Innovation Zoysiagrass
The modern successor to Meyer — finer texture, better shade tolerance, and the same bulletproof cold hardiness. Built for the transition zone.
Why Innovation?
Innovation Zoysiagrass is a premium hybrid developed by Kansas State University and Texas A&M after 13 years of rigorous testing. It's an interspecific cross between Zoysia matrella and Zoysia japonica — combining fine texture and density with exceptional cold hardiness. In the severe 2013 Kansas winter, Innovation achieved 99% survival, matching Meyer Z-52 while delivering finer leaf texture, improved density, better shade tolerance, and higher NTEP turf quality scores. For Tennessee homeowners, Innovation means a dense, weed-suppressing lawn that handles shade better than any bermuda and cold better than most zoysias. For golf course superintendents, it means fairway-quality turf that thrives from tee to rough across the transition zone.
Finer Texture Than Meyer
Medium-fine leaf blades create a more refined, carpet-like appearance. Scored 6.1 vs Meyer's 5.5 in NTEP turf quality at lawn height.
Bulletproof Cold Hardiness
99% winter survival in severe Zone 6a conditions — matching Meyer's legendary cold tolerance while outperforming Empire (78%) and Zeon (72%).
Very Good Shade Tolerance
Thrives with 4+ hours of direct sunlight thanks to its matrella parentage. A major upgrade over Meyer and all bermudagrasses in shaded yards.
Superior Density & Weed Suppression
Denser than Meyer with a thick canopy that naturally crowds out weeds. Some sources report up to 50% less weed management compared to bermudagrass.
Best Applications
Where It's Used
Transition zone golf courses
Fairways and tees in KS, MO, OK, TX, NC, TN, VA
15 sod farms across 9 states
Commercial production as of 2018
NTEP trial sites nationwide
Tested at 10+ locations across the transition zone
How Innovation Compares
Not sure which variety is right? Try our Variety Finder or compare side-by-side.
Innovation vs Geo Zoysia
Choose Innovation if...
You need maximum cold hardiness for the transition zone. Innovation's 99% winter survival rate is significantly better than Geo's moderate cold tolerance, making it the clear choice for USDA Zones 6a-7.
Choose Geo Zoysia if...
You have heavy shade (3-4 hours of sun is enough for Geo) or coastal conditions where salt tolerance matters. Geo also produces minimal thatch.
Innovation vs Latitude 36
Choose Innovation if...
You have shade (4+ hours is enough for Innovation) and want a softer, lower-maintenance lawn with less mowing. Innovation also has better weed suppression.
Choose Latitude 36 if...
Your yard gets full sun and you want the toughest, most drought-tolerant warm-season grass with the fastest wear recovery.
Innovation vs Meyer Z-52
Choose Innovation if...
You want finer texture, better density, superior shade tolerance, faster establishment, and higher turf quality scores — all with the same cold hardiness as Meyer.
Choose Meyer Z-52 if...
You want a 70+ year proven track record, wider availability, and a lower price point. Meyer is the time-tested standard.
Maintenance Guide
Mowing
Maintain at 0.5-1.75 inches; 1-1.5 inches is optimal for home lawns. Mow every 5-7 days during active growing season. Never remove more than one-third of the blade. Use a sharp mower blade for clean cuts. Raise height slightly in fall to encourage deeper roots.
Watering
About 1 inch per week from rainfall and irrigation combined. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root development. Early morning watering reduces disease risk. Established Innovation has good drought tolerance — it retained quality for 21+ days without irrigation in Kansas trials.
Fertilizing
2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per year — a low-input variety. First application 3 weeks after spring green-up at 0.5 lb N per 1,000 sq ft. Additional applications in early and late summer. Soil test recommended for precise rates.
Seasonal Care
Greens up in spring with extended fall color retention compared to many zoysias. Peak growth May through September. Goes dormant after first hard frost. Apply pre-emergent in spring when soil reaches 55°F. If large patch is a concern, apply preventive fungicide in spring before fertilizing.
Innovation FAQ
Is Innovation Zoysia good for Tennessee lawns?
Innovation is an excellent choice for Tennessee. It was tested at Tennessee sites during its multi-state evaluation and offers the cold hardiness needed for Tennessee winters (99% survival in severe Zone 6 conditions) with better shade tolerance and finer texture than Meyer. Tennessee sits squarely in Innovation's ideal zone.
How does Innovation compare to Meyer Z-52?
Innovation matches Meyer's legendary cold hardiness (both 99% survival in severe winters) while offering finer leaf texture, better density, superior shade tolerance, faster establishment, and higher NTEP quality scores (6.1 vs 5.5 at lawn height). It's essentially the modern evolution of Meyer.
Can Innovation handle shade?
Yes — Innovation has very good shade tolerance, performing well with 4 or more hours of direct sunlight. This is a significant improvement over Meyer and a major advantage over all bermudagrasses. For heavier shade (3-4 hours), consider Geo Zoysia instead.
Does Innovation go brown in winter?
Yes, like all warm-season grasses, Innovation goes dormant in winter. However, it offers extended fall color retention and earlier spring green-up compared to many zoysiagrasses. During dormancy it turns a golden-tan color typical of zoysias.
Ready to Get Innovation?
Get a free estimate for Innovation Zoysiagrass delivered to your property. Available in big rolls or pallets.