Ever look at a perfectly manicured lawn and wonder what the secret is? Often, the biggest secret isn’t just the grass type, but the tool used to cut it. Zoysia grass is beautiful, tough, and popular, but it demands respect when it comes to mowing. Using the wrong mower can quickly turn your dream lawn into a patchy, stressed-out mess.
Choosing the right lawn mower for Zoysia isn’t as simple as grabbing the first machine you see. This grass has specific needs regarding cutting height and blade sharpness. If you cut it too low or use dull blades, you risk scalping the lawn or inviting weeds. Many homeowners struggle with finding a mower that balances power, cut quality, and the right settings for this dense turf.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most when pairing a mower with your Zoysia. You will learn the ideal cutting height, the best blade types, and which types of mowers work best for your yard size. Get ready to stop guessing and start mowing like a pro!
Top Lawn Mower For Zoysia Recommendations
- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Zoysia Grass is a revolutionary grass seeding product designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair contains a combination of high performance grass seed, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe
- Scotts EZ Seed Zoysia Grass grows in heat, drought, and tough conditions guaranteed (subject to proper care)
- Plant seed in the spring or fall when average daytime temperatures are between 70 °F and 90 °F
- This 3.75 lb. container of Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Zoysia Grass contains a combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer to cover up to 85 sq. ft. in 3 easy steps
- 7-blade reel mower for specific lawns. 7-blade reel mowers are best suited for grass types similar to Bermuda, tiff, bent grass and zoysia
- The 7-blade reel push mower is designed for the active lawn enthusiast enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types
- 7-blade reel with a cutting width of 16" and a newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"- 2.5"
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip for better comfort
- High-Performance Brushless Motor: The cordless lawn mower features a brushless motor that delivers 2800 RPM on Low and 3400 RPM on High for efficient cutting power and long-lasting performance.
- 4-Position Cutting Height Adjustment: This battery lawn mower offers 4 cutting height settings from 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches to match seasonal growth and your preferred cut.
- Wide Cut and Bagging: The 13-inch deck helps you cover more ground with fewer passes, and the 30L removable rear bag makes cleanup simple. A 2-step safety start helps prevent accidental start-up for added peace of mind.
- Dual-Battery Runtime: Powered by two 20V 4.0Ah lithium batteries, this electric lawn mower provides up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. Swap batteries to reduce downtime and keep mowing moving. Ideal for small to medium lawns. Runtime may vary based on grass conditions, terrain, and operation.
- Complete Kit Included: Includes 1× 13-inch cordless lawn mower, 2× 20V 4.0Ah batteries, 1× single-port charger, and 1× 8-gallon grass bag. Easy to assemble and simple to use.
- Hand-push reel mower with 16" cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
- A self-cutting mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.5" for clean and even cuts
- An planet-friendly alternative that matches the best gasoline push lawn mowers
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- Zoysia grass seed & mulch is designed for full sun and light shade
- Combines mulch and grass seed to grow a tough, durable, low-maintenance lawn
- Extremely versatile seed mix that's 99.9% weed free
- Thrives in heat, drought and partial shade
- Seeds up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Your Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is tough. It grows thick and forms a dense mat. This means your lawn mower needs to work hard. Picking the right mower helps keep your Zoysia looking neat and healthy. This guide will show you what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a mower for Zoysia, certain features really matter.
Power and Engine Strength
Zoysia is thick, so you need power. Look for a strong engine. For gas mowers, a higher horsepower (HP) rating is better. Electric mowers should have high torque. A weak mower will bog down in thick Zoysia. This can tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly.
Cutting Deck Size
The cutting deck size affects how fast you finish. Larger yards need bigger decks (21 inches or more). Smaller yards can use smaller decks. Make sure the deck is strong enough to handle the thick grass without bending.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Zoysia likes to be cut at a specific height, usually between 1 and 2 inches. Your mower must easily adjust to these lower settings. Good mowers let you change the height quickly at each wheel.
Bagging, Mulching, or Side Discharge
- Mulching: This cuts the clippings very fine and puts them back on the lawn. This is great for feeding the Zoysia.
- Bagging: This collects the clippings. You might need this if the grass is very long.
- Side Discharge: This throws the clippings out the side. This works well if you have a lot of area to cover quickly.
Important Materials for Durability
The material the mower is made of affects how long it lasts.
The deck material is crucial. Steel decks are common and strong. Aluminum decks are lighter and resist rust better. Rust happens when wet clippings sit inside the deck. A quality deck resists this wear.
Blades must be tough. Look for heat-treated, sharp blades. Dull blades rip Zoysia, which invites disease. Good blades hold their edge longer, even when cutting tough turf.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good mowers make mowing easy. Bad mowers make it a chore.
Self-Propelled vs. Push Mowers
Because Zoysia grows so densely, a self-propelled mower often improves the experience greatly. Self-propel means the mower moves itself forward. This saves your energy, especially on slopes. Push mowers work fine for small, flat yards, but they require much more effort in thick Zoysia.
Wheel Quality
Look at the wheels. They should be large and sturdy. High-quality mowers use ball bearings in the wheels. This makes steering and turning much smoother, which reduces frustration when maneuvering around flower beds.
Maintenance Access
How easily can you clean the underside of the deck? Some mowers have a wash port where you connect a hose. This feature helps remove caked-on grass, which improves performance next time you mow.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard when buying.
Small, Flat Yards
A simple, high-quality electric or gas push mower works well here. Focus on a sharp, effective mulching system.
Large or Sloped Yards
You need a powerful, self-propelled gas mower. Look for variable speed control so you can match the mower speed to your walking pace.
The overall user experience depends on starting the mower easily. Electric mowers start instantly. Gas mowers should have reliable starting systems. Nobody likes pulling a cord ten times!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mowing Zoysia
Q: What is the best cutting height for Zoysia grass?
A: Most experts recommend keeping Zoysia cut between 1 inch and 2 inches high during the growing season. Never cut more than one-third of the blade length at one time.
Q: Should I use a reel mower on Zoysia?
A: Reel mowers give the absolute cleanest cut. However, they require very frequent mowing and high maintenance. They are best for small, perfectly flat lawns.
Q: Why does my mower keep stalling in my Zoysia lawn?
A: Stalling usually means the engine lacks enough power for the thick grass, or the blade is dull and creating too much drag.
Q: Is a battery-powered (electric) mower strong enough for Zoysia?
A: Modern high-voltage battery mowers (usually 60V or higher) have enough power and torque for most Zoysia lawns, especially if the grass is kept at a reasonable height.
Q: How often should I sharpen the blades for Zoysia?
A: Sharpen your blades at least twice per growing season. If you mow frequently, check them monthly.
Q: Does bagging or mulching work better for Zoysia?
A: Mulching is generally better because the fine clippings return nutrients to the dense Zoysia turf. Bag if the clippings look chunky.
Q: What is the importance of the mower deck material?
A: Strong materials like steel or aluminum prevent rust and warping, ensuring the deck maintains the correct cutting level across the entire width.
Q: What makes a self-propelled mower better for this type of grass?
A: Self-propel reduces physical strain because the dense Zoysia requires more force to push a mower through it.
Q: Can I use a riding mower for Zoysia?
A: Yes, riding mowers are excellent for large Zoysia areas. Ensure the cutting deck is set high enough to prevent scalping the dense turf.
Q: Should I mow Zoysia when it is wet?
A: Never mow wet Zoysia. Wet grass clumps, clogs the deck, and causes an uneven, torn cut. Wait until the grass is completely dry.