Introduction to Zoysia Grass
What is Zoysia Grass?
Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass that is prized for its thick growth, fine texture and soft feel. Zoysia, which hails from Asia, has joined the ranks of better known grasses for southern and transitioning climate zones in the U.S. With a creeping growth habit and its ability to withstand drought and being trampled upon, it is the perfect choice for those who want an attractive yard that doesn’t need much maintenance.
Unlike cool season grasses, Zoysia grows best in the warmer months, but goes dormant and loses it’s color and turns brown in cooler months. What makes it unique is that it can create a thick mat that inhibits weeds in a very natural way. No matter if you're in Georgia, Texas, or the Carolinas, Zoysia adapts and doesn't mind filling in when you have bare sports while offering a plush, carpet-like lawn that feels good beneath your feet.
Why Zoysia is a Popular Choice for Lawns
Not only is Zoysia grass an attractive looking grass. Here’s why many homeowners opt for it:
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Zoysia needs less water than most grasses.
- Resistance to Weeds: Its very density prevents weeds from taking root.
- High Traffic Durability: Great for kids and pets.
- Less Maintenance: Less mowing and watering.
Yet to remain a vision of perfection, particularly at peak season, Zoysia needs to be fertilized properly. It is there that selecting the best fertilizer becomes important.
Nutrient Requirements for Zoysia Grass
Key Nutrients for Healthy Growth
A: All plants need three main nutrients for proper growth (this is true for all plants, not just Zoysia):
- Nitrogen (N): Encourages luscious, green leaves to form. It’s the most important nutrient in Zoysia.
- Phosphorus (P): It helps developing solid roots, particularly during the early stages of growth.
- potassium (K): Promotes stress resistance, drought resistance, and disease resistance.
Zoysia also requires a small amount of micronutrients such as iron, magnesium and calcium. The iron, in particular, works to bring on a deeper green to the lawn without causing the grass to grow so rapidly.
Seasonal Nutrient Requirements
Zoysia grass nutrient requirements change with the seasons:
- Spring: Apply balanced N-P-K fertilizer for green-up and root development.
- Summer: Feed with high nitrogen fertilizers to promote growth and density.
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Fertilize with a high Potassium fertilizer to help the grass prepare for dormancy.
- Winter: Do not fertilize in the dormant season; your grass will not take up the nutrients.
Timing and proper application is crucial with each stage so that we can prevent any mohter nature nutrient loss and achieve the full potentcy of our product.
Different Kinds of Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass
Granular Vs. Liquid Fertilizers
Granular Granular fertilizers are solid discrete pellets distributed with a spreader. They’re slow-releasing, so they work well for feeding plants over the long term. They are convenient to store and distribute uniformly over large areas. What’s more, most of the granular choices are specifically created for warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
Liquid fertilizers, by contrast, act more quickly and are often used for fast green-ups. They are applied with a hose-end sprayer, and they are absorbed more quickly. But they are also less longer-lasting and need to be applied more often, and are best used as a spot treatment or for foliar feeding.
Which should you choose? For most homeowners, granular is perfect for base feeding with occasional supplements of liquid.
Organic and Synthetic Fertilizer
Natural fertilizers are made from things like composted manure, seaweed, ground bone meal and crushed shells. They feed the soil as much as they feed the plant, benefiting long-term soil health. Milorganite is a favorite among many to be eco-friendly and work well for Zoysia.
Artificial fertilizers, such as Scotts Turf Builder, provide quick results and accurate nutrient ratios. They’re great for “quick fixes,” but they don’t do much for soil health.
In the end, however, combining the two would give the best of both worlds — quick performance with long-lasting sustainability.
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
This is a synthetic fertilizer specifically designed for Southern lawns, which includes Zoysia. It’s rich in nitrogen and fortified with patented WaterSmart® technology that helps grass absorb more water and nutrients.
Key Benefits:
- Promotes quick greening
- Grows a stronger Cart juniper that is more tolerant of drought and heat
- Will not cause burns when used as directed
Best Time to Seed: Late spring to early summer.
Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Milorganite is an organic option known for its slow-release nitrogen. It feeds your lawn for up to 10 weeks and is non-burning, making it beginner-friendly.
Key Benefits:
Key Benefits:
- Safe for our environment & pet friendly
- Encourages deep green color
- Improves soil health
Best Time to Apply: Late spring, midsummer and early fall.
