Despite the towering trees, winding pathways, or flowers, your lawn is the primary part that your visitors notice first. That’s why you need a well-cared lawn with healthy grasses.
If you live in the southern United States, an area that stretches from Kansas to North Carolina, then a Zoysia grass lawn might be the perfect choice for you.
Zoysia grass (named after legendary 18th-century Slovenian botanist Karl Von Zois) is well-known for the ability to endure high foot traffic, drought, excessive heat, and other environmental challenges. But you have to use the best fertilizer to get a beautiful and densely grassed lawn.
Best 10 Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass in 2022:
Zoysia grass was first introduced into the US from East Asian countries. Agrostologist Charles Vancouver Piper brought this grass seed from Manila, the Philippines, in 1911.
This grass has gotten immense popularity within a few decades. That’s why the manufacturers also started to produce lots of fertilizers for this grass.
In this section, we’ll discuss the top 10 best fertilizers for Zoysia grass, which is perfect in every aspect. Let’s get started.
1. Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK- Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
If you want a superior fertilizer with excellent absorption into your lawn, this Advanced Liquid Fertilizer may satisfy all of your needs. This Advanced 16-4-8 Liquid fertilizer is a high-quality feed grade fertilizer from Simple Lawn Solutions and well-known for providing instant fertilization.
It contains fish and seaweed to ensure improved soil health. Furthermore, the 16-4-8 ratio is a perfect blend and highly compatible with southern US soil. As this liquid mixture contains no harmful elements, thus it’s the right choice if you have pets and kids in your house.
Such a balanced ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash can boost your grass health and grow them properly. These nutrients make the thick roots stronger, and you will get stronger turf.
This fertilizer is a good one not only for the Zoysia grass, but also works well with Bermuda, Bahia, St. Augustine, Florida Palmetto, Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipede, and Fescue.
Furthermore, this 16-4-8 mixture works incredibly faster than the other fertilizers. You will notice a significant change in your backyard grass within a couple of weeks. Who doesn’t love the faster result?
- Contains seaweed and fish
- Organic feed grade nutrients
- Kids and pets safe
- Comes in liquid form
- Make the grasses greener
- Mode of application; brush, sprayer or roller
2. LawnStar 16-4-8 NPK Fertilizer
LawnStar is renowned for perfect nutrient ratio maintenance that applied a powerful shot of vitality on your lawn grass. The LawnStar 16-4-8 NPK fertilizer is already on the liquid form within a gallon and can cover up to 16,000 square feet of lawn.
The most outstanding part of this tool is the presence of three parts of Nitrogen. It’s a combination of 6% Urea Triazine and 10% Urea Nitrogen solution. This solution makes the grasses greener on all sides and induces faster growth.
The presence of urea triazine makes it a perfect fertilizer for Zoysia grass in Florida. It makes the plants’ heat resistant, as well as increases stress tolerance.
This fertilizer fortified with natural seaweed extracts. These extracts ensure the maximum amount of bioavailability in the root portion. It’s also effective for root development.
Further, this tool comes in ready-to-use condition. The liquid form and hose-end sprayer help the user to use it just after purchasing. And the availability in two different sizes makes it a perfect example for budget-friendly lawn maintenance.
- Properly balanced liquid
- Easy to use
- Bioavailable seaweed extract
- Perfect Nitrogen level
- Good for faster grass growth
3. Superior Nitrogen & Potash 15-0-15 NPK- Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
If your backyard soil has too much Phosphorus, it has an increased possibility that the growth rate of your grass will be hampered. If you don’t know the Phosphorus level of your backyard, it’s advisable to test the soil before starting to seed your lawn.
If your soil has comparatively more Phosphorus, then you should choose a Phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer for your lawn.
In order to checkmate this, here we’re recommending the Superior Nitrogen & Potash 15-0-15 NPK Natural Liquid Fertilizer as the best stimulant for your lawn grasses.
