Mowing: Mowing is a critical and often under appreciated cultural practice:

• Maintain EMPIREturf at 1-2"(1" is optimal)
• Heights above 2" will reduce quality
• Can be maintained at heights of 1/2" if regularly mowed with a reel mower
• Rotary mowers are preferred for heights 1" or higher
• Reel mowers are preferred for heights below 1"
• Mow every 7-10 days during the active growing season
• Mow every 10-14 days, or as needed, during cooler weather
• Never cut more than 1/3 of the total length of the blade at any one mowing
• If a scheduled mowing is missed and clippings clump on top of the EMPIREturf, bag or vacuum clippings to reduce shade-out
• Vertical mowing (verticutting) may be performed to renovate EMPIREturf

Insecticides: Avoid stress from insects by performing insecticidal applications as needed:

• For any insecticide application, always read and follow label directions carefully
• Early identification and treatment of insect stress minimizes inputs and injury
• Make routine observations of the landscape, and be aware of seasonal pests like billbugs, armyworms and webworms
• Grubs can reduce quality if critical populations are reached
• Control armyworms and webworms with Sevin, Orthene, Diazinon or Permethrin-based products
• Control billbugs with Sevin (adults), Talstar (adults), DeltaGuard (adults), Merit (larval/grub form), Mach2 (larval/grub form)
• Consult with local experts and see Problem Solving for insecticide recommendations

Herbicides: Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilization of EMPIREturf will reduce weed problems. If a weed problem persists:

• For any herbicide application, always read and follow label directions carefully
• Improper use of herbicides can severely damage or kill EMPIREturf
• Make routine observations of the landscape being aware of seasonal weeds
• Identify the type of weed causing the problem before using any chemical controls
• EMPIREturf is tolerant of most commonly used herbicides
• Consult with local experts and see Problem Solving for herbicide recommendations

Fungicides: EMPIREturf has shown resistance to most fungal problems and controls should be used only as needed:

• For any fungicide application, always read and follow label directions carefully
• Early identification and treatment of disease stress minimizes inputs and injury
• Make routine observations of the landscape being aware of unusual symptoms
• Consider a broad-spectrum fungicide application if predictable seasonal problems are noted
• Ask your EMPIREturf grower to apply fungicide 1-2 weeks prior to harvest during times of high, disease-inducing stress
• Consult with local experts and see Problem Solving for fungicide recommendations

Irrigation: Established EMPIREturf exhibits drought tolerance due to improved plant genetics and growth characteristics:

• Watering requirements are greatly dependent on soil type, season, geography and other factors
• Ensure irrigation systems are working properly and covering all areas covered by EMPIREturf
• Make routine observations of the landscape and learn the signs (i.e., wilting) that indicate when irrigation is required
• Shaded areas and heavy soils require less water than full-sun areas and sandy soils
• Encourage deep root growth by watering until the soil is moist to a depth of 3”, shallow watering encourages shallow roots
• Infrequent deep watering maximizes drought resistance and tolerance
• Visit our Watering Tips for more information on proper irrigation

Fertility: Proper fertility practices will encourage healthy, disease and insect free EMPIREturf:

• Perform soil tests to understand your soil type(s) and condition and best determine your specific fertility needs
• Generally EMPIREturf requires 3 fertilizer applications/year: spring, summer and fall
• Make routine observations and fertilize according to what the landscape indicates
• Understand what and how much fertilizer you are applying
• Avoid disease and insect inducing growth flushes by reducing Nitrogen rates
• Improve color and limit growth surges by utilizing iron sources
• Higher Nitrogen rates should only be applied in the spring, for injury recovery, or for planned “peaking” of EMPIREturf
• Apply balanced fertilizers with lower rates of Nitrogen in the summer and fall