Fertilizing your lawn can be a confusing process, should you use 16 4 8 fertilzer on zoysia? There are so many different products available it can be hard to decide which to use. There are two schools of thought for fertilization: one says you should use 16 4 8 fertilizer, and the other states that you should only apply high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and fall. Zoysia Grass is quite thick and grows in dense clumps, meaning that it’s built for water conservation.
So how do you know which fertilizer to use on Zoysia grass? Zoysia grass needs nitrogen to grow well but also requires phosphorus and potassium for healthy growth. Too much nitrogen can affect the health of Zoysia grass. THis article will answer the question, ‘should you use 16 4 8 fertilzer on zoysia?’ We’ll also discuss some better alternatives.
What is 16 4 8 Fertilizer?
16 4 8 fertilizer is made of 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus and 8% potassium. This means that it is quite high in nitrogen, which stimulates growth. It’s the preferred choice for lawns mostly used by people or pets rather than lawns left wild or untouched.
As zoysia grass grows in dense clumps, it doesn’t need high nitrogen fertilizers. In fact, too much nitrogen can cause the zoysia grass to thin out. Zoysia grass requires less fertilization than other types of lawns. You only need to apply fertilizer in the spring and fall seasons. Be careful not to over-fertilize your yard, as this can have a detrimental effect on its health.
Should You Use 16 4 8 Fertilzer on Zoysia
Zoysia grass is quite hardy and grows in very dense clumps while also needing high water levels to survive. It prefers acidic soil and cannot tolerate too much nitrogen. Over application of nitrogen can cause zoysia grass to turn yellow, especially if it’s applied at the wrong time of year – such as mid-summer.
The 16 4 8 fertilizer is too high in nitrogen for zoysia grass, which means that it will cause damage to the grass. You should, therefore, not use too much 16 4 8 on zoysia. Instead, you should only apply high nitrogen fertilizers in the spring and fall, when your zoysia grass needs it most.
Alternatives to 16 4 8 Fertiliser
You could also use a fertilizer that has more balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer with a 2 4 6 ratio is better for zoysia grass because it’s not too high in nitrogen.
Another good option is to try using compost on your lawn instead. Compost has a great balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and it’s very healthy for zoysia grass. You can buy compost from your local garden center or make it yourself.
When to us 16 4 8 on Zoysia Grass?
If you’ve recently noticed that your grass is growing slower than usual, your grass may be deficient in Nitrogen. Nitrogen helps grass grow and greens the grass blades. You can test the nutrients in your soil and use a high nitrogen fertaliser if the soil is deficient in nitrogen.
What if I Use 16 4 8 on Zoysia Grass?
There is no cause for concern if you have already applied 16 4 8 fertilizer on your zoysia grass. The damage has probably already been done, but you should avoid fertilizing your lawn with 16 4 8 in the future because it can cause further damage to the grass.
If you do notice any thinning of zoysia patches or striping of the color, then you should talk to your local garden center about alternative products that you could use on your lawn.
Should you use 16 4 8 fertilzer on zoysia: Final thoughts
Zoysia grass is very hardy and the perfect choice for lawns often used by people or pets. It can tolerate drought conditions, grows in dense clumps, and needs less fertilization than other types of grass.
It’s important not to over-fertilize your zoysia grass, as too much can have a negative effect. 16 4 8 fertilizer is too high in nitrogen, so it should be avoided as this type of fertilizer may cause damage to your zoysia lawn – instead, use a balanced fertilizer with a 2 4 6 ratio or make your own compost.
Fertilizing is an essential step if you want to keep your zoysia grass looking great all year round. Just make sure you follow the advice above, as too much nitrogen is bad for Zoysia grass and can cause damage!
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