Can you put fertilizer on zoysia grass?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can and should fertilize zoysia grass. Fertilizing helps zoysia grass develop a deep, extensive root system and lush, dense blades. Most experts recommend fertilizing zoysia 1-2 times per year, in early summer and/or early fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio such as 16-4-8 or 10-10-10. Follow label instructions for proper application rate and method. Take care not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the grass.

When to Fertilize Zoysia Grass

The best times to fertilize zoysia grass are early summer (late May/early June) and/or early fall (late August/early September):

  • Early summer fertilization helps zoysia recover from spring growth and thrive through the hot summer months.
  • Early fall fertilization helps zoysia grass store nutrients and carbohydrates for winter survival, as well as green up faster in spring.

Avoid fertilizing in spring, as this can encourage excessive top growth and disease. Also avoid fertilizing in late fall after grass growth has slowed, as unused nutrients may leach out over winter.

Key Summer Fertilization Tips

When fertilizing in early summer:

  • Choose a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 16-4-8.
  • Apply at 1 lb of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. For example, apply a 16-4-8 fertilizer at a rate of 6.25 lbs per 1000 sq ft (1/16 of 6.25 lbs is 1 lb of nitrogen).
  • Water lightly after application to help nutrients soak into the soil.

Key Fall Fertilization Tips

For fall zoysia fertilization:

  • Use a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus, such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-15.
  • Apply at 0.5-1 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. For a 10-10-10 fertilizer, this equals 5-10 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
  • Water in nutrients and avoid foot traffic until grass is dry.

How Often to Fertilize

Most experts recommend fertilizing zoysia grass 1-2 times per year:

  • Once per year: Apply in early fall at 1 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft.
  • Twice per year: Apply 1 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft in early summer, and 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft in early fall.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive top growth, increased mowing requirements, and disease problems.

Signs It’s Time to Fertilize

Watch for these signs your zoysia lawn needs fertilizer:

  • Pale green or yellowing color
  • Slow growth and regrowth after mowing
  • Thinning or bare patches
  • Weak resistance to foot traffic

If your zoysia exhibits any of these issues, fertilization may help improve grass health and vigor.

Choosing a Fertilizer

Select a high-quality granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio near 1-1-1, such as:

  • 16-4-8
  • 10-10-10
  • 5-10-15
  • Milorganite – 6-4-0

Avoid “weed and feed” products, as these typically don’t provide sufficient nutrition for zoysia.

Slow-release and organic fertilizers can provide longer-lasting nutrition with less burn risk. However, they often lack the phosphorus zoysia needs. Use them to supplement synthetic fertilizer, not replace it entirely.

Key Nutrients for Zoysia

  • Nitrogen: Promotes shoot and leaf growth. Deficiency causes pale yellow color.
  • Phosphorus: Aids root, seed, and overall plant growth. Deficiency stunts development.
  • Potassium: Important for stress and disease resistance. Deficiency weakens grass.

A ratio near 1-1-1 supplies balanced nutrition. Additional iron may help correct yellowing due to iron deficiency.

How to Apply Fertilizer to Zoysia Grass

Follow these tips for proper fertilizer application:

  • Mow your zoysia before fertilizing to allow better nutrient absorption.
  • Use a broadcast or drop spreader for even coverage.
  • Apply half the recommended rate in one direction, then the other half perpendicular to the first.
  • Avoid applying to sidewalks, driveways, or patios to prevent runoff.
  • Sweep up any stray granules that land on hard surfaces.
  • Water lightly after fertilizing to dissolve granules and soak nutrients into soil.

Follow safety precautions and re-entry intervals listed on the fertilizer bag. Keep pets and children off treated grass until dried.

Liquid vs. Granular Fertilizer

Either liquid or granular fertilizer can effectively feed zoysia:

  • Liquid: Faster greenup but requires more frequent applications. Use for supplemental feeding.
  • Granular: Provides longer-lasting nutrition. Fewer applications needed.

Use liquid fertilizer for targeted treatment of problem spots or for micronutrient corrections. Rely on granular fertilizer for whole-lawn feedings 1-2 times per year.

Special Fertilizer Considerations

Tailor your zoysia fertilization practices to your specific environment:

New Zoysia Sod or Plugs

Boost newly laid zoysia sod or plugs with frequent light feeding:

  • First 4 weeks – 0.25 lb N per 1000 sq ft every 2 weeks.
  • Next 8 weeks – 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft every 4 weeks.

This encourages faster establishment without excessive top growth.

High Traffic Areas

Increase feeding frequency for high foot traffic zones:

  • Apply 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft in early summer, early fall, and late fall.
  • Consider supplemental liquid feeding if grass struggles to recover.

The extra nutrients support growth and recovery where grass experiences more wear.

Shady Lawns

Reduce fertilizer rates by half in dense shade:

  • Apply only 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft once in early fall.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen summer fertilizers which exacerbate shade stress.

Less fertilizer is needed since growth is limited by shade. Excess nitrogen harms grass struggling with reduced sunlight.

