What it is
A pallet of Zorro Zoysia sod (450 sq ft). Texas A&M-bred Zoysia with dark green color and improved drought and shade tolerance compared to standard Palisades.
When Zorro is the right pick
- Mixed sun/shade yards where light varies across the lawn. Zorro handles both better than most Zoysias.
- Water-restricted areas where you want the shade tolerance of Zoysia but better drought performance than Palisades.
- Premium look at slightly less expense than Emerald — Zorro's dark green color reads premium without the Emerald price tag.
- South-facing partial-shade yards under tree canopy with afternoon sun exposure.
How much do I need
Standard 450 sq ft pallet:
| Lawn area | Pallets |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 3 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 6 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 12 |
Install
Same Zoysia install — Premium Soil Mix prep, grade, water, lay tight, roll, water deep. 3-4 weeks to full establishment.
Care
- Mow height: 1.5-2"
- Frequency: every 7-10 days
- Fertilizer: 21-7-14 spring and fall
- Water: less frequent than Palisades — deeper, longer intervals
Zorro vs other Zoysias
| Zorro | Palisades | Empire | Emerald | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark green | Medium green | Medium green | Dark green |
| Blade | Medium-fine | Medium | Fine | Finest |
| Drought | Best of the four | Good | Good | Good |
| Cost | Mid | Lower | Mid | Highest |
For water-conscious shade lawns, Zorro is the best pick. For pure barefoot feel, Empire or Emerald.
Buying tips
- Pre-order by 5-7 days for big jobs.
- Pair with smart irrigation — Zorro's drought tolerance pairs with weather-based irrigation controllers for maximum savings.
Contractor notes
Specialty Zoysia, limited grower allocation. Pre-book for spring/fall install seasons.