Does your Zoysia lawn look more patchy than plush? You work hard caring for that beautiful Zoysia grass, but the wrong mower can quickly ruin your efforts. Choosing the perfect lawn mower for Zoysia isn’t always easy. Different mowers can scalp the grass or leave behind messy clumps, making your yard look less than perfect. You need a machine that cuts cleanly and keeps those tough Zoysia blades healthy.
Finding the right height setting and blade type feels like a guessing game, right? Many homeowners accidentally damage their Zoysia by using equipment that’s too dull or set too low. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most for Zoysia. By the end of this post, you will know precisely which type of mower will give you that carpet-like finish you’ve always wanted.
Top Lawn Mower For Zoysia Grass Recommendations
- 7-blade reel mower for specific lawns. 7-blade reel mowers are best suited for grass types similar to Bermuda, tiff, bent grass and zoysia
- The 7-blade reel push mower is designed for the active lawn enthusiast enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types
- 7-blade reel with a cutting width of 16" and a newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"- 2.5"
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip for better comfort
- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Zoysia Grass is a revolutionary grass seeding product designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair contains a combination of high performance grass seed, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe
- Scotts EZ Seed Zoysia Grass grows in heat, drought, and tough conditions guaranteed (subject to proper care)
- Plant seed in the spring or fall when average daytime temperatures are between 70 °F and 90 °F
- This 3.75 lb. container of Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Zoysia Grass contains a combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer to cover up to 85 sq. ft. in 3 easy steps
- Zoysia grass seed & mulch is designed for full sun and light shade
- Combines mulch and grass seed to grow a tough, durable, low-maintenance lawn
- Extremely versatile seed mix that's 99.9% weed free
- Thrives in heat, drought and partial shade
- Seeds up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,700 RPM mower power and 9,200 RPM of power with the trimmer
- 12-INCH CUTTING WIDTH: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1-inch and 2.55-inches
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Mower is powered by a 24V MAX* 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery for up to 22 minutes of battery runtime and collects 6.5-gallons of lawn clippings
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Trimmer weighs less than 6 lbs and features a convenient pivot assist handle and auto-single line feed
- TRIMMER CONVERTS TO EDGER: Features a 10-inch cutting width and 7-position pivoting head to manicure edges, tight areas or uneven landscapes precisely
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
- Wider 18-Inch Cutting Path – Cover more ground with each pass, reducing mowing time while delivering a precise, scissor-like cut with the 5-blade reel.
- Adjustable Cutting Height – Easily switch between ½ inch to 2 ¾ inches for the perfect lawn height, tailored to different grass types and seasons.
- Ergonomic U-Style Handle – Designed for comfort and control, the cushion-grip U-handle provides a secure, comfortable grip to reduce hand and wrist strain.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance – just a smooth, quiet mowing experience that’s better for your lawn and the environment.
- Convenient Grass Catcher – Keep your yard tidy with the included grass catcher, which efficiently collects clippings for easy disposal.
- Hand-push reel mower with 16" cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
- A self-cutting mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.5" for clean and even cuts
- An planet-friendly alternative that matches the best gasoline push lawn mowers
- Premium Zoysia Emerald Grass Variety: Produces a dense, fine-bladed turf with a rich green color and soft texture. Ideal for creating a luxurious, carpet-like lawn that is visually appealing and comfortable underfoot.
- Drought-Tolerant and Heat-Resistant: Specially adapted for warm-season climates, Zoysia Emerald grass thrives in high temperatures and requires minimal watering once established—perfect for reducing lawn maintenance and conserving water.
- Low-Maintenance and Slow-Growing: Enjoy a beautiful lawn with less effort. This slow-growing grass minimizes the need for frequent mowing and naturally suppresses weed growth by forming a thick, uniform cover.
- Ideal for Full Sun Areas: Best suited for locations that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Zoysia performs exceptionally well in sunny yards, open landscapes, and garden borders.
- Versatile Lawn and Ground Cover Use: Perfect for small lawns, bare spot repair, front yards, side gardens, walkways, or as an erosion-controlling ground cover. Adapts well to various soil types when properly prepared.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Mowing Your Zoysia Grass Like a Pro
Zoysia grass looks great, but it needs the right care. Mowing is a big part of that care. Choosing the wrong lawn mower can hurt your beautiful lawn. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your Zoysia.
Key Features to Look For
Your mower needs specific features to handle the tough, dense nature of Zoysia grass. Look for these things first:
Cutting Height Adjustment
- High Setting: Zoysia prefers taller cuts, usually between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Ensure your mower can easily set the deck high enough. Cutting too low stresses the grass.