The Andersons Professional PGF Complete Fertilizer
This professional-grade fertilizer is ideal for those looking to elevate their lawn care routine. It includes a blend of nutrients along with Humic DG, which helps improve soil structure.
Key Benefits:
- Specially formulated and pH balanced N-P-K for full feeding
- Fine powder for even application
- Ideal for the already established Zoysia lawn
Ideal Time to Apply: Spring and mid summer.
Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Food
A liquid alternative, this fertilizer has nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients. It’s awesome for people who are trying to quickly make their lawn darker.
Key Benefits:
- Simple to apply with a hose-end sprayer
- Fast-acting results
- For use on any type of grass, including Zoysia
How to Fertilize Zoysia Grass
Application Timing
When fertilizing Zoysia grass it does pay to abide by the phrase timing is everything. If you do it too early in the spring, you’ll encourage growth before the grass is ready and that will make it susceptible to late frosts. Fertilize too late in the fall, and you risk stimulating tender new growth just before the grass enters dormancy, which can make your lawn weaker.
Here is a rundown of the best fertilization schedule:
- Early Spring (March-April): Fertilize only when the grass begins to green. Feed with balanced fertilizer to stimulate growth.
- Late Spring to Early summer (Late May-June): This is when it grows the most. Use of high-nitrogen fertilizer for thick, green growth.
- Midsummer (July) A second light feeding may be beneficial if growth is even. Use a product with nitrogen and potassium.
- Late Summer to Early Fall (August-September): Concentrate on potassium rich fertilizers to condition the grass going into winter dormancy.
Don’t fertilize in winter or when dormant; it’s a waste of time and resources because the grass won’t be able to efficiently absorb the nutrients.
Application Methods
Just as with chemicals, fertilization can make or break your lawn, and how you apply will have everything to do with the result of all your hard work. For granular fertilizers, apply with a broadcast or drop spreader. And do follow the instructions of the manufacturer to the letter—most mishaps occur from over-applying or poor spreading.
A hose-end sprayer or pump sprayer is perfect for applying liquid fertilizers. Apply it when it is not so hot (early in the morning or late in the day) so you do not burn the grass. Unless otherwise specified on the product label, lightly water your turf following granular application of fertilizer.
Pro Tips:
- Always be sure to calibrate your spreader before application.
- Always apply to dry grass.
- Water in granular fertilizers except no-water-needed formula.
- Do not apply fertilizer immediately prior to a heavy rain.
Tips for Best Results
Want a lawn that turns heads? Follow these golden rules:
- Test your soil first. Don’t blindly add fertilizer. With a soil test, you can find out what your lawn really needs.
- Mow before fertilizing. This can prevent fertilizer from caking onto tall blades.
- Use slow-release fertilizers. They feed your lawn gradually, decreasing the possibility of burn.
- Stick to a schedule. Continue and the results will be better.
- Keep track of what you use. Keep a lawn journal with dates, products used, and what it produced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fertilizing Zoysia
Over-Fertilization Risks
The most common mistake homeowners make is over-fertilizing their Zoysia grass. It’s counterintuitive, but the more nutrients, in general, the less a plant grows. Too much nitrogen, for example, can lead to the following:
- Scorched Grass: Too much nitrogen can literally burn your lawn, leaving yellowish or brownish discolorations.
- Thatch Build-Up: Zoysia already produces more thatch than many grasses; too much fertilizer worsens the problem.
- Pest Problems: A super-lush lawn can draw more pests such as grubs.
- Disease: Fungal diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot can result from overfeeding.
A slow-release fertilizer accomplishes much to reduce this hazard, however, and as is usually the case with pesticides, following label directions is the key to safety.
Ignoring Soil Test Results
Not testing soil is akin to fixing an automobile without popping the hood. You need to understand pH and the amounts of other nutrients in your soil so you can make wise fertilization decisions. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can lock out nutrients, no matter how much you add.
Zoysia grass thrives in soil having a pH range from 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is too far outside of this range, fertilizers may not be taken up and your money and time may be wasted. You should ALWAYS test your soil every 1–2 years and amend it with lime or sulfur based on results.
Some other typical mistakes are:
- Fertilization in drought or in hot weather
- Wrong spreader setting
- Not watering in granular fertilizers
- Fertilizing too frequently
Avoid these mistakes and your lawn will thank you with robust growth.
