Zoysia soil temperature guide

NC State Extension recommends mowing zoysia when it first turns green, fertilizing roughly three weeks after green-up when a soil test is not available, and applying spring preemergence herbicides in its regional mid-February to early-March window. Those calendar windows still need local adjustment because soil type, terrain, weather, age of lawn, and previous care all affect turf performance.

• Crabgrass prevention: University extension guidance commonly uses the 55°F soil-temperature window before germination.
• Spring fertility: wait for active green-up instead of feeding dormant turf too early.
• Disease awareness: NC State notes large patch prevention in fall when soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F.

Open the Soil Temperature Tracker to see current surface, 2-inch, and 6-inch readings. Then use the app to log pre-emergent, fertilizer, fungicide, and photo notes so next spring has real history behind it.