Zoysia grass in Dallas area lawns?? (Plano, McKinney: landscaping, live, cost of)

[Texan2008]

Since I have lived in the Dallas area for about 4 years I have not seen any lush lawns with Zoysia grass as I did in my hometown of St. Louis. I would think Zoysia would be OK down here given enough watering. Is it the cost of water that is prohibitive to using this grass in the Dallas area since the heat and intense sun of the summer would require a great deal of watering? One of the main benefits of Zoysia is it's ability to choke off weeds and other grasses in a lawn given proper care. Is the soil not good enough?

Zoysia Grass Seed Adaptation - Zoysia Grass Seed

[txgolfer130]

Basically yes. We're all under water restrictions, and will be through the summer. The weeds in the area would also eat up the zyosia grass b/c it''s not getting enough water to maintain it's own structure. Most areas in Collin County are in Stage 3 restrictions, and if we got to Stage 4 not only do watering prohibitions get worse, but water rates triple.

[PlanoGirl]

If you ever get a chance, there is a water conservation demonstration garden in Mckinney (on Alma, between Stacy and Eldorado...by the water tower) that has a variety of different grasses planted and labeled, and its interesting to see how well each does during different times of the year. Certain zoysia grasses have been used (in addition to the typical bermuda and st. augustine)...I would think with zoysia, the particular type is the key. Here's some info about the gardens: About the Gardens - McKinney Green Gardens

Here's specific details about the grasses they planted:About the Grass - McKinney Green Gardens

Other shrubs and perennials are also planted if you are looking for water-wise ideas to redo your
landscaping: About the Plants - McKinney Green Gardens

[Texan2008]

Thanks for the info PlanoGirl! I will check that out sometime.

[TX75007]

Any lawn not bermuda or st augustine will get invaded by other grasses due to the large swings in rainfall over the years in Dallas.

The people who have nice lawns of the other grasses spend a lot of time weeding on their hands and knees. And sometimes during rainy warm periods, they are fighting a losing battle.