Best Weed Killers for Zoysia Lawns

What is Zoysia Grass?

Zoysia grass is that friend that you can always depend on, when the lawn should always look good, be green and neat without much attention. Native to Asia, with a thick growth habit and a tolerance for heat, drought and foot traffic, Zoysia emerged as a favorite for many lawns in the South and the transition zone from North to South in the United States. It creates a dense mat that is perfect for home or commercial use.

This turf variety is a warm season grass & does Better in USDA zones in 6-11. It won’t need mowing as often as the lawn and, since it’s dense to start with, it’s less susceptible to some weed infestations. But that doesn’t make it immune. Under less than ideal care, zoysia can still get choked to death by weeds — particularly if it’s thin or stressed.

Another huge plus? Zoysia is decent with moderate amounts of light shade. Though it does love the sun, it can keep its lush appearance in locations with only a few hours of sunlight. That makes it super flexible for homeowners with trees or shaded areas in their yards.

Why Zoysia Lawns are Popular

The aesthetic beauty of zoysia is one of the primary reasons why people decide for this turf. It has a fine to medium blade texture and remains a vibrant green color that turns golden-brown during the winter, but bounces back to life in spring. The carpet-like habit serves to keep many types of weeds from even gaining a toehold —although occasional weed control treatments are necessary to keep it unsullied.

Zoysia is also fairly resistant to disease and pests. Add to it its drought tolerance and you have a lawn that needs fewer chemicals and less water than other turf types such as Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue. That’s a score for your wallet and the environment.

Typical Weeds in Zoysia Grass Lawns

Broadleaf Weeds

Broadleaf weeds are major bullies in Zoysia lawns. Think dandelions, clover, chickweed and plantain. The weed is readily identifiable due to the large, flat leaves. They are also very noticeable, and they make the orderly lawn you worked so hard on look sloppy.

The problem with broadleaf weeds is that they tend to be aggressive and like to propagate by seed, too. If you allow them to flower and go to seed, you will have compounded problems next season. They’re competing with your grass for nutrients and water and sunlight. So your dense Zoysia could start to look patchy if broadleaf weeds get the upper hand.

The good news? Broadleaf weeds can be pretty straightforward to treat with selective herbicides that won’t kill your grass. Those containing the chemicals 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba will be particularly effective and will knock them out quickly.

Grassy Weeds

These are a bit harder to identify and combat, because they look like your turf. Crabgrass, foxtail and goose grass are the nominal culprits in this case. They grow from seeds during the spring months and if you don’t remove them early, they can spread rapidly.

Grassy weeds that will love these weakened or bare spots in your lawn. When they set in, they spread rapidly, doing battle with your Zoysia for all the things that Zoysia requires to flourish. Because they resemble grass, they may not be spotted until they have spread widely.

Your best friend here is pre-emergent herbicides. And when applied in early spring, they prevent these weeds from growing in the first place. For infestations you already have, you’ll want a post-emergent weed killer that targets grassy weed without damaging your Zoysia.

Sedges and Nutgrass

Sedges, particularly yellow and purple nutsedge, are also frequent invaders of Zoysia turf. At first glance, they resemble grass, but they grow faster and they have a shiny, triangular stem. These weeds thrive in damp, poorly drained soil, and can spread rapidly via underground tubers known as nutlets.

The worst part? Nutsedge is so tough. Mowing it down doesn’t help much — it will just come back stronger. To get control of it, you will need a selective herbicide formulated for sedges, such as Halosulfuron (SedgeHammer) or Sulfentrazone, which are made specifically to knock out sedges without damaging your lawn.

Maintaining good drainage for your yard and not overwatering, as well as improving soil structure, also help keep sedges from becoming invasive.

Selective vs Non-Selective Herbicides Explained

Spot Weed Killers And How They Work

The lawn enthusiast’s dream tool is the selective herbicide. They are made to only kill certain weeds — such as broadleaf or grassy invaders — while sparing the desirable turfgrass. Selective herbicides are the way to go for Zoysia lawns since they allow you to kill the bad guys while sparing the good stuff.

