We have a vacation home in Central Michigan and were considering planting Amazoy zoysia grass plugs. The ground is very sandy soil and we have a lot of poplar trees on the property. Is this a good product for Michigan’s climate?

At first glance zoysia grass appears to be a pretty perfect turf plant, if you consider all of the advertising hype:

• Grows by spreading; no seeding necessary
• Winter hardy
• Requires minimal watering & mowing
• Perfect for play areas

All true statements. Unfortunately, for those of us in the North, you will need to add the fact that while your neighbors’ bluegrass/rye/fescue lawns are emerald green in the spring, you’ll still be looking out on your straw-colored yard waiting… and waiting… and… you get the point. Zoysia is a warm-season grass and won’t even begin to green up until the daytime temperatures are well into the 70’s and nighttime temperatures are above 40. Zoysia will also need full sun. Michigan summers are short enough as it is. Having a lawn that only greens up after the last frost and promptly browns out at the first frost doesn’t make it a highly recommended turf in our area.