A plush, green lawn is part of the American Dream, but it can be difficult to sustain in some parts of the United States. If you live in the south where your grass is subject to extreme heat and drought, you probably need a fertilizer to help preserve your lawn.
Of course, there are dozens of choices on the market, and they all seem to do slightly different things. How do you know which one to use? Thankfully, we researched them and narrowed down the field to the eight best fertilizers for zoysia grass.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
Scotts Southern Weed and Feed
There’s something to be said about a product intended for certain climates. Scotts is a recognizable name in lawn care, and they created a fertilizer blend that caters to the hot, dry weather in the southern United States.
Why We Like It
· Specially formulated for southern grasses like Zoysia Grass
· A combination of grass food and weed killer
Specs
· Two package sizes – 5M and 10M
· The 5M package will cover up to 5000 square feet
Our Verdict
If you’re looking to grow the roots, kill annoying weeds, and improve the soil for your Zoysia Grass, this could do the trick.
LawnStar Liquid Lawn Food
Safe for all types of lawns, LawnStar’s blend will work for spring and summer applications. The blend is intended to improve the resilience of your lawn and help it tolerate the stress of heat and drought.
Why We Like It
· Delivers a combination of fast and slow-release nutrients
· The built-in sprayer attachment is compatible with standard hoses
Specs
· 32-ounce bottle
· NPK ratio of 16-4-8
· One bottle will treat up to 4000 square feet
Our Verdict
The nutrient blend is balanced, and reviews suggest it works exceptionally well on Zoysia Grass.
Scotts Turf Builder Starter
Scotts is a prominent name in lawn care. Their Turf Builder Starter works for all types of grass, and the company claims it will help the grass grow 70% thicker and 35% faster than unfertilized grass.
Why We Like It
· There are multiple size options available
· Works with sod or seed
Specs
· 15-pound bag
· NPK ratio is 24-25-4
· One 15-pound bag can cover up to 5000 square feet
Our Verdict
A reliable product from a household name that will work in a variety of circumstances.
Simple Lawn Solutions Phosphorus-Free Fertilizer
This family-owned business focuses on American-made, natural, organic fertilizers. The phosphorus-free blend is chemical-free and focuses on higher concentrations of nitrogen and potassium to promote growth and soil health.
Why We Like It
· This is a liquid fertilizer that is natural and organic.
· An excellent choice for yards with sandy soil.
Specs
· There are three size options – 32-ounce, 1 gallon, and 2.5 gallons
· NPK ratio: 15-0-15
· One 32-ounce bottle can treat up to 3200 square feet.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that works with Zoysia Grass and hot climates, this could be a safe bet.
Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
This organic option is nitrogen-heavy, and it’s a slow-release formula, so you won’t have to mow as often. The company adds that golf courses have used their products for decades.
Why We Like It
· It’s an organic formula meaning it won’t burn out your lawn
· You only need to apply it every three to four months
Specs
· 36-pound bag
· NPK ratio is 6-4-0
· It will cover up to 2500 square feet
Our Verdict
Many users note that it has the added benefit of keeping wildlife away, so if you’re in an area where animal invaders are an issue, this may solve your problem and give you green grass.
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food
Zoysia grass is common in the south, where lawns are susceptible to heat and drought. Scotts formulated this blend to help protect your lawn without burning it. As a side benefit, the fertilizer also kills some bugs, including ants, ticks, and fleas.
Why We Like It
· Formulated explicitly for heat and drought conditions
· It also helps eliminate pests
Specs
· Two size options – 5M and 15M
· The 5M size will accommodate lawns up to 2500 square feet
Our Verdict
If you’re worried about your lawn being burned out during the summer, this is a good bet, especially with the pest protection included.
BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns
Here’s another product made explicitly for southern lawns, including Zoysia Grass. It helps build your lawn while eradicating unwanted weeds for up to six months.
Why We Like It
· It protects your lawn from invasive weeds
· 50% slow-release formula
Specs
· Available in 12.5-pound and 25-pound bags
· NPK ratio of 35-0-3
· The 12.5-pound bag will treat up to 5000 square feet, and the 25-pound bag will handle up to 10000 square feet
Our Verdict
Whenever a product does the job of multiple products, it’s a win. This one fights several types of invasive weed while preparing your grass to handle heat and drought.
Ringer Lawn Restore
This phosphate-free fertilizer will protect against heat and drought, strengthen the roots, and only has to be applied every eight weeks. Since it is a plant-based fertilizer, you’ll notice quick results without harsh chemicals.
Why We Like It
· It is a natural, organic fertilizer made from plant-based materials
· Works with the fungi and bacteria in your soil to encourage root growth
Specs
· 25-pound bag
· NPK ratio of 10-0-6
· One bag is sufficient for a 5000 square foot lawn
Our Verdict
It’s organic, and it appears to work well, but it’s more expensive than some of the other leading brands.
