BK-7 Zoysiagrass: What We Know (and Don't Know) About This Variety

When turf companies market new grasses without long-term university trials in Georgia, it's impossible to recommend them confidently. In 2005, I gathered listener experiences on BK-7 zoysiagrass—not a scientific survey, just real-user comments.

UGA Turf Specialist Dr. Clint Waltz's Assessment

• No performance data for BK-7 in Georgia.
• No replicated data supporting promotional claims.
• One California evaluation in early 1990s; no direct comparisons for shade tolerance, color retention, disease resistance, etc.
• Not entered in National Turfgrass Evaluation Trials (NTEP) despite 10+ years existence.
• UGA has evaluated zoysiagrasses at Griffin for nearly 10 years—see GeorgiaTurf.com for proven performers.
• No Georgia producer selling BK-7, meaning no Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA) "Blue Tag" certification for varietal purity and weed-free status.

BK-7 may perform well, but without independent Georgia data, it's an unknown. Ask for GCIA Blue Tag certification to ensure you're getting what you pay for.