Removing Fescue from Zoysia Without Killing the Lawn

The clumps in your 'Meyer' zoysia are fescue, a cool-season grass that invades thin warm-season turf. Do not spray a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate over the whole lawn. Zoysia doesn't go fully dormant in winter—green tissue persists at the crown. Broadcast spraying will kill those crowns, leaving dead spots that invite more weeds.

Targeted Solution

Use a "wiper" application: soak a cotton rope or sponge in glyphosate and carefully paint it onto the fescue blades only. This kills the invader without contacting the zoysia. Repeat as needed in early spring.