This fertilizer is a combination of only Nitrogen and Potassium in the ratio of 15:0:15. This simple lawn fertilizer provides proper nutrients to your lawn and develops a much greener grass in your yard. Additionally, it improves the Fulvic Acid and Humic Acid condition of your soil.
These acids help the plants to transfer the foods throughout all of the plant cells. Thus, you’ll get healthier and darker green leaves in your yard.
Furthermore, this fertilizer is made of high-quality natural and organic feed grade quality ingredients. That means your lawn will be free from any kind of harsh chemical if you use this compost.
A significant advantage of this tool is it is designed specially to use quickly. It comes in complete liquid form and definitely safe for pets and children. Moreover, it works with almost all southern grass like Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, Palmetto, Centipede, Bluegrass, etc.
- Organic feed-grade ingredients
- Pet and children safe
- Easy to use
- Phosphorus free
- Blended with Fulvic and Humic acid
4. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
If you live in the southern part of the United States, ants, and other insects will be your yard mate. The warm weather with plenty of open spaces is heaven for the insects. A report of the University of Florida reveals that State and Federal agencies spent about $250 million to control the ant problem of the southern US.
However, you can quickly get relief from that by using Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action. Scotts Turf is a 3-in-1 solution for your Zoysia grass lawn. It can kill insects, prevent flies, and feed your grasses.
Only one dose of Scotts Turf Triple Action can take care of your lawn up to 6 months. It will remove stubborn plants like clover, dollarweed, henbit, plantain, chickweed, oxalis, etc.
In the case of insects, you don’t need to worry about fleas, armyworms, chinch bugs, mole crickets, ticks, or sod webworms. Scotts Turf will take good care of your lawn by preventing these unwanted lawn guests.
Scotts Turf comes with 29% of Nitrogen (N) and 10% of Potassium (K). The higher amount of Nitrogen helps your grasses to grow fast. Moreover, this triple-action stimulant works well not only with the Zoysia grass but also, all of the other southern grasses like Carpet grass, Centipede, St. Augustine, Floratam, etc.
- Prevents unwanted insects
- Prevents weeds
- Works great for six months
- Perfect chemical combination for greener lawns
- Smartphone app available for both Android and iOS platform
5. Dr. Earth Super Natural Lawn 9-0-5 Fertilizer
If the fertilizers above don’t appeal to you for any reason whatsoever, then this Dr. Earth will. Dr. Earth works faster than any other nutrients of this list.
It comes in a superior homogenous blend that contains mycorrhiza, Calcium Sulphate, feather meal, fish meal, seaweed extract, fishbone meal, alfalfa meal, and few other beneficial soil microbes.
This nutritional blend works excellent with grasses, ornamental trees, barefoot planting, and shrubs. Most importantly, it can harden the root of your lawn plants. Thus, the plants become stronger and greener.
Another exclusive feature of this blend is the ability of thatch build-up controlling ability.
Furthermore, it comes with mycorrhiza that increases your soil fertility. You know, fertile soil is the prerequisite for any backyard lawn, golf course, or anything else with the extreme amount of plants.
- Faster results
- Thatch build-up controlling
- Promote the hardy root system
- Highly nutritional
- Makes the soil more fertile
6. PGF Complete All in One Complete Lawn Fertilizer 16-4-8 with Humic DG
PGF All in One is a popular product of The Andersons for its dry mixed balanced NPK fertilizer. It is an embodiment of three essential nutrients of grass in a balanced ratio. It has been used in professional golf course industries and turf for years.
The specialty of this fertilizer is the presence of Humates. It increases the turf quality and reduces the nutrient requirements for the grasses. Furthermore, it comes with a 16-4-8 NPK ratio that includes two different types of Nitrogen. These are Humic DG and Iron.
Another fascinating fact of this blend is the MUtech coated slow-release Nitrogen. It helps to promote the uniform growth of your lawn grasses for a long time. Andersons make the granules of PGF smaller than usual fertilizer.
These smaller sized granules are absorbed quickly when watered in. It helps you to get a faster response from this fertilizer. That’s why you cannot apply this fertilizer near any water drain or drainage ditches. Even you shouldn’t use this blend when heavy rainfall is expected.
