastal environments where salt intrusion is likely, and in feature landscapes that require unique qualities. Tropical Lawns grows four species and one hybrid variety suitable for Cairns and FNQ climates.
Embankments & Slopes with Zoysia Matrella
Our Shade Tuff/Zoysia Metrella is the best grass if you want to turf an embankment. It is slow growing and can be left alone after installation. We also provide pins depending on the steepness of the slope or embankment. Please give us a call if you are planning such a project, and we can assist you in finding the best-fitting grass.
The Best Turf for Easy Maintenance
Zoysia grasses grow in harsh conditions, with many benefits like a low nutrient requirement, less frequent mowing and fractional clipping removal. If they have a downside, it is that mowing needs to be managed well. Many people see that they are slow-growing and leave mowing for months, then find it very hard to mow.
The correct procedure is to mow every two to three weeks in Summer, less frequently as the weather cools, removing one-third of the leaf area at a time. See our PDF attachment for management practices.
Types of Zoysia Grasses
Zoysia Macrantha (Nara)
Native to the Queensland coastline, often in very salty positions, macranthas are usually very slow-growing. Nara is a faster-growing version and has slightly broader leaves than the above species, but it is still very attractive and is used in high-profile landscaping. It is much more competitive than seashore paspalums; therefore, there are no weed issues. Zoysia has provided environmental solutions for National Parks in susceptible areas like Lizard Island and the Council on coastal esplanades like the northern beaches of Cairns.
Zoysia Matrella (Shade Tuff)
Matrella is native to the seashore north and south of Cairns. The Shadetuff variety is a dark green colour, very tight sward, low- and slow-growing, shade- and salt-tolerant grass with minimal water and fertiliser requirements; Shadetuff is a tough grass that makes a beautiful feature lawn. It’s also often used as an erosion solution to steep embankments where it can be pinned and never require mowing.
Zoysia Japonica (Ozeboy)
Not an Australian native, Ozeboy has qualities of being a low and slow grower, has low fertiliser and water demands and makes a very attractive feature lawn. It has a blue tinge like Queensland blue couch and needs full sun.
This turf is ok in 50% shade.
Zoysia ZT-11
A hybrid (a cross between matrella and japonica), ZT-11 makes a beautiful, bright lime green feature lawn. It requires little fertiliser, needs light, regular mowing, and has a 50% shade tolerance. Tropical Lawns has grown this variety for 10+ years and has many repeat clients asking for this grass.
It is used in significant townscape developments for its ease of maintenance, great looks and weed-free qualities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mow my Zoysia lawn?
Zoysia grass, known for its slow and low growth, requires less frequent mowing compared to other turf varieties. In the summer, it's advisable to mow every two to three weeks. As the weather cools, the frequency can be reduced. Remember, only one-third of the leaf area should be removed in each mowing session to maintain the health and appearance of your Zoysia lawn.
What are the advantages of Zoysia grass for lawns?
Zoysia grass offers several benefits for lawns, especially in the Cairns and FNQ climates. It forms dense mats, making it a tough and durable choice. It thrives in harsh conditions with low nutrient requirements and is tolerant of shade and salt. This grass variety is ideal for coastal environments and landscaping features, requiring minimal water and fertiliser.
What pests or diseases can affect Zoysia grass?
While Zoysia is a robust and resilient grass variety, it's not immune to pests and diseases. However, the specific pests or diseases that might affect Zoysia grass in the Cairns region are not detailed on the Tropical Lawns website. Generally, Zoysia can be susceptible to common lawn pests and diseases, but its dense growth helps in resisting these issues.
Can Zoysia grass survive drought conditions?
Yes, Zoysia grass is well-suited for drought conditions. Its low water requirement makes it an excellent choice for regions experiencing less frequent rainfall or water restrictions. Zoysia's ability to remain healthy and green with minimal watering is one of its key advantages.
What are the common challenges faced with Zoysia grass and how can I address them?
One of the main challenges with Zoysia grass is managing its mowing. Due to its slow growth, it can be tempting to mow it infrequently, but this can make mowing difficult over time. Regular, light mowing is recommended. Additionally, while Zoysia is generally pest-resistant, regular monitoring for any signs of pests or diseases is advisable to maintain its health. At Tropical Lawns, we're here to help you overcome these challenges and ensure your Zoysia lawn remains a lush, beautiful asset to your property.
