5 Best Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass – Boost Your Garden!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: September 16, 2023
BackyardStyle.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Have you been dreaming of a green, lush lawn? Well, that is the dream for everyone, particularly the Americans. However, it can be challenging to sustain it as it calls for deliberate efforts and inputs. If you live in areas where there is extreme heat, you will need to apply the best fertilizer for zoysia grass that will help to conserve the lawn. How will you establish the fertilizer that will be useful to your lawn?

Noting the numerous fertilizers in the market, it can be a daunting task deciding which one works for your lawn. It can also be confusing if you are purchasing them for the first time. Therefore, establishing the best one is the main thing. To help you get the best fertilizer from the market, we have compiled a guide while taking into account essential factors such as size, weight, and coverage to enable you to make a decision on what works for you.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass Reviews 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4009 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
Features
  • Size: 16 x 12 x 3 inches
  • Weight: 15 lbs.
  • Coverage: 5,000 sq ft

More features: grows grass thicker; improves seeding results; safe for any grass type.

It improves the seeding results since it feeds the grass enabling it to take new roots and grow. It makes your grass 70 percent thicker and 35 percent faster. It is safe for any kind of grass ranging from new lawns, existing ones, grass plugs hence making it safe for use for any kind of lawn.

Scotts turf builder starter food new glass will help your seedlings to benefit from a variety of nutrients hence satisfying the needs of your lawn. It gives your grass quicker start, and hence it promotes roots and blade development. The fertilizer is suitable for helping to strike a balance in your growing lawn. It is the best starter fertilizer for zoysia grass seed. It will help to improve results drastically for sod and grass plugs enabling you to have your lawn the way you have always wanted it to be but in a safe and faster way. With it, you can quickly start a new lawn, or reseed the existing one.

What we liked: It is safe for any glass type, whether a new lawn or resending an existing one since it contains a combination of nutrients which your lawn needs.

What could be better: The turf is not effective in preventing the weeds from growing since the weeds crop back after a short time. If that could be improved, it could be better.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7156 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Size: 24 x 13.25 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 30 lbs.
  • Coverage: 5,000 sq ft

More features: for a strong winter lawn; environmentally friendly

It is an organic lawn program which is not only affordable but also chemical-free hence making it safe for your kids and pets. Each of its components is formulated to optimize the health of the lawn as it slowly releases nitrogen, unlike the conventional lawn programs. Unlike other organic fertilizers, the smell goes away as soon as you water it. It is the best spring fertilizer for zoysia grass.

Espoma will make a difference in your lawn by preventing weeds, keeping it green for more extended periods, and cokes out unnecessary weeds. With that, you will only need to feed the lawn with lawn food and apply the winter fertilizer, and the results will be amazing. It is made from feather meal poultry manure and sulfate potash hence suitable for giving your lawn that green appeal you desire.

Importantly, it is made of environmental-friendly products which makes it suitable for application in a variety of lawns since it won’t harm your pets or the environment.  It is totally safe for the pets and kids in your home compound. Therefore, you can choose the product confidently without the worry of the dangers of chemicals that some fertilizers contain. It is made of natural ingredients and therefore, it won’t pose any risk to the environment or your pets.

What we liked: It is an organic product free from chemicals; hence it will keep your kids and pets safe since it is optimized for healthy lawns and environment.

What could be better: Strong smell of the manure. If that could be taken into account by the manufacturer, it could be better.

Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8029 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Size: 5.5 x 3 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs.
  • Coverage: not specified

More features: for any grass type; easy to use; produced in the USA

It is an all-in-one fertilizer. It offers a balanced lawn food fertilizer liquid since it is made up of high-quality ingredients which result in pure and clean NPK liquid nutrients. The fertilizer is custom made to offer your lawn turf green and growth while proving it with enough energy to for rigorous growth of roots. If you apply it properly, it will help to maintain a healthy lawn which you desire. It is suitable for all kinds of lawn grasses offering them the macronutrients they need. It is the best liquid fertilizer for zoysia grass. It is a liquid spray which will offer nutritional supplement, which is meant to offer an established lawn that contains the key nutrients and treat the lawn with essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. You will only need to water your lawn sufficiently to ensure proper absorption of nutrients.

What we liked: The fertilizer contains seaweed and fish, which makes it a perfect blend of macronutrients hence nourishing your lawn to health right away.

