Zoysia is a heat-loving turfgrass popular in the South. When given the right fertilizer, its lush green growth is one of its biggest appeals. But malnutrition causes weeds and diseases in Zoysia. So we researched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart products to find the best fertilizers for Zoysiagrass to make sure your lawn gets the right nutrients.
Top picks
Top 6 lawn fertilizers for Zoysiagrass – Reviews
1. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 – Best for spring
If you want a lush green lawn, try Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8. It’s our favorite product for spring and early summer fertilizer applications. The high-quality formula is made from feed-grade ingredients that enhance the soil with essential nutrients. As a result, Zoysia lawns have increased root growth and a higher tolerance for cold, drought, and diseases.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 3,200 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 2 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid, not certified organic but contains some organic ingredients (fish and seaweed)
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 32 oz.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Encourages root growth ✓ Well-balanced ✓ Quick and easy to apply ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Some states ban fertilizers with phosphorus |
Where to buy
2. The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 – Spring runner up
Another excellent option for spring fertilization is The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8. It gives Zoysia lawns a balanced NPK diet, plus iron and humic acid. Hence, you’ll notice green-up in as little as a week. The formula boosts Zoysia’s immune system, prevents yellowing, and improves soil drainage. Additionally, it has super fine granules that apply evenly.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 6 – 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, quick and slow-release, synthetic
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 40 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Encourages root growth ✓ Well-balanced✓ Prevents yellowing ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Some states ban fertilizers with phosphorus ✗ Not good for soil rich in iron |
Where to buy
3. Turf Nurture Natural Base Fertilizer – Best phosphorus-free
To save aquatic creatures from toxic runoff, several states have banned phosphorus fertilizers. Most established Zoysia lawns can make do without phosphorus, so consider Turf Nurture Natural Base Fertilizer, which is phosphorus-free. Apply in early spring to early summer to inspire dense growth, a vivid green color, and a healthy immune system. Its natural ingredients are safe for children and pets.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 7,500 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 12 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, contains organic ingredients but not 100% organic
- N-P-K: 15-0-7
- Package size: 25 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Encourages dense green growth ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Adds organic matter to the soil | ✗ Not good for phosphorus-deficient soil ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
4. Simple Lawn Solutions 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer – Best for summer
Potassium-rich fertilizer applied in mid to late summer protects Zoysiagrass from winter damage. Simple Lawn Solutions 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer gives Zoysia the potassium it needs to withstand winter dormancy and resume healthy growth in the spring. The formula also contains humic acid and comes ready to use with a sprayer.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 3,200 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 30 days
- Fertilizer type: Liquid, synthetic
- N-P-K: 15-0-15
- Package size: 32 oz.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Great for mid to late summer application ✓ Helps grass withstand winter ✓ Quick and easy to apply ✓ High-quality ingredients ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Not good for phosphorus-deficient soil ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
5. Espoma Lawn Food – Best organic fertilizer
If you want an organic nitrogen fertilizer safe for children and pets, try Espoma Lawn Food. It won’t stain your concrete or burn your lawn but will restore your Zoysiagrass’s vitality. In addition to NPK, the formula includes water-soluble potash, calcium, sulfur, and iron. It also contains microbes to improve soil composition.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: Several weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, organic
- N-P-K: 15-0-5
- Package size: 20 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Encourages dense green growth ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Organic | ✗ Not good for phosphorus-deficient soil ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
6. Hi-Yield Weed and Feed 15-0-10 – Best weed and feed
Hi-Yield Weed and Feed 15-0-10 works as a fertilizer and a weed killer. In addition to improving the health and appearance of your Zoysia lawn, it eradicates over 200 broadleaf weeds, including chickweed, dandelion, and spurge. It’s a simple solution for homeowners wanting to feed and treat weeds simultaneously.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Fertilizer type: Granular, synthetic
- N-P-K: 15-0-10
- Package size: 18 lbs.
- Herbicide: Trimec
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Encourages dense green growth ✓ Boosts immune system ✓ Kills over 200 broadleaf weeds | ✗ Weed and feed diminishes soil if used too frequently ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to lawn fertilizers for Zoysiagrass
Get ready for the growing season with our helpful tips for buying Zoysiagrass fertilizer. It’s important to consider the following:
NPK
The primary nutrients that Zoysia lawns need to thrive are NPK:
- Nitrogen (N) gives grass green color and dense growth. Each growing season, apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of Zoysia lawn. Sandy soils need more nitrogen than clay.
- Phosphorus (P) encourages healthy root development, especially for new grass. Too much phosphorus in the soil makes its runoff water deadly to aquatic creatures. Soil often has enough P to sustain established lawns, so several states ban its use.
