The establishment and recuperative rates of zoysia are poor, due to its slow rate of spread. Zoysiagrass is adapted to southeastern Nebraska. It is generally not recommended for the Panhandle area and north of the Platte River. Meyer has the best low temperature tolerance and is the preferred cultivar. Meyer is established vegetatively from plugs, stolons, or sod.
Turf plugs planted on one foot centers are the most common means of establishment.
A good stand of zoysiagrass may take two or more years to develop. Frequent mower adjustment and blade sharpening are important for maintenance of desirable turfgrass quality. A heavy mower should be used to help eliminate thatch accumulation and the resulting puffy, irregular surface. Even though zoysiagrass is not a rapid growing turfgrass, it may develop a thatch problem that requires vertical mowing to eliminate puffiness. In Nebraska, zoysiagrass is primarily adapted to lawns.