What could be better: If the high price could be addressed while maintaining the same product quality, it could be better.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8372 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
Features
  • Size: 18 x 3 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 14.29 lbs.
  • Coverage: 5,000 sq ft

More features: improved formula; weedgrip technology

It is a powerful weedgrip technology product which wipes out dandelion and kills other weeds which would otherwise interfere with the growth of your lawn. It is suitable for use to clear weeds and prepare your lawn for the winter conditions. It is the best fertilizer and weed killer for zoysia grass. It is best for regular feeding of your lawn glass since it helps to keep it green while providing nutrients that are needed to enable the glass to withstand tough weather, weeds and activity. It will also feed the grass to form a strong, deep-rooted and better lawn for the spring. It also improves the lawns ability to absorb water, as well as nutrients, make the unfed lawns.

What we liked: It winds out and kills weeds hence making a stronger, greener and strong grass.

What could be better: It doesn’t kill some of the weeds. If it could be improved to kill more winds, it could be better.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3063 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
Features
  • Size: 18 x 12 x 2.25 inches
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Coverage: 5,000 sq ft

More features: formula helps protect our waterways; premium quality; works with all types of turf

If you are looking for premium and quality fertilizer, then GreenView 2129269 Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer, is what you deserve. It is a premium quality that will easily thicken your lawn to your liking. Importantly, it works will all kinds of turf, and you can apply it to the grass anytime hence keeping your grass actively growing. Also, it can be used through immediate release or controlled release of nutrients which lasts up to 12 weeks and won’t have a burning effect on the lawn. It contains zero phosphate and 63% slow-release nitrogen which is an essential way to keep waterways safe. GreenView Yard Wide will offer you the satisfaction and quality. It is the best fertilizer for a greener zoysia grass.

What we liked: It contains no phosphates which would otherwise have a horrible impact on the waterways.

What could be better: It needs one to clear weeds in the lawn first prior to application. If it could be applied without the need to clear weeds first, it could be better.


Things to Consider

Zoysia grass are popularly known for their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, including extreme temperatures. It is therefore preferred by many people for their grass lawns since it also grows everywhere you plant it. It will require that you feed it with the nutrients it needs to ensure you maintain a healthy lawn in the absence of weeds, insects in your garden. To attain that you will need to use the best fertilizers for zoysia grass since they provide your lawn with all the needed nutrients. You should also ensure your fertilizer is 100 per cent natural. To get the best fertilizer for zoysia grass, you will need to take into account several factors and therefore, this buying guide equips you with the best insights you need pertaining the size, coverage, weight and formula. This will help you get a better understanding while making your next purchase.

Why do you need a fertilizer for Zoysia grass?

There are many reasons why one needs to fertilize the lawn. Over a period of time, many lawns will leech the nutrients to the soil, which will make it hard for the grass to have enough nutrients since most of the nutrients in the soil are water soluble. Over time, rainwater and irrigation carry away the nutrients out of your lawn hence leaving the lawn with nutrient deficits which eventually makes it unhealthy and thus susceptible to diseases. At times, the soil on which you have planted your lawn will not have adequate nutrients, and thus you will need to fertilize it to maintain the nutrients needed by the grass.

Fertilizer form an important ingredient which is essential while maintaining and growing of the lawn and keeping it green throughout the year. The best time to fertilize the lawn is during the spring when the soil temperature ranges around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the best time to apply the fertilizer for the first time.

Some fertilizers are designed to offer a slow release of the nutrients; hence you can wait between the applications. Using such fertilizers allows you to have a waiting period of between up to 8 weeks, although it also depends on your watering schedule. That will save you time and money instead of having to apply it every four weeks. A slow-release fertilizer that contains little nitrogen is recommendable.

Features to consider before you buy a fertilizer for Zoysia grass

5 Best Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass - Boost Your Garden!

Zoysia grass forms an important part of the turfgrass that is used throughout the year in most parts of the United States, and it is able to transition through cool and warm seasons. Producing a yearly maintenance calendar can be difficult, yet you will need to consistently maintain your lawn. Because of that reason, we analyze some of the factors you will need to consider while buying the fertilizer for your lawn to help you settle for the best one.

Size

Zoysia grass lawns are required to receive 2 to 4 pounds of actual nitrogen for each growing season for a 1000-square foot of the turfgrass. GreenView 2129269 Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer is applicable for a lawn measuring 18 x 12 x 2.25 inches. A higher rate can be applied on the zoysia grass where there are sandy soils, and lower rates are needed or clay soil.

One needs to apply soluble iron to enhance the green colour of the lawn without creating excessive growth.

