As summer fades and cooler weather approaches, your Innovation® Zoysia lawn shifts into a slower growth phase—making fall the perfect time to prepare it for the months ahead. With its fine texture, rich green color, and exceptional durability, Innovation® Zoysia thrives when given the right seasonal care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential fall maintenance steps to keep your lawn healthy, vibrant, and ready to bounce back strong in spring.
Mowing
During the fall, mowing will occur less often—keeping your Innovation slightly higher than the regular 0.5–1.5 inch height will encourage deeper root growth which helps it survive in colder temperatures and during winter dormancy.
Watering
Water less as temperatures drop—too much water will lead to disease. Water to prevent drought stress while grass is actively growing and after the beginning stages of dormancy to prevent dehydration.
Fertilization
1. Timing is Key: Apply your final fertilizer of the season about 4–6 weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed and used for energy storage before the grass goes dormant.
2. Choose the Right Fertilizer
- Use a low-nitrogen, higher-potassium blend (such as 5-10-30 or similar).
- Potassium strengthens cell walls, improves cold tolerance, and boosts disease resistance.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in the fall, as excess nitrogen encourages tender new growth that can be damaged by cold weather.
Weed Control
Apply pre-emergent herbicides to control winter annual and perennial weeds like chickweed, henbit, Poa annua or purple deadnettle. Apply post-emergent herbicides only when weeds are present.
Insect Control
Check for and control any white grubs. Treat with an insecticide if needed. To get rid of grub worms fast, apply a curative insecticide like Dylox 6.2 during late summer or early fall when grubs are actively feeding. For long-term prevention, keep your lawn healthy year-round with proper mowing, watering and seasonal fertilization.
