Should I Apply Fertilizer After Mid-September?

Q: I was planning to put down a 28-0-6 fertilizer when my zoysia grass goes dormant this year. I see that you do not recommend putting down fertilizer after mid-September.

A: Keep in mind that, as day lengths shorten, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass stop absorbing much nitrogen. Generally speaking, winterizer-type fertilizers applied after mid-September have less and less benefit to a lawn as time goes on. The fertilizer can also predispose a lawn to spring diseases.