Weight

Fertilizing the zoysia grass requires a moderate amount of fertilizer during their growing season. The purpose is to supply them with adequate nutrients which will help to sustain their green colour and but not encourage excessive growth or promote thatch. Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed weighs 14.29lbs. You require to apply 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen for every 1000 square feet per year. Apply 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet in early fall and mid-spring.

Optionally, you can apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet in mid-summer and depending on the colour of your lawn. Always apply a slow-release fertilizer.

Coverage

With zoysia grass, you will need to apply 1.5 pounds of the actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Thus, a bag which contains 6 pounds of actual nitrogen will cover 4000 square feet. If your zoysia grass lawn is smaller than 4000 square feet, you should remove the amount you don’t need. Two cups of the granular fertilizer weigh around 1 pound. Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed covers 5000 square feet.

Formula

If no soil test has been carried out, you can use a complete nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer, potassium (N-P-K) turf fertilizer in the ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio. Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed is an improved formula which using weedgrip technology, and it is essential for winning away any weeds in your lawn.

Safety

Using too much fertilizer for your lawn is a huge mistake since it will lead to scorching of the grass and also make it difficult to know how safe it is to use the fertilizer on the lawn. GreenView 2129269 Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer contains a formula which is helpful in helping to protect the waterways from pollution. Nitrogen fertilizer ends up in the runoff water and hence leading to water pollution, which can pose many health complications. Therefore, it is advisable to use the recommended amount of fertilizer to avoid the negative impacts resulting from using it. Also, some lawn fertilizer can be toxic and therefore, it is essential to look at the manufacturer’s label to see the contents of the fertilizer.

FAQ

How do you use a fertilizer?

You can use super-sods total lawn food or the pellet limestones which you can purchase at your local store. Fertilizers are recommended according to the type of soil. You will need to apply 2-4 pounds of the nitrogen fertilizer for every 100 square feet annually during the growing season. You will need to pick a fertilizer labelled for use for gross zoysia lawns. Do not apply the fertilizers on the wet grass to prevent the scorching effect. Also, avoid applying too much fertilizer since it leads to thatch, rush, unhealthy grass lawns and also increases susceptibility to diseases. Find out the rates you need to apply according to the size of your lawn. You can also apply supplemental iron which is essential in helping to improve the glass colour.

How do you figure out how much fertilizer you need?

To start with, get the soil test results based on the feedback you will get from the experts. Agricultural laboratories can be useful for testing the soil. Also, determine the size of your lawn in terms of square feet. You can use a yard calculator to help you calculate the size of your lawn. Know the type of fertilizer to apply depending on your lawn. It is recommendable to make three separate nitrogen applications. Find out about the annual recommended nitrogen fertilizer rates depending on your type of lawn. You will need to divide the annual recommendation for year 3 to know the amount to apply for each season. You will need to know the cool season lawn fertilizer rates to know the fertilizer to apply during the actively growing months. Knowing the nutrient analysis per fertilizer bag is also essential in determining how much fertilizer to apply.

Is fertilizer dangerous for kids and pets?

Pesticides are normally poisonous in nature since they are meant to kills insects and other animals. The fertilizers are usually combined with the weedkillers which can be toxic. Depending on the exposure to the kids and how they are used, they can end up being dangerous to the kids. Luckily, there are a number of safe alternatives which can be used for lawns where you expect to babies and pets. Lawn chemicals have lately been going through thorough scrutiny since they were getting much blame from the sickness of children and pets when they crawled on the treated grass and then put the fingers in the mouth. Many municipalities ended up grounding the use of fertilizers usage on lawns. That has compelled the manufacturers to come up with better options. Thus, you will only need to look for a fertilizer that is safe for use. You can know the safety levels by looking at the ingredients in the fertilizers as the law requires the companies to list the ingredients on the package.

Our verdict

Zoysia grass needs to be taken care of from the planting time until maturity. You will need to follow a calendar of events that majorly includes fertilization schedule which is designed to supply the soil with nutrients to enable them to develop root structure, improve the soil structure while wiping out the weeds. You will need to ensure ultimate care that will guarantee you an exquisite non-blemish continuous carpet you look forward to in your yard. Following a thorough review of the best fertilizer for zoysia grass, the editor’s choice is Scotts 21605 Lawn Food for New Grass since it grows grass thicker; improves seeding results and it’s safe for any grass type. The best value is GreenView 2129269 Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer since it helps protect your waterways; premium quality; works with all types of turf. For the premium pick, we settled for Espoma EOFW30 Organic Fall Fertilizer since it works well for a strong winter lawn and it is environmentally friendly.

9,9
Total Score
Scotts 21605 Lawn Food for New Grass - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *