A finer-textured lawn with good cold tolerance
Innovation is a medium-to-fine-bladed zoysia developed by Kansas State University and Texas A&M University. Its dense, dark-green growth and good cold tolerance make it worth considering for suitable transition-zone lawns.
What makes Innovation Zoysia different?
The breeding program combined a Meyer-type Zoysia japonica with finer-bladed Zoysia matrella. Sod Solutions describes improved leaf texture and density while retaining strong cold tolerance. Good light supports a full lawn; partial shade can be a useful fit after evaluating the actual site.
Living with this lawn in the Carolinas
Expect strong summer growth and normal brown winter dormancy. Dense zoysia tolerates everyday wear, but repairs more gradually than Bermuda. A practical lawn mowing height is 1–2 inches, adjusted for cultivar and mower; finer types may need a reel mower at lower heights. Sharp blades keep the leaf tips clean. Full sun to light shade is the starting point, with actual daily light assessed for your yard.
New sod needs prompt watering and moist soil beneath the pieces while roots grow. As the sod anchors, water less often and more deeply. Our care guide explains the checks rather than prescribing one timer setting for every yard.
Compare your options
Choose between Innovation’s finer texture and the broader appearance of Empire or Palisades. All benefit from sharp mower blades; Bermuda generally recovers faster from concentrated wear.
Compare all grass choices · Zoysia overview · Charlotte services · Raleigh services
Plan delivery or installation
Tell us about your sunlight, lawn size and how you use the property. We help select the grass, plan delivery or installation, and confirm the cultivar and project scope with your quote.
Sources: Sod Solutions: Innovation Zoysia and NC State Extension: Carolina Lawns.