How do we compare Cavalier Zoysia versus Emerald Zoysia grass? In this video, Houston Grass Owner Michael Romine talks about the differences and similarities between the two Zoysia varieties. Call us at 281-431-7441 for answers to your questions and a quote for your project.
Summary of the Cavalier Zoysia versus Emerald Zoysia Video
What is the difference between Cavalier Zoysia versus Emerald Zoysia? We get asked that question occasionally. I will tell you not very much to the untrained eye. You could lay those grasses next to one another, and there is not a whole lot of difference. They are both fine-bladed Zoysias, whereas the Palisades Zoysia is the little bit coarser-bladed Zoysia that we carry. We carry Emerald and Cavalier Zoysia grass.
The only thing that comes to mind as far as differences is that the Cavalier is a little bit softer to the touch. If you laid them side by side, the Emerald Zoysia may be a little bit darker green. So if they were both fertilized the same way throughout the year, the Emerald Zoysia grass may have a little bit darker green tint to it. Other than that, the grasses are very similar.
Cavalier and Emerald Are Shade Tolerant
Both grass varieties tolerate a fair amount of shade. The Palisades Zoysia needs five to six hours of direct sunlight per day, compared with Cavalier and Emerald that need four or five hours of direct sunlight per day. So that is certainly something to consider in a homeowner’s yard. A lot of us have trees and the shade from our house and adjacent houses to consider.
That four or five hours of direct sunlight is an absolute minimum. You got to get that or the grass will certainly start to disappear over time.
Cavalier and Emerald Have a Slow Growth Habit
Since it grows so slowly, Emerald Zoysia will not encroach into other landscaping. Whereas St. Augustine and Palisades Zoysia have those runners and they’ll grow into the flower beds. Emerald and Cavalier Zoysia grasses will not do that or if they do it’s very minimal.
Both Can Be Mowed with a Rotary Mower
They come from the farm mowed with a reel type mower. We have the same mowers on the farm is that they use on golf courses.
So the grass comes to you cut very short — I think five-eights of an inch is what they cut it. But they mow multiple times per week and they water multiple times per week. That’s not really feasible in a homeowner’s yard.
You can keep it at between one to two inches and cut it with a regular traditional rotary-style mower that we all have and the lawn guys have. On the Aggie turf website, they talk about maintaining it between one and two inches with a rotary mower. If you keep it in that one to two-inch window, it can look very nice.
You don’t have to mow it as often. Once a week or once every 10 days is okay, whereas with all the rest of the grasses that we carry, every seven days is an absolute minimum. For those other grass varieties, it really would be better if you could mow them every five days. So that’s something to consider as well.
If you’ve got any more questions about the similarities and differences of Cavalier Zoysia versus Emerald Zoysia, please feel free to give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. Call us at 281-431-7441.