- MUtech coated slow-release Nitrogen
- Smaller particle
- Particles disperse quickly
- Easy to use
- Comes in dry mix form
7. Scotts 3313B Select States Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed and Feed
When it comes to plants, food, or fertilizers, Scotts is the brand you can rely on. No wonder Scotts just make its second appearance in our list of top fertilizers in Texas.
Scotts Bonus S is famous for keeping your garden free from any unwanted weeds like clover, dollarweed, etc. The scientists of Scotts made this fertilizer, especially for Southern US grasses. Every particle of this blend is a powerhouse of energy for Zoysia grass. It makes your lawns greener and strengthens the roots.
Additionally, it improves the immunity of your Zoysia grasses. Specifically, your lawn grasses will be more resistant to heat and drought if you use Scotts 3313B on your lawn.
However, you can use this fertilizer only for Zoysia, St. Augustine (including Floratam), centipede, and carpet grass lawns. Don’t use this for Bermuda grass.
- Increases immunity
- Eliminated weeds
- Develops the roots
- Makes the leaves greener
- Specially made for southern US grasses
8. Scotts Snap System – Snap Pack – Lawn Fertilizer
If you’re looking to renovate your lawn this season, Scotts Snap Lawn Fertilizer might be an excellent place to start. It is an all-in-one fertilizer that suits almost all grass in any season.
Scotts Snap comes with 28-0-12 NPK ratio. This fertilizer is a mixture of 28% of Nitrogen and 12% of Potash. You can use this mixture for 4,000 square feet lawn.
It increases the growth rate of the plants. Thus, you’ll get a greener and densely grassed lawn. Additionally, it strengthens the root and increases immunity.
Yellowish or weak grasses are one of the major issues for every lawn owner. Fortunately, you can solve this issue by using Scotts Snap Lawn Fertilizer. It increases the immunity for your plants. This fertilizer is specially formulated for lawn feeding.
- Formulated for fall feeding
- Build strong roots
- Increases the growth rate
- Increases the immunity
- Applicable in every season
9. Milorganite 62036-MW Organic Milorganite Fertilizer
If you prefer organic fertilizers than the chemical one, Milorganite 62036 is the perfect one that you will find around. It has lots of exciting features that totally substantiated our expert’s recommendation as to the best organic lawn fertilizer for the southern US.
The most compelling feature of this fertilizer is you don’t need to know how much you need to apply on your ground. It won’t burn your grass even if you over-apply it. The slow-release feature makes it possible.
Secondly, it won’t affect your sidewalk even if you apply this to your field. Thus, it becomes a perfect choice even for the golf course or more significant sized lawns.
Milorganite recommends using one bag of fertilizer in 2500 square feet lawn. You have to use this four times a year to get a better result. They also recommend not to use this within 10 feet of any waterway.
Milorganite 62036-MW is approved and regulated by EPA. So, your safety is highly ensured while using it.
- Totally organic
- EPA approved
- Doesn’t burn the grasses while over-applied
- Not harmful for kids and pets
- Works well for both sandy soils and clay
10. Lawnifi Recover | Easy Hose-End Fertilizer for Summer and Damaged Lawns
We’re wrapping up our review of the best fertilizers with the Lawnifi Recover. If you have a damaged backyard lawn and want to recover your impaired staff, then Lawnifi Recover might be the right one you should get.
Lawnifi recover contains a balanced NPK mixture with carbon, copper, zinc, and iron. To maximize the nutrition effect and growth rate, Lawnifi works in their patented “Catalyst Absorption Technology,” and it works fine.
This product will help you to recover your damaged backyard and strengthen the plants to fight with the summer and winter stress. It also increases the immunity of your turf to resist drought, nutrient deficiencies, or any other natural calamities.
However, it is recommended to use during the summer season. You can use this at maximum before the snowfall or dormancy if needed. But it is recommended to use it every month on a regular basis to get a greener result.