Warm Season Grasses

Where warm season grasses like bermuda encroach on zoysia, increase fertilizer to help the zoysia compete:

  • Apply 1 lb N per 1000 sq ft in early and late summer.
  • Mow frequently to a height favoring zoysia over bermuda and other invaders.

The extra fertilizer boosts zoysia’s growth and ability to crowd out encroaching grasses.

Fertilizing Established vs. New Zoysia Grass

Fertilize newly planted zoysia grass more frequently but at lighter rates:

Timeframe Established Zoysia Newly Planted Zoysia
First 4 weeks after planting None 0.25 lb N per 1000 sq ft every 2 weeks
Next 8 weeks None 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft every 4 weeks
Early Summer 1 lb N per 1000 sq ft 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft
Early Fall 1 lb N per 1000 sq ft 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft

Light, frequent feeding encourages root development in new sod or plugs without excessive top growth. Apply normal fertilization rates once the zoysia is established (after first summer).

Signs of Fertilizer Burn on Zoysia Grass

Applying too much fertilizer at once can burn zoysia grass. Watch for these signs of fertilizer burn:

  • Pale green or yellowed leaf blades
  • Leaf tips turning brown or black
  • Damaged leaf tissue
  • Thinning turf
  • Dieback of grass blades

If you notice fertilizer burn, water the grass deeply to leach out excess salts and minerals from the soil. Avoid over-fertilization by following label directions and splitting applications into smaller doses.

Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass

Look for fertilizers with an NPK ratio close to 1-1-1 to provide balanced nutrition for zoysia lawns. Recommended options include:

  • Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action – 16-4-8 ratio with iron
  • Milorganite – 6-4-0 slow-release organic nitrogen
  • Sta-Green Plant Food – 29-0-5 ratio for early summer greenup
  • Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal – 15-0-5 with iron and magnesium

Avoid weed and feed fertilizers, as zoysia needs more phosphorus than these provide. Instead, use standalone weed control products and fertilizers separately for best results.

Tips for Picking the Best Fertilizer

When selecting a fertilizer for zoysia:

  • Choose granular over liquid for whole-lawn care
  • Look for NPK ratios from 10-10-10 to 16-4-8
  • Seek slow-release nitrogen for steady feeding
  • Make sure phosphorus level is equal to or higher than potassium
  • Select reputable brands marketed for southern lawns

Follow label instructions carefully to avoid misapplication. More expensive fertilizers are not necessarily better. An affordable granular fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio will sufficiently feed zoysia.

Natural Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass

Organic and natural fertilizer options for zoysia lawns include:

Compost and Compost Tea

Compost provides a range of macronutrients, while compost tea supplies beneficial microbes. Spread a 1/4 inch layer of compost over the lawn in early fall. Spray compost tea monthly during the growing season.

Corn Gluten Meal

This organic source of nitrogen (9-0-0) feeds zoysia when applied at a rate of 20 lbs per 1000 sq ft in early fall. It also provides weed prevention.

Manure and Biosolids

Pelleted, composted manure and biosolids fertilize zoysia with slow-release nitrogen and phosphorus. Manure may spread disease, so source carefully.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds contain nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients. Work them into soil around the grass roots or use in compost. Limit to 1 lb per 100 sq ft per month.

Seaweed and Fish Products

Fish meal, fish emulsion, and seaweed (kelp) provide micronutrients, amino acids, and growth hormones that support zoysia health. Follow label instructions.

Fertilizing Zoysia Grass in Clay or Sandy Soil

Tailor fertilization practices to your soil type:

Clay Soils

  • Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady nutrient supply.
  • Apply lighter doses, such as 0.75 lb N per 1000 sq ft.
  • Split into smaller applications spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
  • Aerate regularly to improve drainage and nutrient penetration.

Clay soils are prone to fertilizer burn. Light, frequent doses ensure zoysia gets nutrients without risk of overexposure.

Sandy Soils

  • Choose fertilizers with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.
  • Apply heavier doses – up to 1.5 lb N per 1000 sq ft.
  • Water deeply after fertilizing to prevent leaching.
  • Reapply mid-season if growth slows or color dulls.

Sandy soils drain quickly and do not retain nutrients well. Heavier doses of slow-release fertilizer sustain growth longer.

How to Fix an Over-fertilized Zoysia Lawn

If you over-fertilize zoysia grass, follow these recovery tips:

  • Water thoroughly to flush salts down through soil.
  • Reduce fertilization rate and frequency next application.
  • Apply compost or compost tea to add beneficial microbes.
  • Adjust mower height up to reduce grass stress.
  • Seed or sod damaged areas if dieback is severe.
  • Consider a potassium spray to force nitrogen utilization.

With proper care, zoysia can recover from fertilizer burn. But it’s best to always follow label directions to prevent overexposure.

Conclusion

Fertilizing zoysia grass improves color, growth rate, and overall lawn health. For best results, use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK similar to 10-10-10 or 16-4-8. Apply at 1-2 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft, split between early summer and fall. Proper fertilization encourages deep roots, thick growth, and vibrant color in zoysia lawns. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you risk fertilizer burn damage. Monitor grass health and fertilize as needed based on color, density, and growth rate.

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