- Potassium (K) strengthens grass by increasing its tolerance to weather, pests, and diseases.
NPK ratio
The NPK ratio (N-P-K) tells you each nutrient’s proportion in the fertilizer package—for example, The Andersons Professional PGF Complete has an N-P-K of 16-4-8. That means 16% of the package weight is nitrogen, 4% is phosphorous, and 8% is potassium. If you buy a 40-pound bag, to calculate the amount of nitrogen:
| 0.16 x 40 = 6.4 lb. of Nitrogen |
Equivalent proportions: If your lawn needs a 4-1-2 fertilizer, you can use any equivalent proportion, such as 16-4-8 or 8-2-4.
Soil test
To know what nutrients your soil needs, do a soil test. It tells you the soil’s level of nutrients, pH, and organic matter content.
Micronutrients
In addition to NPK, there are nutrients lawns need in small amounts. These are called micronutrients. For example, Zoysia turfgrass sometimes requires sulfur or iron.
Time of year
The right fertilizer for your Zoysia lawn grass depends on the time of year:
- Spring to early summer: Zoysia needs a high nitrogen fertilizer such as a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 NPK ratio.
- Mid to late summer: Zoysia typically requires a lot of potassium to prepare for falling temperatures, so consider a 15-0-15 fertilizer.
- Fall: Don’t apply nitrogen, but the soil may need potassium or micronutrients to give the grass strength to survive winter dormancy.
Type of fertilizer
Find the best type of fertilizer for your grass by considering the following:
- Slow-release vs. quick-release fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizers slowly break down into the soil, but quick-release products are absorbed rapidly. Quick-release fertilizers have a higher risk of fertilizer burn.
- Liquid vs. granular fertilizer: Liquid fertilizers are easier to apply, but granules are typically more cost-effective, and the soil absorbs the granular nutrients more slowly. Granular fertilizer is applied using a spreader, and liquids are applied from a sprayer.
- Organic vs. synthetic fertilizer: Nutritious soil has a healthy helping of organic matter, so organic fertilizers are best for long-term soil health. In contrast, synthetic fertilizers degrade the soil and are more likely to burn the grass.
- Weed and feed: Weed and feed contains fertilizer and herbicide, so one application kills weeds and feeds the grass.
Cost
Expect DIY lawn fertilization to cost $40 to $320, depending on the size of your lawn and the type of fertilizer you use. Organic fertilizers usually cost more than synthetics, and liquid fertilizers typically cost more than granules. If you hire a pro, expect to pay $120 to $480 per professional fertilizer application.
FAQ about lawn fertilizers for Zoysiagrass
Here are some tips for thickening your Zoysia lawn:
● Regularly mow Zoysiagrass to a height of 1 to 2.5 inches
● Overseed Zoysia in the spring
● Ensure the grass gets enough sunshine
● Water the lawn deeply and infrequently
● Ensure the soil has enough nitrogen
● Aerate and dethatch in late spring to early summer
Prevention is the best cure, so stay on top of routine lawn care and use a fertilizer high in potassium in mid to late summer. If your Zoysia turf has brown spots, there’s a good chance it’s due to brown patch, the most common Zoysia disease.
Because it’s a fungus, it breeds in excess moisture. Treating brown patch includes:
● Improve soil drainage by aerating and removing excess thatch.
● Water the lawn before 10 a.m. because that’s when the soil best absorbs it.
● Remove yard debris so it doesn’t collect water.
● Organic fungicides containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens treat brown patch.
● Synthetic fungicides containing azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, or fluoxastrobin work great on brown patch.
The best weed control for Zoysia is a healthy lawn care routine. You can also use the best pre-emergent herbicides to treat weeds before they sprout and the best post-emergent herbicides to treat visible weeds.
Healthy Zoysia soil has a pH level of 6 – 6.5. Add soil amendments to change soil pH.
If you have Zoysia, you are likely to encounter one of these common Zoysia pests:
● White grubs
● Hunting billbugs
● Chinch bugs
● Sod webworms
● Mole crickets
It’s important to choose the right fertilizer for your grass type, so we found the best lawn fertilizers for these warm-season grasses:
● Bermudagrass: One of the best fertilizers for Bermuda is Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer.
● Centipedegrass: One of the best fertilizers for centipede is Simple Lawn Solutions 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer.
● St. Augustinegrass: One of the best fertilizers for St. Augustine is The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8.
When to call a lawn care pro
If you struggle to keep your Zoysiagrass healthy and green, consider hiring a lawn care pro. Routine service is stress-free and surprisingly affordable. Pros have the equipment, supplies, and know-how to maintain a pristine lawn free of weeds and disease. So, get a free quote from a local lawn care pro today.
Main Photo Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License (with added text overlay)
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
