EMPIRE® Zoysia has earned its reputation for producing a dense, durable and attractive lawn. Like any turfgrass, however, it performs best when a few key maintenance practices are followed. Whenever I visit an EMPIRE lawn that isn't living up to expectations, the cause almost always comes back to one of a handful of management issues that are easy to correct. Here are the five management practices I pay the closest attention to when evaluating EMPIRE Zoysia performance.
1. Maintain the Right Soil pH
Much of Florida's peninsula is dominated by high calcium and/or sandy soils that often have a pH higher than ideal for optimal turfgrass growth. Most turfgrasses perform best when soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 7.0, where essential nutrients remain readily available for plant uptake. However, many Florida landscapes have soil pH values exceeding 7.0. EMPIRE generally performs best in slightly acidic soils. If the lawn appears pale or yellow despite proper irrigation and fertilization, a high soil pH may be limiting nutrient availability rather than a nutrient deficiency.
Lowering soil pH can be accomplished with repeated applications of ammonium sulfate or elemental sulfur. Always follow label directions and make adjustments gradually. Attempting to lower soil pH too quickly can damage the grass and create additional nutrient imbalances. A soil test remains the best way to determine whether pH correction is necessary before applying amendments. The soil test will also define whether nutrient additions may be needed to produce a healthy turfgrass.
2. Water Wisely After Establishment
EMPIRE Zoysia is known for its excellent drought tolerance, but only after it has become fully established. Overwatering remains one of the most common issues encountered in managed landscapes.
Newly installed sod requires frequent irrigation for the first 2 to 3 weeks to keep both the sod and the underlying soil moist while roots become established. Until roots develop, the grass depends almost entirely on surface-applied water to survive. Once established, EMPIRE generally requires about 1 inch of combined rainfall and irrigation per week. Irrigate more frequently and lightly in the spring and increase the amount and duration between applications as the summer approaches. If irrigation restrictions affect your area, adjust irrigation to comply with the requirements. In the fall, irrigation should be decreased as sunlight recedes and the grass begins to grow less actively. Even dormant grass in winter needs to be irrigated lightly.
A rain gauge is one of the simplest and most effective tools for monitoring weekly water input needs. While rainfall cannot be controlled, irrigation schedules and rain sensors should be checked regularly to avoid unnecessary watering. When irrigating with a hose and sprinkler, use a timer to prevent overwatering. Excess irrigation promotes excessive top growth, increases mowing frequency, encourages thatch accumulation and creates ideal conditions for diseases such as large patch.
3. Fertilize for Steady Growth
Proper fertility management is essential for consistent EMPIRE Zoysia performance, particularly when managing nitrogen. Warm-season grasses typically begin greening when soil temperatures reach the 60s°F and begin active growth in the 70s°F. EMPIRE greens up more slowly because early spring energy is directed toward root development before significant leaf growth begins.
Applying excessive nitrogen before active growth can increase susceptibility to large patch disease. Early spring fertilizer applications should contain little or no nitrogen and emphasize potassium. During the summer, excessive nitrogen stimulates unnecessary top growth, increases mowing frequency, contributes to thatch buildup and creates favorable conditions for insects and diseases.
4. Maintain the Recommended Mowing Height
The recommended mowing height for EMPIRE is generally one to two inches. Lawns consistently maintained at three inches or more often become “stemmy” as plants stretch toward sunlight. This leads to excessive thatch accumulation, creating a favorable habitat for insects and disease organisms.
Late winter or early spring is an excellent time to gradually lower the mowing height to remove dormant leaf tissue and encourage spring green-up. EMPIRE recovers primarily from underground rhizomes, so new growth often emerges from below ground. During the growing season, mow frequently enough that no more than one-third of the leaf blade is removed at any one mowing. If lowering the mowing height, do so gradually in ¼-inch increments to avoid “scalping”, which slows recovery and increases pest susceptibility.
5. Stay Ahead of Insects and Disease
EMPIRE can be affected by large patch disease and insects such as billbugs, mole crickets and chinch bugs, particularly when irrigation, fertility and mowing practices are not properly managed.
Excessive nitrogen during the spring and fall greatly increases the risk of large patch. In lawns with a history of the disease, preventative fungicide applications may be appropriate. Consult with Sod Solutions for recommendations on proper timing and product selection. Billbugs are especially challenging because damage often is not visible until spring. Adults lay eggs in the fall, and larvae feed on crowns and roots throughout the winter, reducing the turf’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Routine scouting is one of the best management practices. Early detection allows treatments to be applied before significant damage occurs. Where a history of insect problems exists, preventative insecticide applications may also be justified. Always follow pesticide label directions and consult Sod Solutions for region-specific recommendations.
Success with EMPIRE isn't about doing more. It's about doing the right things at the right time. Proper soil management, irrigation, fertility, mowing and pest management help EMPIRE deliver the consistent performance that has made it one of the most widely planted zoysiagrasses in the United States.
This article was written by Mark Kann, Sod Solutions Director of Florida Operations.