These herbicides act on the basis of selective differences in physiology between the turfgrass and the weed. For instance, quite a few broadleaf herbicides interfere with growth hormones that are unique to dicots (broadleaf plants), but other plants such as monocots (example; Zoysia grass) are unaffected.

So if you find a weed like clover or dandelion has emerged in your Zoysia lawn, a selective herbicide containing 2,4-D, Dicamba or MCPP can make quick work without any collateral damage.

Non-Selective Weed Killers -What Are They and How Are They Used?

Nonselective herbicides are the nukes. They murder whatever they touch — grass, weeds, flowers, the works. Use these primarily on spot treatments where you want total vegetation control (around driveway cracks, on sidewalks, or in areas you plan to reseed later).

Employing non-selective herbicides on Zoysia grass is a dangerous game unless you’re being super careful. An errant spray can murder big patches of your gorgeous lawn, costing you a fortune to fix.

If you must use one, tools like weed wands or shields can mitigate the harm. These include non-selective choices like products containing glyphosate (Roundup), but again, be careful when using them.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides vs Post-Emergent Herbicides

Pre-emergent herbicides form a chemical barrier in the soil, preventing seeds of weeds from sprouting. These are good for annual weeds such as crabgrass and should be put down in early spring before the soil temperature exceeds 55°F.

Post-emergent herbicides tackle weeds that have already sprouted. These are your go-to for killing visible weeds during the growing season.

Knowing where and how to use each type can significantly enhance the success of your weed control.

Best 5 Weed Killers for Zoysia

Tenacity herbicide

Persistence is the MVP in defending your Zoysia lawn against stubborn weeds. This selective type of herbicide is long known for its power to kill more than 40 different types of weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover and nutsedge. Tenacity is unique in that it is both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide, and has a wide variety of application options.

What makes it particularly appealing for Zoysia is that it has minimal impact on desirable grasses. Tenacity kills weeds through contact, including a number of turf types such as Zoysia, and it does so without harming the turf. A single application can offer control for as long as 4 weeks and when tank mixed with a surfactant, customers receive an even more powerful performance.

When applying Tenacity:

Dilute at a rate of 0.5 tsp. per gallon of water.

Apply a surfactant to increase absorption.

Best performance is achieved when applied to active weed growth.

Ortho Weed B Gon

Good for: This easy-to-use option from a trusted name in weed killers, Ortho Weed B Gon is a solid pick for anyone who likes simple solutions with a recognizable brand.. It's effective on more than 250 broadleaf weeds, and is safe for use on Zoysiagrass when applied as directed.

Weed B Gon is especially adept at combating dandelions, clover, and oxalis—three of the most prevalent lawn horrors. This post emergent spray can be used directly on actively growing weeds and usually progresses for visibly results in 2 to 4 days.

Application is easy:

It can be mounted on a hose or can be used with a hand type sprayer.

Treat when weeds are actively growing.

Do not mow 1-2 days prior to or following application.

It’s affordability, accessibility and user friendliness have made it a favorite among homeowners who want a quick fix without sacrificing their lawn’s health.

Spectracide Weed Stop

Another great post-emergent herbicide that’s safe for use with Zoysia lawns is Spectracide Weed Stop. It has a fast-acting formula that delivers visible results in just 3 hours, so it’s perfect for quickly seeing the outcome and ideal for use by homeowners wanting to shake up the scenery with instant impact.

It has 2,4-D and Dicamba — two powerful weed killers that are strong on broad-leaf weeds and weeds, but mild on lawns. Whether you’ve got creeping Charlie or spurge, this product is for you.

Some benefits of using Spectracide:

Available in ready-to-spray and concentrate.

Will not damage the lawn when used as directed.

Acts fast even when hot out.

