When you want to have the most beautiful lawn on the block, knowing when to fertilize zoysiagrass is necessary. Zoysiagrass can be fertilized up to three times a year, in late spring or early summer, mid-summer, and late summer, when it grows actively.
Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass that requires 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per year per 1,000 square feet. Performing a soil test can tell you precisely how much fertilizer to use. We’ll help you get the most out of fertilizing your zoysiagrass by letting you know when it’s most beneficial.
When to Fertilize Your Zoysiagrass Lawn
The best time to fertilize zoysiagrass is in summer, during its peak growing season. Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass that thrives in warmer climates, such as the Southern United States. Zoysiagrass can be fertilized up to three times a year: in late spring or early summer, mid-summer, and late summer.
Nutrients should be applied based on soil test results. A soil test ensures that your lawn gets the most out of fertilization by providing insights into soil pH and nutrient deficiencies. The following fertilization schedule is a general guideline for zoysiagrass. For best results, always consult a soil test.
Ready to take your Zoysiagrass lawn to the next level? Check out our comprehensive guide Growing Zoysiagrass: Everything You Need to Know.
When to Fertilize Zoysiagrass in Spring (March – May)
Like other warm-season grasses, zoysiagrass reaches its peak growing stage during summer. Because of this, March and April are too early in spring to begin fertilizing your zoysiagrass lawn. Fertilizing too early in spring can promote weed growth.
Instead, fertilize your zoysiagrass lawn in late spring (late May) about three weeks after the lawn has fully greened.
If you can’t perform a soil test, you can begin spring fertilization with 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Learn more about testing your soil with our guide Why, When, and How to Test the Soil pH of Your Lawn.
When to Fertilize Zoysiagrass in Summer (June – August)
Zoysiagrass is in its peak growing season throughout the summer. This is when it is best to fertilize this grass type. You should fertilize your lawn in three separate treatments. If you did not fertilize in late May, you can also do an early summer treatment at the beginning of June. After that, you’ll fertilize your lawn approximately every 4 to 6 weeks until the end of summer.
Late Spring or Early Summer: Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in late May or early June. A soil test can help determine if a fertilizer with phosphorus is necessary.
Mid-Summer: Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in late June or early July. This is a good time to start using a fertilizer high in potassium. Conduct a soil test to determine if phosphorus is needed.
Late Summer: Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in mid-August. This is when it is most important to use a fertilizer high in potassium as this nutrient helps fortify your lawn as it enters winter dormancy.
Zoysiagrass should be fertilized with 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every year.
When Not to Fertilize Zoysiagrass
Just like there are times when it is best to fertilize zoysiagrass there are also times when you should avoid fertilizing. Typically, this is when your lawn is out of its peak season, when there’s heavy rain, during a prolonged drought, or during the hottest part of the day. We’ll break down why these conditions impact how effective fertilizer is for your lawn.
Early Spring: Fertilizing too early in spring promotes weed growth and the lawn will not have greened up enough.
Fall and Winter: Fertilizing your lawn in fall can delay winter dormancy causing new growth that can easily be damaged by conditions your grass type isn’t suited for. Additionally, fertilizing zoysiagrass in the fall or winter can increase weeds.
Before Heavy Rain: When you want to fertilize your lawn, be sure to check the forecast for the next few days. If heavy rain and thunderstorms are on the horizon, it’s best to wait until the bad weather has passed or your hard work will be washed away.
In High Heat: The best time of day to fertilize your lawn is in the morning or early evening. Applying fertilizer in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak can result in fertilizer burn.
During Drought: Even though zoysiagrass is resistant to drought, prolonged periods of drought can still affect it. When there is a prolonged drought, the grass goes dormant and is unable to take in nutrients from fertilizers. Applying fertilizer during this time may cause additional stress to your lawn.
How to Apply Fertilizer
Fertilizing your lawn can be made easier with some preparation and simple steps. It’s best to use a fertilizer spreader rather than fertilizing by hand for even distribution. Additionally, make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, long sleeves, and safety goggles to prevent any fertilizer from burning your skin and eyes.
- Prepare your lawn by watering it a few days before applying fertilizer. This ensures the soil is moist but not wet. If your lawn is overgrown, mow it to help the fertilizer reach the soil more easily.
- Test the soil so you know the nutrients your lawn needs.
- Purchase your fertilizer using the results of the soil test to select a fertilizer with the correct nutrient ratio. Read the instructions carefully.
- Apply fertilizer evenly across the entire lawn to avoid patchiness and fertilizer burn.
- Water your lawn after applying the fertilizer to ensure the fertilizer reaches the soil.
Want to ace fertilizer application? Check out our article When to Fertilize Your Lawn for a more detailed guide to fertilizing.
FAQ About Zoysiagrass
What is the easiest zoysiagrass to maintain?
Zoysia tenuifolia’s slow growth and drought tolerance make it easy to maintain.
Can you over-fertilize zoysiagrass?
Yes. You may notice brown patches of grass throughout your lawn also known as “fertilizer burn”. Your lawn may also wilt, turn yellow, and will be more susceptible to pests and weeds.
Can you use coffee grounds to fertilize zoysiagrass?
Coffee grounds are too acidic to use as a fertilizer alone. However, you can mix them with other organic materials for use as compost.
Hire a Pro to Mow Your Lawn
Whether you have zoysiagrass already or are looking to establish a zoysiagrass lawn, proper fertilization is key to its health. Fertilize during your lawn’s peak growing season for optimal results, typically late spring or early summer, mid-summer, and late summer. Do not fertilize your lawn when it is stressed, before a heavy rain, or when it is out of its peak growing season.
Fertilizing your lawn can be tough to balance with other regular lawn maintenance tasks. Hire a local lawn care professional to keep your newly boosted zoysiagrass lawn looking great. Spend more time relaxing on your zoysiagrass lawn and less time working on it.
Main Image Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0