EMPIREturf is a Brazilian Zoysia japonica developed by turfgrass breeders Minoru Ito and Roberto Gurgel that offers specifiers, landscapers, golf course designers, sportsturf managers and homeowners exceptional performance with low maintenance across a wide spectrum of applications. EMPIREturf is a blue-green turfgrass that has a wider blade than most other zoysias (slightly broader than Meyer Zoysia) and grows in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions.

EMPIREturf performs well in sandy and clay type soils throughout the southern U.S. and has tough runners, rhizomes, and deep roots that provide excellent sod strength, wearability, and improved drought tolerance. EMPIREturf performs well in hot, arid, sandy areas of the southwest U.S., and has proven itself drought tolerant in many challenging applications. Shade tolerance research is ongoing, as EMPIREturf has performed well in field and homeowner sites, and exhibits shade tolerance typical of most Zoysias. EMPIREturf is the first Zoysia to demonstrate improved tolerance to brown patch as compared to Meyer Zoysia in side-by-side plantings. Additionally, EMPIREturf is highly tolerant of most herbicides making it easier to control weeds during production and for the end user.

Genetic purity and preservation of the EMPIREturf variety is of primary importance to Sod Solutions. Only turfgrass producers licensed by Sod Solutions are authorized to grow EMPIREturf for sale. All licensed EMPIREturf production is monitored by Sod Solutions through ongoing quality control and quality assurance programs. Additionally, producers can choose to certify their EMPIREturf through local state crop certification agencies that provide rigid standards and regulations for production, harvesting, and handling, that when adhered to, ensure a genetically pure, high quality, “certified” product.

To ensure optimum quality and performance of EMPIREturf, users must accomplish necessary care and maintenance. This care and maintenance has been formalized below in the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for EMPIREturf. These BMPs are written as a guide and should be modified as local climate, soil, and environmental conditions dictate. It is important to note that no “magic fertilizer” or “super-chemical” will solve all problems or make any turfgrass perfect. Through consistent application of the BMPs and on-going evaluation, education, and modification of these practices, however, users will greatly enhance the quality and performance of EMPIREturf. To read more, click here.

Installation and the care taken during the initial days that follow are the most critical factors in determining the long-term quality and performance of EMPIREturf. Harvesting and transplantation are extremely stressful to any turfgrass and precautionary measures should be taken to help reduce further cultural and environmental stresses. EMPIREturf is a tough, hardy turfgrass that once established, produces a beautiful lifetime lawn, landscape, sportsturf or golf course. Proper care, including pre-installation soil preparation and limiting time on the pallet to less than 24 hours yields positive results(see Installation). Improper care, however, can cause death of the turfgrass or damage that results in lengthy recovery and additional expense.