Caring for zoysia grass is not difficult but people face problems as the caring or maintenance process is not the same as other grass. Fertilizing and mowing is the best part of caring for the Zoysia grass.
So today you will know how to care for zoysia grass and the fertilizer for zoysia grass. You will also know about the ways to fertilize your grass. So, let’s start.
Table of contents
What is Zoysia Grass?
Zoysia Grass, also known as Zoysia japonica, is a perennial grass that only grows well in warm climates. This grass has been used for turf lawns, golf courses, and sports fields all over the world for many years.
Zoysia Grass is a low-maintenance grass that can tolerate both full sun and partial shade locations. It has a deep root system that helps it to resist drought and also recovers quickly from damage. This grass grows in clumps, which helps to reduce the amount of mowing needed.
Zoysia Grass Fertilizer Schedule: When to Fertilize
The best time to fertilize zoysia grass is in the late spring or early summer. This will help the grass to grow thick and healthy. Make sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for zoysia grass. You can follow the Zoysia maintenance calendar to fertilize or mow your grass every week or every month.
Types of Fertilizer for Using on Zoysia
Now that you know when to fertilize your zoysia lawn, it’s time to learn about the different types of zoysia grass fertilizer you can use.
There are three main types of fertilizer: organic, synthetic, and slow-release.
- Organic
- Synthetic
- Slow-release
Organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients, such as animal manure or compost. Synthetic fertilizers are man-made in a laboratory. Slow-release fertilizers are specially designed to release their nutrients slowly over the course of several months, which is important for zoysia grass.
1. Organic Fertilizer
The organic fertilizer you choose will depend on your preferences and budget, but some popular options are cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal, fish emulsion, and composted cow manure. Grass-cycling – a process where you use your grass clippings as fertilizer – is another organic method explored by the University of Illinois Extension.
Pros
Some organic fertilizers will help correct soil imbalances, such as high salt levels or low pH levels. They also release nutrients slowly, which means they won’t burn your lawn.
Cons
Organic fertilizers can take longer to work than synthetic fertilizers. They can also be more expensive, and some people don’t like the idea of using manure.
2. Synthetic Fertilizer
The most common type of synthetic fertilizer is ammonium nitrate. It’s fast-acting, inexpensive, and available at most garden centers or hardware stores. However, Scott fertilizer for zoysia grass can be a good option to use as a synthetic fertilizer.
Pros
Synthetic fertilizers are easy to find and use. They also give your lawn quick doses of nitrogen, which is what grass uses to grow new shoots.
Cons
Some synthetic fertilizers can damage your lawn if you over-apply them. They can also leach out of the soil, which means they can end up in our groundwater and waterways.
3. Slow-Release Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizers are a good option for zoysia grass because they release their nutrients slowly over time. This prevents your lawn from getting too much nitrogen all at once, which can burn your grass.
Pros
Slow-release fertilizers are more environmentally-friendly than synthetic fertilizers. They are also less likely to burn your lawn, so you can use them more often.
Cons
You have to apply slow-release fertilizers more frequently than synthetic or organic fertilizers, which is something to consider if it will be applied by a lawn care service. They are also typically more expensive than other types of fertilizer.
No matter what type of fertilizer you choose, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application. And be sure to avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, which can result in burned grass, algae blooms, and other problems.
How to Care for Zoysia Grass: Ways of Fertilizing Zoysia Grass
There are several ways to fertilize Zoysia grass, but the following are the most common ways to fertilize Zoysia grass.
- Fertilizer Spreader
- Granular Fertilizer
- Liquid Fertilizer
1. Fertilizer Spreader
Using a fertilizer spreader is one of the easiest ways to fertilize your Zoysia grass without having to worry about using too much or too little. The exact setting on your fertilizer spreader may vary depending on the make and model of your spreader, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual. Generally speaking, you will want to set your spreader to a medium or high setting and apply the fertilizer in a sweeping motion across your lawn.
2. Granular Fertilizer
If you are using granular fertilizer, you will want to apply it in a similar manner as you would if you were using a fertilizer spreader. Be sure to read the instructions on the bag of fertilizer to determine how much to apply and when to apply it.
3. Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer for zoysia grass can either be applied with a garden hose or with a pump sprayer. When applying liquid fertilizer with a garden hose, you will want to mix the fertilizer with water in a ratio of 1:1 before applying it to your lawn. When using a pump sprayer, you will want to make sure that the nozzle is set to a fine mist and apply the fertilizer in a sweeping motion across your lawn.
FAQs
1. What happens if you don’t cut zoysia grass?
– If you don’t cut it at all, wildflowers will start to grow in the area and the property value will drop significantly.
2. Is zoysia grass hard to maintain?
– It’s not hard, but it is different.
Final Note
Hopefully, you have known how to care for the zoysia grass on your lawn. The zoysia grass is decorative grass to your lawn and if you don’t care about it perfectly then this grass can destroy the beauty of your lawn all of a sudden. So, be careful with your zoysia grass seed and maintain the grass.