ZOYSIA PLUGS:  I am interested in using zoysiagrass plugs to suppress weeds. The advertisement in my Sunday newspaper supplement says the zoysiagrass will also save me time, work, and money, while avoiding the risks of pesticides. Do you think the claims are true?-Miami

ANSWER: The advertised variety of zoysiagrass, 'Meyer,' performs poorly in trials in south Florida. Some of the national ad's claims are applicable to other parts of the United States, but I don't think you can achieve a lawn of this grass here.

The failure of 'Meyer' and other zoysiagrasses in south Florida may be due to damage by the sting nematode, prevalent in our sandy soils.

When established, zoysiagrass offers high density and it is tolerant to moderate shade. If you are interested in zoysiagrass, then you could cautiously try 'El Toro' or one of the other new varieties, but not 'Meyer.'