Z-52, also sold as Meyer zoysia, makes a dense, medium-green lawn with a thicker, medium-width blade than Emerald zoysia. It handles Alabama heat exceptionally well, is cold hardy, and tolerates drought, all while crowding out most weeds once it knits together.

It needs at least six hours of sun and performs best in full sun. Give it about an inch of water a week, counting rain, on ground that drains; standing water is its main complaint. Mow it shorter than fescue and follow a warm-season fertilizing schedule.