How to Read Fertilizer Labels
Understanding N-P-K Ratios
You’ve noticed those three numbers on every bag of fertilizer — 10-10-10 or 16-4-8 — but what do they really mean? Below, these figures are the percentage:
- Nitrogen (N): In favor of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus (P): Promotes root growth.
- Potassium (K): Aids overall health and stress resistance.
For Zoysia grass, good ratios may be 15-0-15 or 16-4-8, depending on the condition of your lawn and the time of year. At the beginning of the season, balanced fertilizers are good. Choose higher nitrogen when actively growing. By fall, potassium is the star.
Selecting the Perfect Mixture for Zoysia
Excited about fertilizing food plants over time, knowing the differences between fertilizer varieties — by reading the labels carefully — and mixing up exactly the right blend for your needs?
| Season | Recommended N-P-K | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10-10-10 or 16-4-8 | Boost initial growth |
| Early Summer | 20-0-10 or 16-4-8 | Encourage dense turf |
| Late Summer | 15-0-15 or 8-2-12 | Increase stress tolerance |
| Fall | 6-0-20 or 10-0-14 | Prepare for dormancy |
High-phosphorus products should not be used unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Like any resource, excessive dependence can contribute to environmental problems (eg, water pollution).
Environmental Considerations
Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Practices
Zoysia is already an ecofriendly choice, requiring less water and fertilizer than certain other types of turf. But you can take it further by making sustainable fertilization choices.
- Go Organic: Products like Milorganite or compost tea feed the soil, not just the grass, and cut down on chemical runoff. They’re also safe for pets and kids.
- Precision Tools: With the spreaders, pre-calibration means even coverage and no more wasted grass seed, saves time and energy.
- Spot Treat: Apply fertilizer only where it’s needed, rather than the entire lawn each time.
- Let the Grass Clippings: This serves as natural fertilizer and feeds nitrogen back into the soil.
Preventing Runoff and Pollution
Fertilizer runoff isn’t only wasteful—it’s also bad for local waterways. It feeds algae blooms and is toxic to aquatic life.
Here’s how to prevent it:
- Don’t use fertilizer before a heavy rain.
- Keep fertilizer from sidewalks and driveways.
- Build a safe-haven near your storm drains or water bodies.
- Water the area gently after applying – enough to settle the product into the soil.
By doing these things, you are protecting your grass and the environment.
DIY Zoysia Grass Fertilizer Mixtures
Homemade Compost and Tea
If you’re the sort of person who likes to take a more natural, hands-on-approach to lawn care, the idea of making your own fertilizer might appeal to you. Homemade compost and compost tea are great ways to feed Zoysia grass and improve your soil’s overall health.
Compost contains organic matter, microbes, and nutrients to promote both root growth and soil structure. Homemade compost can be created from kitchen scraps (vegetable peels, coffee grounds), grass clippings, leaves and shredded newspaper. Spread a light layer (up to ¼ inch) directly on your lawn once or twice a year.
Compost tea An liquid form of compost that you can spray on your lawn or dirt. To make it:
- Fill a 5-gallon pail with water.
- Toss in a single shovelful of well-rotted compost.
- Allow it to steep 2–3 days, stirring from time to time.
- Filter the liquid and spray it on plants.
This feeds your Zoysia a mild dose of nutrients and helps continue to develop the beneficial microbes in your soil that help protect the life in your soil.
All-Natural Substances for Healthier Grass
There are also a couple of natural supplements to add to your lawn for a boost of power:
- Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate): It will help to green up your lawn. Use in very small quantities (1tbsp per gallon of water).
- Molasses: Food for good bugs. Add 1–2 tablespoons per gallon, and spray it on.
- Fish Emulsion—this is very high in ND and PK. It’s a potent organic liquid feed.
- Wood Ash: Has potassium and increases pH in acid soil (apply only if soil test indicates need).
They’re not as powerful as fertilizers you buy at the store, but they’re better for the environment and have soil benefits that will last a long time.
Comparing Fertilizer Brands
Price vs. Performance
When it comes to fertilizers, price often reflects performance, but not always. Some high-end brands include slow-release technology, micronutrients, and soil enhancers. Others rely heavily on marketing. Let’s break down a few comparisons:
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You don’t always have to go with the most expensive, and especially for smaller yards, you get a really good deal with these. But for larger or more rigorous lawns, splurging for a premium blend can prevent you from having to reapply too frequently or tolerate shoddy results.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Always take their input to the real world. Here’s what people most frequently report:
- Scotts Turf Builder: “Immediate results, but must be sure to follow directions to avoid burns.”
