One famous warm-season turfgrass is zoysia grass. It’s popular for its dense, lush growth and a high tolerance for heat, foot traffic, and drought. However, if you want to maintain healthy and beautiful zoysia grass, you need to feed it regularly with the right type of fertilizer.
Using the right and best fertilizer for zoysia grass can promote healthy growth, increase its resistance to disease and pests, improve color and texture, and enhance turf quality. But do you know what the best fertilizer for zoysia grass is? Not all fertilizers are created equal, and choosing the right fertilizer for optimal results is essential.
This article will lay down the top three best fertilizers for zoysia grass, together with the factors that you must consider when choosing a fertilizer.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a best fertilizer for zoysia grass?
To decide on the best fertilizer for zoysia grass, consider various factors first, including the following.
Nutrient needs
Zoysia grass has specific nutrient requirements such as:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 is ideal for Zoysia grass.
Soil type and pH
The type of soil and its pH level can also affect the availability of nutrients to Zoysia grass.
For example, sandy soils tend to drain quickly and may require frequent fertilizer applications, while clay soils retain moisture and nutrients better. Additionally, Zoysia grass prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You need to conduct a soil test to help you determine your soil’s nutrient content and pH level, which will guide your choice of fertilizer.
Climate and growing conditions
Since Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass, it thrives in hot and humid environments. However, Zoysia grass varieties have tolerances for cold, heat, and drought.
For example, Zoysia japonica is more cold-hardy than Zoysia matrella but may require more fertilizer to maintain its growth. This is why you need to take into account the climate and growing conditions in your area, as well as the specific Zoysia grass variety you have, before purchasing fertilizer.
Fertilizer type
Many types of fertilizers range from granular, liquid, slow-release, and organic fertilizers. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks and can be effective or not based on your specific needs.
For example, slow-release fertilizers release nutrients gradually and slowly, which reduces the risk of over-fertilization and provides long-lasting results. Meanwhile, organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly and improve soil health, but they may take longer to break down and release nutrients. This is where you need to ask yourself about your personal preferences.
Desired level of maintenance
When it comes to this factor, you need to ask about your preferences when it comes to the appearance and maintenance of your lawn. You might want a more lush and green lawn or a more moderate growth rate with less frequent mowing. This is because the type of fertilizer you choose can affect the growth rate and overall health of your zoysia grass. For example, high-nitrogen fertilizers promote faster growth, and it’ll require more frequent mowing, while low-nitrogen fertilizers promote slower growth with less frequent maintenance on your part.
Frequency of application
Keeping zoysia grass healthy requires multiple applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season, but the frequency of application can vary depending on the type of fertilizer, soil type, and growing conditions.
For instance, granular fertilizers may require fewer applications but may not provide as immediate results as liquid fertilizers. Meanwhile, low-release fertilizers may require a less frequent application but may take longer to break down and release nutrients. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider the soil and climate conditions in your area when determining the frequency of application.
What’s the best fertilizer for zoysia grass?
There are many viable fertilizers out there, but we’ve listed the three best fertilizers for zoysia grass that you can consider for your lawn.
1. Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food for Zoysia Grass
This fertilizer is specifically formulated for zoysia grass and provides essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It has a slow-release formula that feeds your lawn for up to six weeks, promoting strong root growth and better stress tolerance. One 12.5 lb bag, this product can cover up to 5,000 sq ft.
2. Pennington Ultragreen Zoysia Plus Lawn Fertilizer
This fertilizer is designed to meet the unique nutrient requirements of zoysia grass, with a 5-1-2 NPK ratio. It also contains iron and other micronutrients to promote deep green color and healthy growth. The slow-release formula provides continuous feeding for up to three months, reducing the need for frequent applications. Additionally, this product is highly recommended if you’re looking for heat and drought-tolerant fertilizer. Plus, it also comes with resealable packing for convenience.
3. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK- Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
Your last resort would be this liquid fertilizer, an excellent option for those who prefer organic or natural products. It is made from high-quality seaweed and fish, with a balanced NPK ratio of 16-4-8. It promotes rapid growth, deep-root development, and improved stress tolerance. It’s ideal to use in Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, buffalo, centipede, Florida palmetto, Bahia, fescue, ryegrass & Kentucky bluegrass.
These top fertilizers for Zoysia grass can offer a balanced blend of essential nutrients, slow-release formulas, and natural ingredients to meet the unique needs of your lawn. Just do not forget to consider the nutrient requirements, soil type and pH, climate, and desired level of maintenance when selecting a fertilizer, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Feed your zoysia grass with the best fertilizer!
As we’ve discussed, it’s important to take into account various factors before you can choose the best fertilizer for zoysia grass. You can purchase the most expensive fertilizer out there, but if it doesn’t meet the needs of your zoysia grass, you won’t get any results.
It’s important to remember that you need a fertilizer that can provide a balanced blend of essential nutrients, slow-release formulas, and natural ingredients to promote healthy growth and deep green color to your grass.
And as a final recommendation, we suggest that you use fertilizer responsibly and in accordance with local regulations. It is also essential to maintain a healthy and vibrant zoysia lawn by providing adequate water, mowing at the appropriate height, and monitoring for pests and diseases. With the right fertilizer and proper maintenance, zoysia grass can provide a beautiful and resilient lawn for many years to come.