Buyers Guide Questions
What is Zoysia Grass?
Native to Asia, Zoysia is a warm-season grass meaning it’s a good choice for parts of the United States that are hot. It can handle humid conditions, drought conditions, and even some degree of cold, making it a versatile grass for lawns.
Zoysia Grass spreads above and below ground to create a dense carpet over your lawn. The above-ground stems are called stolons, and the below-ground stems are known as rhizomes.
Why Choose Zoysia Grass?
Aside from being a hardy option for southern states and transition zones in the United States, there are several reasons to plant Zoysia Grass for your lawn. It does take longer to establish than other grasses, but the rewards for patience can’t be refuted.
A Dense Carpet of Grass
What’s the big deal about dense grass? It doesn’t seem like a benefit, but there are two big reasons you’ll appreciate the density of Zoysia Grass. First, you won’t have to fight a lot of weeds because they can’t break through and take root. Second, it’s plush and strong enough to tolerate lawn games and entertaining.
Holds Color Longer
You probably won’t have a deep, dark green lawn with Zoysia Grass, but you will have a light to medium green yard that lasts longer. Yes, it will turn brown when it goes dormant for winter, but you’ll enjoy a green lawn much longer than other warm-season grasses.
It’s Efficient
How can any grass be efficient? Zoysia Grass has a deep root system, so it conserves water to resist drought and can even stay green longer than other grasses during short droughts. If it does brown during an extended drought, after a little water, the green should return quickly. Zoysia Grass can even tolerate light shade, unlike other warm-weather grasses.
How to Care for Zoysia Grass
Each type of grass has slightly different care instructions for optimum growth, color, and resilience. There are a few unique care instructions for Zoysia Grass.
Planting
Zoysia Grass should be planted in the spring once there is no threat of frost. Even if you’re reseeding a thin lawn, you should wait until there’s no chance of frost.
Aeration
If you choose to aerate a Zoysia Grass lawn, do it in the spring to encourage recovery and new growth.
Watering
Zoysia Grass is capable of conserving water for periods of drought, but only if it receives enough water. On average, Zoysia Grass requires an inch of water per week. If the soil is sandy, the grass may require a bit more.
Mowing
New grass should not be mowed for the first few weeks, or until it’s reached two to three inches. Zoysia Grass should be kept around one to one and a half inches.
Fertilizing
You’ll generally use less fertilizer for Zoysia Grass, but it may be one of the best things you can do for your lawn. You should fertilize Zoysia Grass lawns through the spring and summer.
Other Considerations
Every type of grass is susceptible to pests and diseases, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for signs of either. If you notice a pest invasion, some fertilizers include insect killers. For larger pests or diseases, you’ll want to contact your local garden center for the best ways to handle the issue.
How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass
Fertilizer is a critical component in maintaining a healthy lawn. There are a few considerations when choosing a fertilizer for any lawn.
What is the Ideal pH level?
For Zoysia Grass, the ideal pH level of the soil is 6.0 to 6.5. You can have your pH level tested by a local agency, or you can test it yourself. Home improvement stores sell kits, or you can use some home ingredients to do a DIY soil pH test.
What is the Optimal NPK Ratio?
To determine this, you need to understand what the NPK ratio represents and why it matters. NPK ratios appear as three numbers on packages of fertilizer. You may have seen 24-2-12 on a fertilizer package and wondered what it meant.
The NPK ratio represents the percentage of three nutrients contained in the fertilizer. First, you’ll have nitrogen (N), which contributes to the growth and how green a plant is. Second is phosphorus (P) which encourages the roots to develop. Finally, potassium (K) helps plants fightg off diseases and withstand temperature changes.
Since Zoysia Grass is naturally dense and built for water conservation, you’ll find that the fertilizer needs are generally lower than other grasses. You would be safe choosing a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 16-4-8, while other types of grass may require higher levels of nitrogen and potassium.
Top Pick
Lawnstar Liquid Fertilizer is our pick as the best fertilizer for Zoysia Grass. It’s affordable, comes with a built-in sprayer attachment, and a 30-day guarantee. If it doesn’t work, the company will accept the return and issue a refund. However, based on our research, that’s not likely to be the case.
Premium Choice
It’s organic, and it’s odor-free. As far as premium products go, Ringer Lawn Restore carries the price tag and the slight edge over other fertilizers.
Great Value
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Weed and Feed covers a lot of ground and helps eradicate any weeds trying to take root. It’s specially formulated for warm-weather grasses, like Zoysia. You get the most coverage for your money with this fertilizer.
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