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The
perfect landscape grass. 
See
Video presentation on
Empire Zoysia
We
are pleased to introduce EMPIRE Zoysia, a selected
cultivar of Zoysia Japonica, chosen specifically for its ability
to reduce production costs while demonstrating very desirable
growth characteristics. Reduced production costs are achieved
by EMPIRE’s rapid expansion rate, reproduction from rhizomes,
and its natural chemical resistance for easier weed control.
Unlike
other Zoysia grasses, Empire is not too slow. In fact compared
to other Zoysias lawns, Empire is super fast, however Empire
still requires less mowing than Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo
turf. EMPIRE demonstrates superior dark green colour, low
thatch build up due to its wide bladed leaf (compared to other
Zoysias) and open growth habit, natural chemical resistance
to MSMA, 2-4-0, and Fusillade II, and good drought tolerance.
EMPIRE
was discovered in Brazil, and unlike other Zoysia varieties,
has proven its ability to thrive in hot, humid conditions
as well as colder climates. EMPIRE has performed well in sandy
and clay soil types with aggressive growth from its runners
and rhizomes, but can be mowed with a standard rotary mower
due to its broader leaf and open growth habit. It requires
less maintenance and mowing than other grasses, and is a very
efficient water user.
This
versatile turf grass thrives in all climatic regions of Australia,
from Darwin, to Tasmania, from Sydney to Perth, and would
even survive in places like Thredbo snow skiing village.
Characteristics
Winter Colour
Dormant in Colder areas (e.g. Canberra),
Good in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, etc.
Hot Weather Tolerance Excellent.
Thrives in hot humid and desert areas.
Cold Tolerance Excellent.
( You would have to go to the top of Mt Kosciusko to find
a place in Australia where Empire won't live)
Shade Tolerance Moderate to good, only better Buffalo varieties
have more mow at increased height to improve shade performance.
Wear Resistance Excellent.
Salt Tolerance Excellent. Thrives near coastal areas.
Mowing
Height 25mm to 50mm. Can be mowed 12mm to 25mm when maintained
like a bowling green. Recovery from Injury Excellent. Runners
and rhizomes fill in damaged areas.
Use
Lawns residential, commercial, sports, parks, roadsides.
Root
Structure
Fine, deep, massive, rhizomes spread underground
Drought Tolerance
Excellent once established. Under severe drought. Empire is
less likely to thin out, thus keeping a more broad sword in
dry conditions.
Texture
Wide, soft more open than most Zoysias, fine texture compared
to Buffalo. Less thatch than other Zoysias.
Mechanicals
Internode
Length
30-35 mm.
Diameter 2.5-3.5 mm.
Leaf Width 5-6 mm.
Shoot Density 32 per dm2
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Aesthetics
Eye catching dark green colour
Luxurious soft-to-the-touch feel
Fine, tight leaf blade growth
Good to moderate autumn/winter colour
Early spring green up (if dormant
Medium fine leaf blade (5-7mm).
Well proportioned to shrinking lot sizes.
Functionality
Grows in clay and sandy soil types.
Durable and robust
Vigorous re-growth from underground runner
Rapid injury recovery
Good resistance to insects and diseases
Moderate to good shade tolerance.
Climatic
Grows Australia wide
Thrives in extreme heat and humidity
Excellent cold hardiness
Drought tolerant due to deep root system.
Maintenance
Cut between 25mm and 60mm every 7 to 21 days in the warmer
months, depending on frequency of fertiliser
Requires less fertiliser than other lawns
Easy weed control, as EMPIRE is good at out competing weeds,
and is tolerant to common herbicides.
Environmental
Low water use due to deep root system
Reduced fertiliser requirements
Less insecticide, herbicide and fungicide usage
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