Aptly grown Zoysia grass is like a soft carpet, suitable for walking, playing, and heavy traffic. This “warm-season” grass is mostly known in Asian countries since the 1900s. After all, it is perennial that means it remains green for a long time throughout the year. So lately, the US and other parts of the world welcomed this grass with huge interest.
What’s so greatness of it? Do you need the best fertilizer for Zoysia grass for its growth?
The greatness of this grass is immense. They can form soft carpets and make the lawn evenly green and beautiful. Besides, these grasses have high tolerance power to heat and drought. After all, they are perennials, so that they remain green for a long time throughout the year. Even your kids will love to play on the lawn full of Zoysia.
Most importantly, you need to use fertilizer for its proper growth. Fertilizers can accurately confront the nutrients like NPK needs. It stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) those are an essential source of nutrients. In this article, you will get big ideas for choosing suitable fertilizers for Zoysia grasses.
List of Best Zoysia Grass Fertilizer
1. Best Dual-Action Formula: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food Fertilizer
“enables faster and more durable greens at the lawn.”
2. Best pH Balancing: The Andersons Professional Fertilizer
“NPK with Humic DG maintains the balance of pH for proper growth of grass.”
3. Best for Turf Green: Advanced Balanced NPK
“experts-made product for sufficient nutrients feeding.”
4. Best Organic: Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
“a formula of recycled nutrients made from water reclamation processes.”
5. Best Slow-release Formula: GreenView Fairway Lawn Fertilizer
“contains maximum nitrogen with 63% slow-release formula for longtime feeding.”
Best time to fertilize zoysia grass?
Zoysia grass commonly grows from Zoysia sod or plug and sometimes seeds. You can find different variations of this grass. Zoysia Japonica, Zoysia Matrella etc. are popular among them. Zoysia grasses grow as dense turf. They can withstand drought, extreme heat, and traffic.
Usually, they go dormant in the winter or cold seasons. The grass becomes brown and dry. This is not a suitable time for fertilizing the Zoysia. It can “wake up” for growing but may get damages for the cool temperature. So, the best time of fertilization is the eve of spring. Then, you can use it again in mid-summer and before the dormancy.
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass Reviews 2021
We can understand why you are here but nothing to worry about. Again, it is true that some counties of Florida has banned the use of fertilizers. But you can still get knowledge from this content. Even you can apply them too if your county permits.
Our experts on garden and lawn maintenance have vast experience in planting and caring for Zoysia grasses. Some products we used were too impressive; some were opposites. So, we are sharing the knowledge of some great Zoysia grass fertilizers among all the products. Have a read on it:
1. Scotts Green Max Lawn Food Fertilizer
Scotts produces numerous garden and lawn care products. Green Max fertilizer is devised for applying in distinct grass growth and plantation. The dual-action formula gives sufficient nutrients to the grasses like Zoysia. You would love to see a greener lawn grass within just three days.
We saw the 33.33 pounds pack showing the NPK ratio 27-0-2. It means it has a significant quantity of nitrogen for the faster growth of grasses. Additionally, the 5.17% helps to achieve the healthiness of grass faster. You can cover up to 10000 sq. feet area with a single pack of lawn food.
This is an all-season fertilizer, applicable in spring, summer, or fall. But it will not stain the concrete, sideways, and other surfaces if applied following given direction. We have found it inactive on dead grass. But the brown grass can quickly turn into deep greens and withstand heat and drought well.
What makes it different:
Dual-action formula with 5.17% iron releases nutrients consistently for faster and durable greener grasses. It can work on most lawns for growing Zoysia grasses.
- A high level of nitrogen besides iron produces lush green grasses
- Dual-action formula – sufficient feeding and faster effects
- One pack can cover up to 10000 sq. feet area
- Applicable in any season without staining concretes
- Increases the grass power to bear the heat and heavy traffic
- Pet & child-friendly granular fertilizer
- Requires a lot of watering for better result
- May burn the Zoysia grass if you don’t follow the directions
2. The Andersons Professional PGF Complete Fertilizer with Humic
Almost 70 years, the Andersons are engaged in making gardening and lawn care better and flexible. PGF or professional-grade fertilizer is a fantastic creation for landscaping with Zoysia grass. The manufacturer has put their talent, experience, and of course, the necessary nutrients in it.