- Milorganite: “Good color, safe for pets, slow and steady improvement.”
- The Andersons PGF: “Professional grade results, worth the extra cost.”
- Simple Lawn Solutions: “Great for touch-ups and quick green-ups.”
If you are an avid reader read reviews, you might want to consider which kind best aligns with your lawn care goals and lifestyle.
Fertilization Schedule for Zoysia Grass
Monthly Breakdown
With a month-by-month plan, you can keep your lawn consistently healthy. Read below for an easy-to-understand overview, specifically for warm season Zoysia grass:
- March: Start recording the temperatures. No feed until regular growth commences.
- April: Feed After Zoysia greens up feed it with a balanced fertilizer (such as 16-4-8).
- May–June: Feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer. This is prime growing time.
- July: An optional light feed if the grass is growing well.
- August: Change out to a high potassium fertilizer (e.g., 8-2-12) to harden the grass
- September: Last feeding before dormancy, heavy on potassium, light on nitrogen.
- October to February No fertilizing; the grass is dormant.
Adjusting for Climate Zones
But your own fertilization window will depend on your climate zone. For example:
- Southern States (Zone 8–10): Start fertilizing in early April and feed through September.
- Zone 7 Transition Zone: Begin in Late April, End in Early September.
- Cooler Climates (Zone 6 and Lower): Zoysia may have difficulty—less applications and typically later in spring.
Time your planting according to your local frost dates and average temps for best results.
Incorporating Fertilization in the Lawn Care Schedule
Cutting and Watering and Aerating
You’re not going to get a magazine-perfect lawn simply by fertilizing. It’s only one piece of the puzzle.
- Mowing: Keep Zoysia mowed at 1.5–2 inches. Do not cut back more than 1/3 of the blade at a time.
- Water: Best to water deeply and occasionally. Aim for 1 inch a week, including rain.
- Aerating: A single core aeration once a year (in the spring or fall) can help fertilizer to reach the roots more efficiently.
When you coordinate your fertilizing schedule with mowing and watering schedules, your lawn can absorb nutrients more fully.
Monitoring and Planning Health of the Lawn
There is no need to get fancy, just start a very basic lawn journal or download a lawn lawncare app so you can keep record of:
- Type of Fertilizer and Date of Application
- Weather conditions
- Mowing and watering frequency
- Soil test results
This tracking can help you identify what works and adjust season by season, as necessary.
Troubleshooting Fertilizer Issues
Yellowing Grass and Burn Spots
If you see yellow or brown spots subsequent to fertilizer application, these may be the culprits:
- Overdoing it on the nitrogen — which results in chemical burns.
- Fertilizer on wet grass Can stick to blades and cause spotting.
- Lack of attention: Unequal distribution makes for uneven growth.
To fix it:
- Water the region well to leach off extra fertilizer.
- Rake out dead patches and overseed if necessary with Zoysia plugs.
Patchy Growth and Thinning
That patchiness also could be from no fertilization at all. They could be due to:
- Soil compaction
- Poor drainage
- Pests or fungal disease
Nonetheless, insufficient or uneven fertilization can aggravate the problem. Aerate, top-dress with compost and modify your feeding regimen to assist Zoysia fill in with its own accord.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Feeding your Zoysia grass properly is one of the best things you can do for a lush, green lawn that turns heads all season long. It all comes down to choosing the right fertilizer, applying it at the right times, and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you go with a top-brand synthetic option like Scotts or lean into organic approaches like Milorganite or compost tea, the most important part is consistency.
A beautiful lawn isn’t born—it’s built with care, patience, and the right nutrients at the right time.
FAQs
How Often Should You Fertilize Zoysia Grass?
In a typical year, 3–4 times: once in spring, 1–2 times in summer, once in early fall.
When is the best time to fertilize Zoysia?
Late spring-early summer is a good time, when the grass is in active growth and will be able to take up nutrients properly.
Can I apply the same fertilizer to other grasses?
Some fertilizers would suffice for all grasses, but getting Zoysia mixes would be better since it has unique requirements.
Can Fertilize Before Rain?
Rain showers can aid in dissolving and leaching a granular fertilizer. But a heavy rain can wash it away — be sure to check the forecast.
How long before I see results?
In 7–10 days for liquid and 2–3 weeks for slow-release granular types, you should notice greener grass.
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