How Often Should You Fertilize Zoysia Grass?

Updated 3/10/2023

If you are a homeowner with zoysia grass, you know that it requires regular care and maintenance to remain green and healthy. 

Understanding when and how often to fertilize zoysia grass is key to keeping your lawn looking great. 

Fertilizing at the correct times of the year can help promote lush growth and keep weeds away, while applying too much or too little fertilizer can damage your lawn. 

This article will discuss the best times of year to apply fertilizer for zoysia grass and what kind of fertilizer should be used.

With this information in hand, you can give your lawn all the nutrients it needs throughout the growing season!

When Should You Fertilize Zoysia Grass?

When fertilizing zoysia grass, the frequency will depend on your specific lawn and its needs. 

Generally speaking, zoysia grass should be fertilized at least once every two months during the growing season. But let’s break it down by season for the sake of simplicity.

Spring Zoysia Grass Fertilization

You can fertilize your zoysia grass when the ground has thawed, and temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A slow-release fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 12–15% is ideal for springtime fertilization as it will provide a steady release of nutrients over time.

Summer Zoysia Grass Fertilization

Once the growing season is in full swing, it’s time to give your zoysia grass an extra boost of nutrients. 

This can be done with a quick-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 

Apply this fertilizer every two months during the summer for optimal growth and health.

Fall Zoysia Grass Fertilization

To prepare your zoysia grass for winter, you’ll want to give it a final dose of fertilizer before the cold weather hits. 

A slow-release fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 8–10% should be used in late fall. 

This will ensure that your lawn has enough nutrients to make it through the winter months.

No matter what season you fertilize your zoysia grass in, following the instructions on the fertilizer package and water after applying is important.

What Kind of Fertilizer Is Best for Zoysia Grass?

To maximize the beauty of zoysia grass, it’s important to pick the perfect fertilizer. Zoysia grass requires regular fertilizer applications for optimum health and growth.

Fertilizers should be chosen based on the type of soil in which the grass is growing and the desired results from fertilization.

Generally, combining quick-release and slow-release nitrogen sources is best for Zoysia grass. Quick-release nitrogen sources, such as ammonium sulfate, are absorbed by the plant rapidly and may need to be applied more frequently.

Slow-release nitrogen sources, such as methylene ureas and sulfur-coated urea, release nitrogen into the soil slowly over time so the grass can absorb it.

When applying fertilizer, it’s essential to remember that a little bit goes a long way. Using too much fertilizer on your zoysia grass can be detrimental.

When used correctly, though, you’ll have the envy of the neighborhood with a lush zoysia grass lawn!

Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass (Our Top Picks)

Last summer, we ran a four-week test to determine the best fertilizer for zoysia grass. Two lawns, two fertilizers.

Let’s see what the results were!

Superior Nitrogen & Potash 15-0-15 NPK

Superior 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer Nitrogen & Potash Lawn Food – Concentrated Spray- Any Grass Type- Simple Lawn Solutions Green, Growth – Humic Acid – Kelp Seaweed – Phosphorus-Free (32 Ounce)
  • Liquid Lawn Fertilizer: Contains no phosphorus and has a 15-0-15 nutrient ratio, is the ideal choice if you wish to keep your lawn in good condition or if you notice symptoms of nitrogen and potassium deficiency in your lawn
  • The Power of Nitrogen & Potassium Blended with Humic Acid: Intensify green and growth while providing key nutrients for turf hardiness.
  • Blended with 15% Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll where plants get their green coloring. Nitrogen encourages vigorous growth for the development of a dense attractive lawn.
  • Contains 15% Potassium. Potassium can enhance the plant’s endurance if a deficiency is present. Potassium is involved in carbohydrate formation, photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and the formation of proteins.
  • Blended with Humic Acid: Our Humic Acid is derived from the highest quality humate source, leonardite. Leonardite is considered by many to be the highest quality form of Humic Acid

Superior Nitrogen & Potash 15-0-15 NPK fertilizer is an excellent choice for zoysia grass. I’ve been using it for some time, and the results speak for themselves.

This fertilizer supplies nitrogen, which promotes lush green foliage, and potash to strengthen roots and encourage strong growth.

The 15-0-15 NPK ratio is perfectly balanced for zoysia grass, providing just the right amount of nutrients without excess.

I’ve found that this fertilizer is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. All I have to do is spread it evenly over the lawn and water it in.

After that, I see results in a matter of days. The lawn is greener and healthier than ever, thanks to the superior nutrition provided by Superior Nitrogen & Potash 15-0-15 NPK fertilizer.

What I especially like about this product is that it’s all-natural and non-toxic. It contains no harsh chemicals that could harm my zoysia lawn or the environment.

Plus, it’s affordable and available in large quantities, so I don’t have to buy it often.


The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer

The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer with Micronutrients and 2% Iron (5,000 sq ft)
  • PGF Balanced 10-10-10 is a professional grade fertilizer with extremely fine particle size ensuring every square inch of your lawn/garden receives the same amount of nutrients
  • Can be used any time during the growing season but is ideal for spring and fall applications on lawns, gardens and flower beds
  • Contains all quick-release nitrogen to provide the plant with immediate nutrition
  • Includes micronutrients and 2% iron for extra-deep greening – Blow off sidewalks and driveways after application to avoid staining
  • Each bag provides up to 5,000 square feet of coverage

I also tried out Anderson’s PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer on my parents’ zoysia grass lawn, and I must say that I was impressed with the results.

This fertilizer is designed to provide balanced fertilization for your grass throughout the growing season, and it certainly delivered.

The fertilizer comes in a granular form, which is easy to apply using a push broadcast spreader.

The instructions on the package were clear and straightforward, making it simple to apply the fertilizer uniformly.

After spreading the fertilizer, I was pleased with how well it worked.

The grass seemed to take on a healthier look within about three-four days, and within a few weeks, it had taken on an incredibly lush look.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much fertilizer for zoysia grass?

Generally speaking, for established zoysia grass, it is recommended to apply two pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn seasonally.

How do I make my zoysia grass greener?

To make your zoysia grass greener, it’s important to give it the right combination of sunlight and care. Zoysia grass grows best with five to six hours of direct sun each day and needs an inch of water per week during the growing season to stay healthy. Mulch around the grass to preserve moisture in spring and early summer months, fertilize three to four times a year, and aerate your lawn annually.

Should I put sand on my zoysia grass?

We don’t recommend putting sand on zoysia grass. Sand can cause soil compaction and reduce water absorption into the root system, leading to weaker overall growth.

Are coffee grounds good for zoysia grass?

Coffee grounds can provide a steady boost of nitrogen to the soil which zoysia grass absorbs and can use for growth and development. Additionally, coffee grounds in the soil help retain moisture and mitigate acidity in the ground for healthier, more vibrant green grass over time.

How do you control weeds in zoysia grass?

To control weeds, it is important to mow your zoysia grass regularly. Pre-emergent herbicides are also helpful in keeping annual and broadleaf weeds away!

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