If you love to see your lawn green and attractive, PGF complete Zoysia grass fertilizer is there for you. It has a 16-4-8 (4-1-2) NPK ratio and Humic DG for balancing pH level with a slow release of nutrients. In fact, we found it as a regular type of fertilizer for any grass for its lower nitrogen strength. You can choose any of 18- or 40-pounds packs.
It has super fine mini particles, which perform the same as other fertilizers at a reduced quantity. The even distribution of the lawn food is also a significant part. Once you apply the product, grasses will get feed up to 8 weeks full. Also, it works fine in any season, even for perennials like Zoysia grasses.
What makes it different:
Lower nitrogen strength, slow release of nutrients, and multiplied effect of most minor granular uses – these are the greatness of this fertilizer with Humic DG.
- A regular fertilizer for warm-season grasses
- Requires less quantity for enhanced performance
- Dry granular product with slow-release nitrogen
- 18 pounds bag can cover up to 5000 sq. feet
- Superfine mini granules spread on the surface evenly for pH balance
- We found it covering less area than the manufacturer claimed
3. Advanced Balanced NPK – Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer
Another great product with a 16-4-8 NPK ratio! Simple Lawn Solutions 32 oz. liquid fertilizer is super active on dry and brown patches of Zoysia grass. It has a beneficial blend of necessary macronutrients with full feeding support. Also, it enables turfgrass to turn green to greener. The seaweed and fish meal are also there as a bonus!
We do not suggest you spray during the seeding stages. Seeds need time to germinate. But when you see the sprouts are growing (or in the spring), you can spray using the ready-to-use sprayer. It will take less time to cover up to 3200 sq. feet area as it is sprayable. Besides, it is highly flexible to spray on the grasses.
This advanced fertilizer comes from the USA. The owner of the company has a long 25 years of experience in the pro turf industry. So, we believe this invention to work well as their expertise says. Therefore, this high-quality lawn fertilizer works on most grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Ryegrass, etc.
What makes it different:
Advanced balanced NPK fertilizer is a brilliant choice for working on brown and dry patches of Zoysia grass. A creation that comes from expert company!
- The USA made product by 25 years experienced company
- Balanced nutrients offer turf green and lush foliage
- The highly concentrated formula covers up to 3200 sq. feet
- It contains seaweed and fish meal for enhanced root growth
- Works on versatile grass types, including Zoysia
- Comes with a ready-to-use sprayer
- Weed control needed as they growth too beside the grass
Read more: Fertilizer for Ryegrass Reviews to know
4. Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Do not get bored searching for organic Zoysia fertilizer. Milorganite 0636 nitrogen fertilizer is an exceptional organic fertilizer with no potassium. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and 4% iron, including other nutrients for grass growth.
When you apply this fertilizer on grass, you may not like the smell. But trust us, this smell ensures that it is a pure, organic product. It has a 6-4-0 NPK ratio that is good for feeding the grasses. It has a formula of recycled nutrients made from water reclamation processes. Together with all the ingredients, it makes the root, so stronger the golfers use it in their courses.
The 36 pounds bag of fertilizer can cover up to 2500 sq. feet area. Once you apply it, grass growth and root development will continue to 10 weeks for the slow-release quality. It means you do not have to worry for the whole spring or fall. Again, it has no synthetic elements to burn the grass.
What makes it different:
Entirely organic fertilizer with slow-release formula keeps lawn green throughout the season. It meets the EPA standards as safe for applying on grasses.
- It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and 4% iron
- Fully organic product for consistent root building and total growth
- Golfers use it in their courses
- Keeps caring grasses for up to 10 weeks
- It can cover up to 2500 sq. feet area
- Tested and passed EPA standards
- The smell of the ground after fertilizing may appear irritative to some users
5. GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer
GreenView Fairway is a famous brand of lawn fertilizer. We loved the packaging design of the product, a beautiful lawn in front of a house. Yes, it has the power to make the lawn look like a thick, soft carpet. GreenView has built it in an excellent way.