- Recover damaged grasses
- Works by Catalyst Absorption Technology
- Improves soil structure
- Makes the lawns greener
- Increases the immunity
Factors Need to Consider While Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass:
Getting a greener lawn is a psychological thing. People say, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” probably right for the American citizens. A poll of Consumer Reports reveals that 64% of American lawn owner believes that their neighbors have greener lawn than them.
The lawn fertilizers are consist of mainly three major nutrients. They are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Each of these nutrients is responsible for ideal grass growth.
You have to choose these nutrients based on the health performance of your lawn grass. Let’s have a look at which fertilizer you’ll need for your lawn.
• Grass Growth Rate
If you notice a slower growth rate of your leaves, your lawn is in desperate need of Nitrogen. Nitrogen is responsible for the rapid growth of your grasses. It is also responsible for leaf development. Leaf development is essential to get a dense lawn.
Additionally, Nitrogen helps for protein synthesis of Zoysia. If your lawn grass has a growth issue, get a Nitrogen-based fertilizer.
• Faster Root Growth
Phosphorus (P) is responsible for earlier root growth. It also aids seed development as well as promotes plant maturity. If you want faster root growth, choose the fertilizers with a higher amount of Phosphorus.
• Immunity Problem
If your lawn grass seems weak and can’t resist drought, hot weather, or any other immunity problem, you’ll need Potassium based fertilizers. Potassium improves the immune power of the lawn plants.
What Is the Best Time to Fertilize Zoysia Grass?
Zoysia is a warm seasoned grass. This species is especially well-known for its ability to withstand drought and heavy traffic. But it also needs proper fertilization to deliver such a remarkable lawn. That’s why you should know when you have to feed your lawn.
Fertilizing the Zoysia grasses depends on the species and soil category. That’s why you should perform the basic soil test within February or March. Then you plant the seeds and let the grasses grow naturally.
When the leaves look 50% greener, then you may start the fertilization. In this step, fertilizer will make your plants vigor and increase the growth rate.
In general, it is recommended to fertilize your grasses every six weeks. So, if you plant the seeds in March, you have to feed the lawn almost six times till October.
How to Fertilize Zoysia Grass in the Best Way?
Properly fertilization is highly essential for Zoysia grasses. But most of the lawn owners are shocked to know that Zoysia requires comparatively different types of fertilization, pest control, plant maintenance, and irrigation than the traditional grasses.
In the beginning, you can start with the balanced NPK fertilizers. It secures the chemical needs of your plants. However, then you should observe the field diligently.
If you notice any growth or greening issue, then fertilize the lawn according to that. It’s better to use ½ to 1 pound of fertilizer within 1000 square feet field.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Zoysia grass require lots of water?
Basically, it requires an average amount of watering. Zoysia lawns need 1 inch of rainfall per week. You may also irrigate the field to ensure proper watering.
The watering also depends on the soil category. Sandy soil requires more water than others. It will need ¾ inches of water (465 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft.).
2. Does Zoysia turn brown in winter?
Yes, it happens for the warm seasoned species, such as Zoysia Japonica. If the temperature level is lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, then your lawn may seem dormant.
It doesn’t mean that the lawn is dead, though. You should consider it as the hibernation period.
3. How often should I mow the Zoysia lawn?
In general, Zoysia doesn’t grow rapidly. So, you don’t need to mow frequently. There’s a golden rule while mowing the Zoysia plants, “never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf height”.
4. How deep are Zoysia roots?
Zoysia roots are comparatively stronger than other lawn grasses. It happens because of faster root development. So, it can easily penetrate through the ground and create air passage. A fully developed root can be 2 feet in length.
5. How long does Zoysia grass need to develop roots?
With the proper maintenance, Zoysia can develop root within 2 to 6 weeks.
If you live in the southern US, nothing can beautify your lawn more than Zoysia. So, perform a soil test today and start growing it if the Cooperative Extension Office allows it in your field.
However, don’t forget to use the best fertilizer to get greener and healthier plants in your backyard.