Best results if used during dry conditions and do not water for six hours after treatment.

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D

That is a commercial grade weed killer for anyone who wants to have the most effective weed elimination. Southern Ag’s Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is popular among landscapers due to the way it focuses on broadleaf weeds. It doesn’t play around — one dose has been known to annihilate even the most stubborn invaders.

It’s particularly good at stopping dandelions, plantains and other broadleaf weeds and is safe for most southern grass, including Zoysia. A little bit can go a long way, a cost-effective solution for big lawns.

Usage tips:

Dilute 2-3 tbsps per gallon of water.

For appropriate application a hand-held sprayer is utilized.

Don’t Say: You can drift on a windy day.

While a commercial formula may be more than you need if you have a tiny yard, it’s just right for people who want professional-grade results at home.

Bayer Advanced Season Long Weed Control

If you’re sick of lathering on again and again, this is the one for you. Bayer Advanced Season Long Weed Control kills existing weeds and prevents new ones from growing for up to 6 months with just one application of this proprietary formula. It’s great for homeowners who are looking to control weeds with a “set it and forget it” type of routine.

This product is for use established Zoysia lawns with weeds as a problem. It will die on contact broadleaf weeds and will remain the soil weed-free with residual action.

Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Provides long-term control.

Rainproof in 1 hour.

Easy-to-use hose-end sprayer.

Just be careful with your timing of application — you’ll want to do it in the spring or early summer, and overapplication can strain your lawn.

How to Spray Weed Killer on Zoysia Grass

Before Applying -Preparations

Before you touch that sprayer, you’ve got to prep your lawn. It’s not just a matter of grabbing a sprayer and going to town. A little preemptive smart moves will give you maximum results and safeguard your Zoysia.

Begin with mowing the lawn 2–3 days in advance. Trimming it down allows the herbicide to soak to the base of the weed without harming the blades of grass. But don’t scalp it — just mow the normal Zoysia height (1 to 2 inches).

If the ground is dry, water your lawn the day before you apply any weed killer. This helps to keep the grass hydrated, which will then reduce the chances of stress from applying chemicals. But don’t spray immediately after watering — that’ll dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness.

Lastly, identify your weeds. Easy enough, except that misidentifying them will get you the wrong product. Is it broadleaf? Grassy? Sedge? It makes all the difference to know.

Ideal Weather and Timing

It is all about the timing in terms of weed control. Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied in early spring with Zoysia (late February to early March) and just before it reaches 55°F so that warm season weeds like crabgrass don’t sprout.

Spring post-emergent applications are best performed when:

The range in temperature is 60°F to 85°F.

Weeds are actively growing.

No rain in the forecast for 24 hours.

Do not apply under extreme hot or dry conditions, because the lawn is stressed and it may not respond well to herbicides. And don’t plant on windy days — you don’t want anything drifting onto flowers or garden beds.

Application Tips for Best Results

Want results? Here are a few tried-and-true pro tips:

Apply with spray indicator dye if you want to be sure what you have already coated.

Use in smooth and sweeping strokes, with no overlap and no missed areas.

For optimum spraying, a fan-tip nozzle should be used.

If you use granular herbicides, water them in unless the product label says otherwise.

Don’t mow or water for 2 days after the product is used.

Read the label, always, always. It’s there for a reason. Failure to follow directions may cause burned lawn or inefficient weed control.

DIY Natural Weed Killers for Zoysia Lawns

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to kill those weeds without pulling out the big guns of the chemical sort. Enter natural, homemade weed killers. These DIY homemade weed killers are not as strong as commercial herbicides, yet they can be quite eco-friendly and pet safe, particularly if used against fewer weeds in Zoysia lawns.

Here are some recipes that might be useful:

Vinegar-Based Weed Killer

1 gal of white vinegar (5% acetic acid)

1 cup of salt

1 tablespoon of dish soap

Combine all ingredients and apply directly to weeds on a sunny day. The vinegar and salt dry out the plant, while the dish soap makes the solution stick. Caution: This mix is nonselective; it will also kill grass. Limit its application to spot treatments for individual weeds.