In case you live in a wintery place and grasses go dormant soon, this turf fertilizer is preferable for your lawn. It can astound you in the spring while applying it in the fall. The high quantity of nitrogen fulfills the necessary feeding of roots. Again, it has a 63% slow-release formula that enables flow of nutrients for up to 12 weeks (almost 3 months).
Nothing to worry about the heat of sun and drought. There is no risk of burning the grass. Fairway Formula keeps the soil fertilized and sourced with ample foods. You can purchase this Zoysia air-powered fertilizer in two different size bags, 16.5 pounds for covering 5000 sq. feet and 33 pounds for 10000 sq. feet.
What makes it different:
Fairway Formula lawn fertilizer has a maximum slow-release formula for turf green lawn for up to 12 weeks at a stretch. Reforms the brown patches into green, thick ones.
- Manufactured for covering large lawn (5000-10000 sq. ft.)
- Contains sufficient nitrogen with 63% slow-release formula
- Works great when the grasses are at the growth stage
- Protects grass in the summer or drought season
- One application can consistently offer feed for up to 12 weeks
- Excessive uses can lead to grass yellowing
- Works better in a healthier lawn instead overstressed area
When and how do you fertilize your Zoysia grass lawn?
Zoysia grass goes to dormancy in the winter season. You may see brown, yellow, and dry patches during this period. So, you should use fertilizer before the spring starts. Then, gradually apply it in the middle of summer and before winter.
Follow these schedules to fertilize the Zoysia grass lawn properly. You can follow them in different time duration such as March through May, June through August, September through November, December through February.
- Mow the lawn and test the soil.
- Apply fertilizer at 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. feet.
- Control the weed, insect, and disease for a healthy lawn.
- Remove thatch and renovate the lawn.
Notes: Use 16-4-8 NPK fertilizer in March through May period and June through August. Avoid using nitrogen from September through November. But, use 1 pound potassium per 1000 sq. feet in this time. Do not fertilize the soil from December through February but follow the above steps except fertilizer.
Does zoysia grass need to be fertilized?
Zoysia grass can bear extreme heat in the summer. Also, it can live well in the drought season though the color of grass faints. If you want to maintain its proper growth and root development, Zoysia grass fertilization is a must. It helps the grass to shine bright, go turf green even in adverse situations. Only soil cannot feed the grass well. On the other hand, fertilizers comply with the needs of necessary nutrients. So, this grass needs to be fertilized.
Can you over-fertilize Zoysia?
Its not like you feed Zoysia more fertilizer; it gains better health. Overfertilization of Zoysia grass can hamper the growth and make the root weaker. In some cases, you may need to mow the lawn again and again. Moreover, over-fertilization causes the build-up of thatch more. So, the whole idea is devastating.
Buying Guide – Choosing the Best fertilizer for Zoysia Grass
Follow the below instructions to grow the Zoysia grass well aided with fertilizers:
Soil Test
Mowing and testing the soil is essential before applying fertilizer on the Zoysia lawn. Testing the soil indicates which nutrient is more needed, like nitrogen. It also prevents you from over-fertilization.
Quantity of Fertilizers
We do not suggest you sprinkle or spray fertilizers on your own. You should follow the instructions indicated by the product manufacturer. The application method, quantity, frequency, etc., everything is written on the body of the package. If you don’t see them, you can try the test and error method in a specific size area after the soil test.
NPK Ratio
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) is the standard but significant ingredients of most grass and plant fertilizers. Nitrogen helps to make roots stronger, healthier. Other components maintain the overall growth of grass. Some units may have other organic ingredients besides these three (or NPK) ingredients.
Organic
Organic fertilizers create a terrible odor in the soil, make grass green lately. But they have more power, duration of feeding the grass. Artificial chemicals in fertilizers may reduce the lifespan of grasses. They may also make soil excessively salty or irresistible to Zoysia. Microorganisms of soil may get lower in quantity. So, organic lawn fertilizers are preferable.
Final Verdict
We have already tested several fertilizers to take care (or you may say plant) of Zoysia grass. But not all of them were good. Here, in this article, you know, “what is the best fertilizer for zoysia grass?”
The selected products help make your lawn lively. Whether you remain in Texas or other areas or other parts of the world, these fertilizers will work the same. You can acquire them at an affordable price with versatile efficiency according to the NPK ratio.