- Easy Adjustment: You should be able to change the height quickly without tools.
Engine Power and Deck Size
- Power: Zoysia blades are thick. You need a strong engine (especially for gas mowers) to prevent stalling when the grass is wet or thick. Look for high horsepower or strong electric torque.
- Deck Size: For smaller yards, a 20-21 inch deck works well. For large lawns, a 30-inch or wider deck saves a lot of time.
Bagging or Mulching Capability
- Mulching: Good mulching blades chop the clippings finely. This returns nutrients to the soil.
- Bagging: If you prefer a very neat look or the grass is very long, bagging is necessary. Ensure the bag fills completely and is easy to empty.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used in the mower affect how long it lasts and how well it cuts.
Deck Material
- Steel Decks: These are strong and common. They resist damage well.
- Aluminum Decks: These resist rust better than steel. They are often lighter, which makes the mower easier to push if you have a push model.
Blades
- Look for blades made from high-quality, hardened steel. Sharp, well-made blades slice the Zoysia cleanly. Dull blades tear the grass, making it look brown and inviting disease.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
These details separate a good mower from a great one for Zoysia.
Quality Enhancers
- Self-Propelled Drive: If your yard has hills or is large, a reliable self-propelled system saves your energy.
- Washout Ports: These ports let you connect a hose to the deck. Cleaning grass buildup underneath becomes simple, which keeps the cutting quality high.
- Good Wheels: Large rear wheels help the mower move easily over uneven ground.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Underpowered Engines: A weak engine will bog down in thick Zoysia. This leads to uneven cutting.
- Plastic Components: Avoid excessive plastic on the wheels or housing, as these parts break sooner.
- Fixed Cutting Height: If you cannot raise the deck high enough (over 2 inches), the mower harms your Zoysia.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the mower.
Electric vs. Gas
- Electric (Cordless): These are quiet and require very little maintenance. They are perfect for small to medium Zoysia lawns where you don’t need to mow for hours at a time.
- Gas: Gas mowers offer maximum power and run time. They are better suited for very large yards or areas where the grass frequently gets very long.
Push vs. Ride-On
- Push Mowers: Good for smaller, flat yards. You get a good workout!
- Riding Mowers (or ZTRs): Essential for very large properties. Ensure the riding mower has a “high-quality” deck that maintains its height setting reliably.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mowing Zoysia Grass
Q: What is the ideal mowing height for Zoysia grass?
A: Most experts suggest keeping Zoysia between 1.5 and 2.5 inches tall. Taller heights help the dense turf shade out weeds.
Q: Should I use a reel mower on Zoysia?
A: Reel mowers offer the cleanest cut. However, they require very precise height settings and constant blade sharpening. They are often better suited for golf courses, but a high-quality reel can work if you maintain it perfectly.
Q: How often should I mow my Zoysia lawn?
A: During the active growing season (summer), you should mow once a week. Remember the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing session.
Q: Does blade sharpness really matter for Zoysia?
A: Yes, sharpness is extremely important. Zoysia has tough blades. Dull blades tear the grass tips, which makes the entire lawn look white or brown.
Q: Can I use a heavy-duty mower designed for Bermuda grass on my Zoysia?
A: Often, yes. Bermuda and Zoysia share similar mowing needs (high power, clean cut). Just ensure the Bermuda mower can be set high enough for the Zoysia.
Q: What is the main advantage of a high-quality mulching system for Zoysia?
A: Mulching returns finely chopped grass clippings to the soil. These clippings act as natural fertilizer, feeding the dense Zoysia roots.
Q: My electric mower keeps stalling. What should I check?
A: First, check if the blade is dull or if there is heavy buildup underneath the deck. If the blades are clean and sharp, the battery might not be providing enough peak power for the thick grass.
Q: Should I bag the clippings if I use a mower with a high-quality deck?
A: If the grass is short and you mow frequently, mulching is best. If the grass is long or you are bagging for aesthetic reasons, do so. Do not leave clumps of clippings, as these smother the grass underneath.
Q: Are zero-turn mowers (ZTRs) good for Zoysia lawns?
A: ZTRs are excellent for large Zoysia yards because they save a lot of time. Ensure the ZTR deck is properly suspended to avoid scalping (cutting too low) on uneven ground.
Q: How do I clean grass buildup from the mower deck?
A: Always disconnect the spark plug wire (for gas) or battery (for electric) first! Use a plastic scraper or stiff brush to remove thick, dried grass from the underside of the deck.