Zoysia grass has several advantages to both Bermuda and St. Augustine. The biggest positive in the Houston area is that they are resistant to sod webworms and fall armyworms. They may get some damage but not enough to need treatment. Beyond this major advantage Zoysia tends to grow more densely and at a slower rate than other grasses. (Empire will grow rapidly in the mid to late summer but has a moderate growth habit in the spring, early summer, and fall). Zoysia is also very drought tolerant. This means that if there is damage sustained due to the lack of water it will rapidly and completely recover.