Boiling Water

Exactly what it sounds like — boiling water from the tea kettle directly dumped onto the weed. Easy, quick, and free of chemicals. But it easily can harm neighboring grass if not spread precisely.

Corn Gluten Meal

A pre-emergent herbicide which inhibits weed seed germination. The testosterone is applied across your lawn in early spring. It also functions as a fertilizer, rich in nitrogen.

Lemon Juice Spray

100% lemon juice or lemon juice combined with vinegar can also serve as a natural weed killer. Its natural acidity erodes weed cell walls. Again, spot-treat weeds, not your entire lawn.

These home treatments work best when there is moderate infestation. For bigger weed issues, they may need to be paired with conventional herbicide use or preventive maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Natural Solutions

Pros:

Planet friendly and 100% biodegradable

Safe for kids and pets

Cheap and easy to make

No chemicals that will make its way to the storm drains

Cons:

Non-selective and may injure Zoysia if not used properly

Not very powerful on challenging or well-established weeds

Require repeated applications

Slow to show visible results

If you want to have it both ways use natural remedies for spots and chemical for seasonal lawn-wide applications.

Common Herbicide Mistakes To Avoid

Overdosing and Its Effects

If you believe more herbicide leads to better results, you are absolutely wrong. Over-application is one of the most frequent and expensive errors homeowners make in maintaining their lawns. It is not only not more effective at killing weeds but you will also have a high probability of burning your Zoysia lawn, producing bare spots, and potentially contaminate ground water.

Overuse can:

Turn your grass yellow or brown

Cause resistance to herbicides in alr weeds

Disrupt soil microbes and beneficial insects

Always follow the label’s mix ratio and application instructions. If a product says "1 oz per gallon," don’t eyeball it—use a measuring tool. Too much can ruin a perfectly healthy lawn and force you into a lengthy recovery process.

Mixing the Wrong Chemicals

You wouldn’t mix ammonia with bleach, would you? The herbicides and lawn care products get you on the other side. Some homeowners look to save time mixing weed killer with fertilizer or other sprays, but not all chemicals get along.

Mixing the wrong products can:

Render their performance impotent

All of which creates terrible chemical reactions.

Presenter Cause unplanned destruction to your lawn

You can use tank-mixing products, but as with anything, read the label and compare it before using on the field or garden. When in doubt, don’t mix it. Apply multiple apps with adequate gaps in between.

Pro tip: Mix in the right order each and every time! For herbicides, the water typically goes first, then the herbicide and also a surfactant (if the herbicide requires it).

Integrating Weed Control into Lawn Care Routine

Mowing Tips for Zoysia

The way you mow your Zoysia grass can be huge whenever it comes to preventing weeds. Zoysia grows best when mown to a height of 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Mowing too closely — a condition known as scalping — may stress the grass, leaving openings for weeds to enter.

Follow these best practices for the mowing:

Don’t trim more than 1/3rd of the length of the blade each time

Keep your mower blades sharp

How often do I need to mow? More frequently during peak growth periods (spring/summer).

A neat, level cut helps foster thick growth, which can naturally outcompete weeds by denying them sunlight and space to germinate.

Bagging vs. mulching? And if you have a weed-ridden lawn, bag your clippings to help prevent seeds from spreading. After the situation is corrected, mulching replenishes nutrients to the soil.

Fertilization Schedules

Feeding your zoysia at the right time not only maintains lush-looking grass but encourages your turf to outcompete weeds. A healthy lawn will be your best offense.

Here’s an example fertilization plan:

Late Spring (May – June): Feed with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.

Midsummer (July): Feed again but not in high heat if the lawn is stressed.

Early Fall (September): Light feeding to help in preparation for dormancy.

