El Toro Zoysia
El Toro sod is the most drought tolerant Zoysia variety and also tolerates shade well. It is easy to maintain with a rotary mower and requires less nitrogen than other grasses. El Toro’s dark green color and density provide a high quality turf, perfect for residential and commercial installations.
Characteristics
APPEARANCE
Medium leaf blade; dark green color in growing season, warm brown in dormancy; good fall color retention
SHADE TOLERANCE
Medium
DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Medium; higher than any other Zoysia
MAINTENANCE
Low
Technical Data
- Excellent drought resistance
- High traffic tolerance
- Low fertility requirements
- Low mowing frequency
- Full sun to partial shade
- Cold hardy
- pH 6.0–7.0
Best Usage
- Golf — Fairways, tees and roughs
- Landscape — Home lawns, commercial properties
Maintenance Guide
Once established, El Toro is heat and drought resistant, requiring less water than other Zoysias. Follow general recommendations of 1″ of water from rain or irrigation per week, depending on soil conditions and climate. Visit the resources page to view or click here to download our watering guide for new and established grass.
El Toro tolerates a variety of soil conditions. For best results, test soil prior to installation and amend as needed, ideal pH 6.0 to 7.0. Install in areas of full sun to partial shade. Visit the resources page to view or download our soil preparation and installation guides.
Maintain at recommended mowing height of 1″ to 2″. Follow general mowing recommendations, keeping mower blades sharp and removing no more than 1/3 of grass height per mowing. Click to view the Zoysia Maintenance guide.
El Toro generally requires only 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, applied in spring and in late summer. Test soil before fertilizing, and avoid high nitrogen “winterizing” fertilizers in fall. Click to view the Zoysia Maintenance guide.
El Toro tends to be disease resistant with proper water and fertility management. Avoid over fertilizing to discourage Zoysia Patch.
El Toro resists most pests, although grubs and bill bugs can cause damage. To avoid Armyworms, preventative treatment is recommended for new sod laid in late summer through early fall. Click to view the Zoysia Maintenance guide.