Sod Solutions' newest warm season turf variety, Empire^® Zoysia, has recently been installed at Universal Studios Escape^SM in Orlando, Florida. Two demonstration sites at Universal's new Islands of Adventure^SM theme park and one site at Universal Studios Florida^® theme park were selected for the new Empire.

Empire Zoysia was discovered in Brazil and unlike other zoysia varieties has proven its ability to thrive in Florida-like climates. Its superior dark green color, excellent drought tolerance, preference for hot humid conditions, soft texture, wide blade and open growth habit make it ideal for many commercial and residential applications. This selected native cultivar of Zoysia Japonica was chosen by Sod Solutions specifically for its capacity to reduce production costs through rhizomatous reproduction; natural chemical resistance to MSMA, 2-4-D and Fusilade; and rapid expansion rates.

Working with Lloyd Singleton, Manager of Universal Studios Escape Landscape / Technical Services and Barb Busha, Supervisor of Universal Studios Escape Landscape / Islands of Adventure, Empire was installed in the three demonstration sites due to its maintenance characteristics, visual appeal and ability to promote the theme of the surrounding landscape.

The staff at Universal was anxious to get the Empire in the parks given the success of a similar Palmetto^® St. Augustine demonstration program there four years earlier, one that led to Palmetto becoming Universal's "St. Augustine of choice." Additionally, plans are in work to expand the Empire to another demonstration site within the Universal Studios Florida theme park. This new site would triple the total amount of Empire currently in the parks.

"The lessons we learn from demonstration sites such as these at Universal are invaluable to our planned, incremental program for release of new warm season turf varieties," said Greg Douglas, Regional Manager Sod Solutions, Inc. "The high visibility, professional maintenance and varying conditions of the demonstration sites here at Universal lend themselves to the collection of valuable data that will be passed along to our producers and customers."

Keep checking our web site for updated information on Empire Zoysia and results from our demonstration sites.