When To Fertilize Zoysia Grass In Texas

If you have a zoysia grass lawn in Texas, you know it’s a tough and beautiful turf. Knowing when to fertilize zoysia grass in Texas is the key to keeping it that way through our unique weather.

Getting the timing right makes all the difference. It helps your lawn stay green, fight off weeds, and survive the summer heat and winter chill. This guide gives you the simple schedule and tips you need.

Your fertilization schedule revolves around the grass’s growth cycle. Zoysia thrives in warm weather and goes dormant (turns brown) after the first hard frost. You feed it when it’s actively growing, not when it’s asleep.

The Core Texas Fertilization Schedule

For most of Texas, follow this two main application plan:

Spring Application (Late April to Early June): This is your most important feeding. Apply fertilizer once the soil temperature consistently reaches about 70°F and the grass is fully green, not just starting to wake up. This is usually late spring.
Summer Application (Mid to Late July): A second, lighter feeding can help maintain color and vigor through the peak summer stress. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or early fall, as this can make the grass vulnerable to winter damage.

Why Timing is Everything

Fertilizing too early in spring can feed winter weeds and cause the grass to grow before the soil is warm enough, risking damage from a late frost. Fertilizing to late in the year promotes tender new growth that will be killed by the first freeze, weakening the whole lawn.

The Soil Test: Your Best First Step

Before you buy any bag of fertilizer, get a soil test. It tells you exactly what nutrients your lawn lacks. You can get a kit from your local county Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office. It saves you money and prevents over-fertilizing, which can harm your lawn and the environment.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Texas Zoysia

Look for a balanced, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. The three numbers on the bag (like 15-5-10) represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth. Slow-release is best for zoysia.
Phosphorus (P): Supports root development. Your soil test will tell if you need it.
Potassium (K): Strengthens the plant for drought, heat, and cold tolerance—crucial for Texas.

A ratio like 3-1-2 (e.g., 15-5-10) is often a good choice for zoysia. Always follow the application rates on the bag based on your lawn’s square footage.

Step-by-Step Fertilizer Application

Mow: Mow your lawn a day or two before you apply fertilizer.
Calibrate: Make sure your spreader is set correctly to match the product’s recommended rate. This prevents stripes or burning.
Apply: Go over the lawn twice, in perpendicular directions (north-south, then east-west). This ensures even coverage.
Water: Water the lawn lightly after application. This washes the fertilizer granules off the grass blades and into the soil.

Regional Adjustments for Texas

Texas has several climate zones, so fine-tune your timing:

North Texas & Panhandle: Aim for late May for the first application. Winters are colder, so dormancy starts earlier; avoid fertilizing after mid-August.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio): The core schedule fits perfectly here. Target late April to May for the first feeding.
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi): You can start a bit earlier, in mid to late April, due to warmer soils. A potential third, very light feeding in early June might be considered if the lawn shows need, but be cautious not to overdo it.

Always watch your lawn’s condition more than the calender. If it’s still brown, wait. If it’s growing strong, it might be time.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

Don’t fertilize a dormant (brown) lawn. It won’t use the nutrients, and they’ll just run off or feed weeds.
Don’t use “weed and feed” products unless you have a confirmed weed problem. Apply herbicides and fertilizer separately, only as needed.
Avoid high-nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers in peak summer. They can push growth to fast and burn the lawn.
Don’t ignore your irrigation. Fertilizer needs water to work, but zoysia is drought-tolerant. Deep, infrequent watering is best.

Seasonal Lawn Care Quick Guide

Fertilizing is just one part of the puzzle. Here’s how it fits into your yearly tasks:

Spring (Green-up): Mow low to remove old debris, apply pre-emergent for weeds if needed, then fertilize once fully green. Aerate if soil is compacted.
Summer: Mow regularly at 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Apply second fertilizer in July if needed. Water deeply during extended drought.
Fall: No fertilizer. This is the time to overseed with winter rye if you want a green lawn, or just let the zoysia go dormant naturally.
Winter: The lawn is dormant. Keep traffic off it to avoid damaging the crowns. This is a good time to service your mower and plan for spring.

FAQ: Your Texas Zoysia Questions Answered

Can I fertilize zoysia grass in the fall in Texas?

No, you should not fertilize zoysia in the fall. Fertilizing in September or October promotes new growth that will be damaged by frost, weakening the plant as it goes into dormancy. This can lead to thin turf and more winter kill.

What is the best month to fertilize zoysia in Texas?

The best month for the first fertilization is usually May for most of Texas. For the second, light feeding, July is ideal. In South Texas, you might start as early as late April.

How often should I fertilize my zoysia lawn?

Once or twice a year is plenty. Zoysia is a slow grower and doesn’t need heavy feeding. Two applications—one in late spring and one in mid-summer—are sufficient for most lawns. Over-fertilizing leads to thatch buildup and disease.

Should I water zoysia after fertilizing?

Yes, you should water lightly immediately after applying granular fertilizer. This is called “watering in.” It moves the nutrients into the soil and prevents the granules from sitting on the grass blades, which can cause burning if left in the sun.

Is it too late to fertilize zoysia in June?

No, June is still an acceptable time for the first application in many parts of Texas, especially if spring was cool or wet. It’s better to be late than early. Just ensure you are using a appropriate slow-release formula as summer heat arrives.

By following this simple schedule, you can maintain a healthy, resilient zoysia lawn that handles the Texas heat with ease. Remember, the core secret is to feed it only when its actively growing in the warm months. Stick to that rule, combine it with proper mowing and watering, and your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood without a lot of extra work. A beautiful lawn is a result of consistent, correct care, and now you have the plan to make it happen.