Stephen Massie
A different kind of zoysia is taking root in Florida. Lobo® Zoysia is unique in appearance and was bred with low maintenance in mind. It is an improved variety designed to perform. Collier Family Farms in Ave Maria, FL, began growing Lobo several years ago, shortly after its release from NC State University’s Turfgrass Breeding Program. The farm added it as an improved option among the warm-season varieties already in production and has steadily increased its commitment ever since. With 30 acres newly planted and plans to double that, Collier Family Farms is backing Lobo as a go-to grass for high-end Florida landscapes.
Color was one of the first traits that stood out to sales manager Stephen Massie. “Once it’s established, it’s nice. It’s a finer blade and a darker, richer color,” he said. “What we really like about it, especially during the dormant, colder season, is how it holds its color longer.”
From the farm side, Lobo has required fewer inputs than expected, even during early stress tests. “It requires much less irrigation throughout the growing cycle than other zoysias.” Massie noted it has shown no issues in full sun and has performed well in shaded areas too. “We planted it at a home and it’s handling that very well. It’s really resilient.”
The grass is also showing promise at lower mowing heights. “We’re cutting the Lobo around an inch right now and it’s looking really solid.” Massie hopes to bring it down even more. “Density is really nice. It’s soft too, which is a plus.”
Massie, who regularly visits job sites and works closely with customers, says interest in Lobo is growing quickly. “They all want more. They can’t get enough.” He said Lobo has already held up on beachfront properties, private homes and test plots at golf courses in the region. “We’ve got one install right on the ocean. It’s been in for over six months and still looks perfect—better than its neighbors.”
Lobo® Zoysia grown by Collier Family Farms, shown throughout an oceanfront home lawn in Naples, Florida.
The farm expects to begin harvesting from the current Lobo acreage in late 2026 and is positioning the grass for HOA entrances, high-value homes and tee boxes at golf courses. If the rollout is successful, they plan to expand another 20 to 30 acres.
Lobo is gaining ground across the country from North Carolina to Texas and the West Coast. Now, as Massie shared, it is proving to be a strong fit for the Sunshine State too. He looks forward to growing its presence in the Florida market over the coming seasons.
Massie has been with Collier Family Farms for 13 years and stays involved in every stage of the process, from coordinating orders and trucks to checking installations before and after delivery. “We’re a customer-focused farm. That’s how we’ve built the business.”
This article was written by Cecilia Johnson.
Lobo® Zoysia from Collier Family Farms installed at an oceanfront home in Naples, Florida.
