ZOYSIA
LAWN CARE PRODUCTS
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
The lawn is most likely dormant depending on your location. During this time, lawn care is centered around weed prevention, protecting the dormant turf, and minimizing conditions that can lead to stress or damage. Winter annual weeds can become highly visible in dormant zoysia if pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control are not properly timed during fall and winter. It is also important to minimize heavy traffic on dormant turf to avoid thinning and soil compaction, especially during wet conditions. Keeping the lawn free of leaves and debris improves airflow and helps prevent moisture-related disease issues.
Prevent Weeds & Feed Your Lawn
Prevents crabgrass without triggering lawn growth.
Eliminate Weeds
Apply Triad Select Weed Killer on the entire lawn to clean up all broadleaf weeds.
MARCH-MAY
Spring is when zoysiagrass begins slowly waking up from winter dormancy, and patience is important since zoysia typically greens up later than many other warm-season grasses. The primary focus during spring is encouraging even green-up, preventing weed pressure, and promoting healthy lateral growth without overstimulating the turf too early. Pre-emergent applications are essential to stop crabgrass and other summer weeds before germination, while spot weed control helps eliminate any cool-season weeds lingering from winter. Once the lawn is actively growing, moderate fertilization supports turf density, root strength, and improved color while helping zoysia naturally thicken and fill in bare areas. Spring is also a good time to remove excessive thatch, sharpen mower blades for cleaner cuts, and begin lowering mowing heights gradually as growth increases. A properly maintained spring zoysia lawn develops into a dense, uniform turf that naturally suppresses weeds throughout the season.
Prevent Weeds & Feed Your Lawn
Guardian will prevent weeds and crabgrass from germinating in your lawn. Apply 6 weeks after Safeguard.
Take Out Existing Weeds
Apply Celsius Wg Weed Killer on the entire lawn to make sure all weeds are removed.
Promote Dark Green color
Apply 6-weeks after Guardian. Almighty 20-0-10 is a professional-grade nitrogen fertilizer designed to deliver rapid green-up while feeding your lawn for weeks.
Apply Insecticide in May
Apply Acelepryn Insecticide to prevent grubs and armyworm infestations.
JUNE-AUGUST
Summer is when zoysiagrass reaches its full performance potential, producing a dense, durable lawn that handles heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic extremely well. The focus during summer is maintaining turf quality and consistency while avoiding stress from improper mowing, overwatering, or nutrient imbalance. Zoysiagrass benefits from steady fertilization to maintain rich color and healthy growth, but excessive nitrogen should be avoided to help reduce thatch buildup and unnecessary stress. Consistent mowing with sharp blades is especially important because of zoysia’s thick growth habit and coarse texture. Deep watering practices help strengthen root systems and improve drought resistance during extended heat. Summer is also when insects like billbugs and grubs, along with diseases such as brown patch, can become active in stressed lawns. Proper cultural practices combined with preventative treatments help maintain the thick, manicured appearance zoysiagrass is known for during peak summer conditions.
Protect Against Summer Stress
Apply 6-weeks after last application. Your lawn needs to be fed regularly. Almighty will promote dark green color, strengthen grass, and protect against stress.
Spot spray Celsius WG
Celsius WG is a selective herbicide that targets a broad spectrum of common warm-season lawn weeds, including crabgrass, goosegrass, dallisgrass, and more.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Fall is an important transition period for zoysia grass as the lawn begins preparing for dormancy and cooler temperatures ahead. The primary goals during fall are improving root health, reducing stress from summer wear, and minimizing winter weed pressure before the turf goes dormant. A fall fertilizer application focused on potassium and balanced nutrition helps strengthen the grass for winter while supporting healthier spring recovery. Fall pre-emergent applications are especially important in zoysia lawns to prevent poa annua and other cool-season weeds from establishing in dormant turf during winter months. As growth slows, mowing frequency and irrigation should gradually decrease to match seasonal conditions. Removing excess debris and maintaining proper drainage also help reduce disease pressure heading into winter. Proper fall care helps zoysia grass enter dormancy cleaner, healthier, and better prepared for a more uniform green-up the following spring.
Prevent Weeds & Feed Your Lawn
Guardian contains .37% Prodiamine, creating a long-lasting soil barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
Spot Spray Weeds with Celsius WG
All-in-one weed killer for crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, and broadleaf weeds in lawns.
Prepare for Winter
Emerlad will continue to keep lawn green while strengthening the lawn for winter.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Fertilization(Tropical Areas)
Improve winter hardiness and keep your lawn growing.
Spot Spray Weeds with Celsius WG
All-in-one weed killer for crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, and broadleaf weeds in lawns.
Raise pH
Apply pHast-Cal Lime if pH is low.
Lower pH
Apply Acidifier if pH is high.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked.
Everything you need to know before you start your Zoysia Lawn Care Program.
When should I fertilize zoysia grass?
Zoysia grass should be fertilized once it is fully greened up and actively growing, usually in late spring through summer. Avoid applying heavy nitrogen too early while the lawn is still dormant or only partially green.
Is 13-0-10 Guardian good for zoysia grass?
Yes. 13-0-10 Guardian is a good spring and fall option for established zoysia lawns because it combines fertilizer with pre-emergent weed control. Apply it before weeds germinate for best results, and avoid using it if you are trying to seed or establish new grass.
Is 20-0-10 good for zoysia grass in summer?
Yes. 20-0-10 is a good summer fertilizer for zoysia once the lawn is fully green and actively growing. It provides nitrogen for color and spreading, while potassium helps support heat, drought, traffic, and overall summer stress tolerance.
How often should I fertilize zoysia grass during summer?
During the active growing season, zoysia grass can usually be fertilized every 6 weeks. This keeps the lawn dense, green, and actively spreading without overfeeding. Always follow the product label and avoid applying fertilizer during extreme heat or drought stress.
How much nitrogen does zoysia grass need each year?
Most zoysia lawns need about 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, depending on soil conditions, irrigation, mowing height, and desired maintenance level. Higher-maintenance lawns may need more feeding, while lower-maintenance zoysia lawns can perform well with less.
How high should I mow zoysia grass?
Zoysia grass usually performs best when mowed around 1.5 to 2.5 inches with a sharp mower blade. Keeping it at the right height helps maintain density, improve appearance, and reduce scalping. Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Why does zoysia grass turn brown in winter?
Zoysia is a warm-season grass, so it naturally goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures cool down in fall and winter. This is normal and does not mean the lawn is dead. It will green back up in spring once soil temperatures rise and active growth returns.