Innovation® Zoysia Sod in Atlanta, GA
If you're looking for a zoysiagrass that combines elegance with performance - especially in climates that see both winter cold and summer heat - Innovation® Zoysia is built for that balance. Developed by turfgrass experts at Kansas State University and Texas A&M, it offers dark green color, good shade tolerance, and the resilience needed for year-round appeal.
What is Innovation® Zoysia?
Innovation® Zoysia is a relatively new hybrid zoysia variety (released in about 2015) designed to improve on older standards like Meyer Zoysia by combining the cold hardiness of Zoysia japonica with finer leaf texture from Zoysia matrella.
Its development was specifically aimed at providing a zoysia that can thrive in the transition zone - areas which undergo both freezing winters and very hot summers. Innovation offers faster establishment and recovery, better fall color, earlier spring green-up, plus good shade tolerance.
Characteristics
| Color & Appearance: | Rich, dark-green throughout the growing season; holds fall color longer than many other warm-season grasses. |
| Texture: | Medium-to-fine blades; softer than many coarse zoysias, providing a more refined look. |
| Growth habit: | Spreads via stolons and rhizomes; establishes quickly compared to many other zoysias. |
| Cold Tolerance: | High cold hardiness; intended to survive and recover in colder winters in the transition zone. |
| Shade Tolerance: | Very good; tolerates moderate shade while maintaining decent turf density. |
| Wear & Recovery: | Good wear tolerance; recovers relatively quickly from injury or traffic. |
General Maintenance
To get the best performance from Innovation Zoysia, here are recommended care guidelines:
Mowing:
Keep height around 1.0 to 2.0 inches. Mow regularly during the active growing season to maintain density and prevent mowing stress.
Watering:
- Immediately after installation: keep soil well saturated and moisture consistent to help root establishment.
- After established: moderate water - roughly 1 inch per week including rainfall; more during drought or extreme heat. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
Sunlight & Soil:
- Performs best in full sun to partial shade (≈ 5-8 hours of sun).
- Prefers well-drained soils and fertile soil with pH around 6.0–7.0.
Fertilization:
Moderate inputs; feed seasonally during active growth. Overfertilization can lead to issues (just like with many lush grasses).
Recovery & Maintenance:
Because it establishes faster than many zoysias, repair work (patching, plugging) is more effective. However, regular mowing, aeration, and occasional dethatching may be needed to keep turf healthy.
Advantages of Innovation® Zoysia
- Combines cold hardiness and fine texture- rare among zoysias
- Earlier spring green-up and extended fall color relative to many other varieties
- Very good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass
- Rapid establishment & decent recovery from injury
- Attractive mowing height flexibility and relatively low maintenance
Potential Drawbacks
- Goes dormant in winter; color will fade during prolonged cold until conditions improve
- Slower recovery than very aggressive Bermuda grasses (though faster than many older zoysias)
- Needs sufficient sun; under deep shade, density and color will decline
- Requires good soil and drainage; wet soil may lead to disease if left unchecked
Is Innovation® Zoysia Right for You?
If you live in a climate with seasonal temperature extremes, want a lawn that stands up to both cold and heat, seek good appearance with less heavy maintenance, and need something tolerant of partial shade, Innovation® Zoysia is an excellent pick.
If, however, your yard gets very heavy traffic regularly (sports, play), deep, dense shade, or you live in an area with long, harsh winters, there may be other varieties that outperform in those specific conditions.
Start Your Free Quote Today
If you're interested in outfitting your Atlanta property with Centipede sod, please give us a call or send us an email today for a quote. We are happy to help you achieve the goals you have for your Atlanta property.
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