I was having some shade issues in my Bermuda backyard a few years ago. Always wanted zoysia and did a lot of research trying to decide which variety to get. Settled on Zeon zoysia because I wanted a thin blade. Been extremely pleased with it's ability to handle some serious shade. Going into year 3 with it, and even though I did have some trees trimmed to allow more sunlight, there are still a few small areas of my yard that get only 3-4 hours of sun.... And the zoysia is thriving in those areas. It won't grow as vigorously in the areas of more shade compared to areas with less shade, but as far as thickness and density.... It's almost identical.

Now, if you want a Zoysia that more resemble the thick blade of St. Augustine, you'll want to go with Palisades zoysia. I don't like St. Augustine so that's why I didn't choose that. It is supposed to be extremely shade tolerant as well.

Honestly, I absolutely love the look of the Zoysia. I don't mow it as low as some people do because I don't want it to resemble a putting green, but it can be mowed extremely short with a reel mower or at higher heights with a rotary. If you mow higher, you just need to dethatch a few times a year and bag your clippings.

Here's my backyard last year at various points in the summer/fall....

Also, it's not too difficult to establish a barrier to keep the neighbors St. Augustine from encroaching into your Zoysia.... Especially if the Zoysia is thriving.

I hate St. Augustine so I'll never recommend it to anyone lol.....