Empire Zoysia grass is a green low-lying, slow-growing variety of turfgrass. It is widely used because of its ability to grow in warm rain-deprived climates and cold climates with sufficient rain.
A soil test is required before laying the seedlings of Zoysia grass into the ground. The test helps analyze whether your grass needs feeding during planting or only post-emergently after germination. It will also indicate the right pH of the soil, which will guide on whether sulfur or lime should be used to attain the proper pH for zoysia lawns, from 6 to 6.5.
Consider several factors when growing zoysia grass fields. This write-up articulates on some of these issues which include;
- The right climatic conditions for zoysia grass
- The top 5 fertilizers for zoysia grass
- Zoysia grass care schedule
- Types and soils parameters that support the growth of zoysia grass
The Top Five Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass
| Parameter | The Andersons | Simple Lawn Solutions | The Andersons Innova | Miracle-Gro | Medina |
| N-P2O5-K2O | 16-4-8 | 16-4-8 | 7-1-2 | 12-4-8 | 12-4-8 |
| Available sizes | 18lbs and 40 lbs | 2 lbs | 40lbs | 2 lbs | 9 lbs |
| Naturality | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic |
| Coverage (per lbs) | 5,000 | 3,200 | 4,000 | 3,500 | 12,000 |
| Frequency of use | Every 6-8 weeks | Monthly | Every 6 weeks | Every 1-2 weeks | Monthly |
The Andersons – Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass
The Andersons manufactures the best fertilizers for empire zoysia variety of grass that can be applied all season long, giving the same effectiveness. It is parked in granules that cover a higher surface area with less fertilizer. Its slow-release mechanism ensures plants are supplied with nutrients for eight weeks.
Among its ingredients, there are fulvic and humic acids that enrich the soil and facilitate the plant’s nutrients. This fertilizer can be applied to various turfs, including domestic and commercial sporting lawns, like golf courses. During cold winters, only 50 – 75% is recommended and has a higher release rate.
Pros
- Slow-release for prolonged nutrient uptake
- Fine granules cover a larger surface area
- Used all season long
- Used on multiple turfs
Cons
- Dusty during application
- Highly grass specific
Simple Lawn Solutions – Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Sod
You can use Simple Lawn Solutions on all grass types. It contains the major high-quality nutrients needed for the nourishment of your field. It is easy-to-use and is supplied with a spraying nozzle ready to be connected to a water horse and spray on the turf.
The NPK formulation enhances the green coloring of the field and, consequently, strengthening the grass’s blades and roots. It also improves soil structure and nutrients retention ability. It is best when applied with frequent watering sessions for maximum uptake of the nutrients.
Pros
- Well balanced formulation for zoysia grass
- Easy to apply
- Contains fish and seaweed
- Enhances the soil
- Promotes maximum uptake of nutrients by the plants
Cons
- Poor performance in the absence of adequate water supply
The Andersons Innova – Best Organic Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass
The Andersons Innova provides the fields with vitamins and amino acids in addition to the essential nutrients NPK. It is made from naturally available material, i.e., soybean with no animal products.
The granules enable one to spread the fertilizer over a wide area with minimal effort and time. It also has a high carbon to nitrogen ratio that supplies energy to the microorganism in the soil. It can be used both as a pre-emergent and post-emergent fertilizer. It does not affect the grass when over-applied, but its efficiency is significantly reduced when applied in less amount than recommended.
Pros
- Derived from a natural material
- Granules facilitate easy and even spread
- Has a high carbon to nitrogen ratio
Cons
- Cannot be applied throughout all the seasons
Miracle-Gro – Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Lawns
Miracle-Gro is supplied in a concentrated solution in a 32-ounce bottle. Being suitable for multipurpose use on grasses, potted plants, flowers, trees, and vegetables, it instantly delivers the nutrients needed by the turf. This fertilizer needs to be diluted as directed before application.
For effective results, apply during spring and summer. We don’t recommend it for dry seasons and winters.
When it comes to other pros, it is friendly to humans and pets.
Pros
- Delivers results in minutes
- Used on a wide range of plants
- Friendly to pets and the environment
Cons
- Must be diluted to be used
Medina – Best Liquid Fertilizer for Empire Zoysia
This lawn care product promotes a robust thick, vigorous, and green growth of your turf from spring to fall. Its liquid formulation encourages fast absorption by the turf, ensuring none is gone to waste. It also stimulates the microbes in the soils hence promoting the aeration of the ground.
The nutrients applied by this fertilizer are responsible for strengthening the root system and ensure firm anchorage of the grass and quick and easy access to water. The NPK formulation enhances the blades of the green, making them resistant to mechanical damage. It can only be used on the recommended turf to avoid injury.
Pros
- Efficient nutrient uptake
- Promotes a healthy root system
- Improves soils aeration
Cons
- Compatible with a handful of types of grass
Buyer’s Guide
When to Fertilize Grass?
Applying the best fertilizer for zoysia lawns is crucial in its growth and development. Pre-emergents prevent the growth of weeds and allow germination of seedlings while post-emergent will destroy the real herbs. That said, the most suitable time to fertilize your lawn is at the beginning of spring and summer when the conditions for growth are optimized.
Can I Over-Fertilize a Lawn?
Yes, this phenomenon is termed fertilizer burn and occurs when you apply excessive amounts of fetilizer on your sod, leading to the buildup of the nutrients and salts. Though it may be wise, it has detrimental effects on your lawn, leading to the burning of your grass characterized by yellowing and browning patches.
When to Plant Zoysia Grass?
The best time to plant Zoysia grass is in the mid to late spring or at the commence of summer. It requires warm temperatures to germinate and flourish. It also requires excellent sunshine and an adequate supply of water. Extremely cold conditions like winter will inhibit the germination and stall the growth of your turf hence avoid planting two months to winter.
FAQs
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass in Florida?
Use low Nitrogen fertilizer like The Andersons Innova
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass in Texas?
High nitrogen content fertilizer with frequent watering is recommended.
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia in Tennessee?
Simple Lawn Solutions comes in highly recommended for this soil.
When to Fertilizer Zoysia Grass in Virginia?
Best results are achieved when done during Spring to Fall.
What Fertilizer do I Use before Putting down Zoysia Sod?
Fast releasing Nitrogen-rich pre-emergent fertilizer like The Andersons.
What Fertilizer to Use on Empire Zoysia in October?
Nitrogen is not needed, go for low nitrogen fertilizer.
How Much Fertilizer Per Acre for Zoysia Grass?
15 pounds per 1,000 square feet of turf is usually recommended.
Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass in Alabama?
Alabama soils need a phosphorus boost to support the growth of Zoysia.
Author’s Remarks
Zoysia grass needs attention and close monitoring right from planting to maturity. Its care calendar is majorly dominated by fertilization schedule to supply the sod with nutrients, strengthen its root structure, improve the soils, and keep the weeds and diseases at bay. Ensure you give ultimate care to your field to get that exquisite non-blemish continuous carpet-like look on your yard.