Don’t fertilize too early in spring — it can stimulate the growth of weeds before the grass has fully emerged from dormancy. And don’t fertilize too late in the season; Zoysia requires time to harden itself off for winter dormancy.

Watering Practices

Overwatering is a surefire way to encourage weeds like nutsedge and crabgrass. Zoysia is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need frequent watering. Aim for deep, infrequent watering—about 1 inch per week, including rainfall.

To reduce weed pressure:

Water early in the morning

Avoid watering in the evening, as that invites fungal problems

Monitor hydration with a rain gauge or moisture meter

A smart sprinkler system can be especially useful in this regard, making the process far less of a chore and much more efficient.

Safety Tips When Using Weed Killers

Protecting Pets and Kids

Safety for you and your family: You’d also want to ensure your family’s safety when using herbicides. Always:

Prevent pets and children from going on the lawn until the product is dry.

Use animal-friendly products if you can.

Keep chemicals in a locked closet, away from children.

Some products are safe within hours, whereas others may need 24–48 hours. Never re-enter the treated area until dry.

Proper Storage and Disposal

There is a dangerous way to store herbicides. Follow these quick rules:

Keep in fresh dry place away from direct sunlight.

Don’t throw leftovers down the drain, even if you have prudently avoided the wisdom of flushing them down the toilet; take them to a hazardous waste site and drop them off.

Always store them in their original boxes with the labels on them.

Price Comparison on Top Brand Weed Killers

Budget-Friendly Options

If you can’t afford to spend a lot, search out concentrated formulas such as:

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D – Inexpensive and works on broadleaf weeds.

Ortho Weed B Gon -Amazing results and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Ready-to-use sprays are convenient but expensive per application.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Spending the extra on a more expensive item such as Tenacity may seem costly at the time however you’ll get a much better return on your investment in the long run:

Requires fewer applications

Covers large areas

Works on many weed types

Consider cost per 1,000 sq. ft. when comparing products.

Environmental Considerations

Eco-Friendly Weed Killers

For a more environmentally friendly lawn care routine, opt for:

Natural Pre-Emergents, such as corn gluten meal

Natural vinegar-based spot treatments

Eco-friendly, low-impact herbicides

They’re also safer for bees, pets and waterways.

Reducing Runoff and Pollution

Prevent pollution by:

No applications when rain is expected

Not spraying on windy days

Resorting to producing spot treatments in favor of blanket sprays if possible

Used correctly, it’s good for both your lawn and the planet.

Professional Tips for Caring for Zoysia Lawns

Advice From the Pros: Lawn Care Tips

Pros suggest:

Pre-emergent herbicides in early spring

Making it shade the weed seeds by mowing high

Using post-emergents when necessary

Keeping Zoysia well watered and thick is your best strategy.

Dispelling myths

Dangerous, deadly myths like “weed killers kill grass” or “more herbicide equals better results.” To get the best results, stick with labeled rates and timing.

Conclusion

Zoysia lawns are a resilient and attractive choice – but they require smart weed control to thrive. From options that are pre- and post-emergent to natural methods to expert-recommended products, there are plenty of ways to ensure a weed-free lawn. Just don’t forget: timing, precision and a little TLC are everything. A well cared for Zoysia grass lawn can easily fight against weeds, which can save you time and money down the road.

FAQs

What is the Best Weed Killer for Zoysia Grass?

Selective herbicides (example, Ortho Weed B Gon or Tenacity) if used according to the label is safe.

How often should you put weed killer on Zoysia?

Use pre-emergents once in early spring and post-emergents as necessary while the weeds are growing.

Will vinegar kill weeds in my Zoysia lawn?

Yes, but it’s non-selective and can hurt your grass. Use it for spot treatments only.

Can weed killer and fertilizer be used together?

Unless of course the same product is formulated to perform both purposes. If not, space them out so as not to stress the grass.

What is the best time of year to spray weed killer?

For pre-emergents, early spring and, for post-emergents, late spring through early summer, when weeds are growing.