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How to Care for Empire Zoysia

By: Sarah Terry

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21 September, 2017

Empire, a brand of zoysia grass, provides a dark-green, durable and low-maintenance grass that grows in many different soil types. A warm-season grass, Empire zoysia tolerates some cold weather but prefers climates where the winters are warm. Empire zoysia flourishes in hot and humid conditions, and resists drought, some insects and diseases. Empire zoysia’s vigorous growth and deep root system make it difficult for many weeds to grow in the lawn. Care for Empire zoysia grass with regular watering and fertilization.

Water Empire zoysia grass deeply once every week when you don’t receive at least ½ inch of rainfall. Empire zoysia requires about ¾ inch of water per week.

Empire, a brand of zoysia grass, provides a dark-green, durable and low-maintenance grass that grows in many different soil types.
A warm-season grass, Empire zoysia tolerates some cold weather but prefers climates where the winters are warm.

Mow Empire zoysia grass once every 7 to 10 days. Maintain a grass height between ¾ of an inch and 2 inches high.

Feed Empire zoysia lawn a slow-release 16-4-8 NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium) lawn fertilizer once each year in the spring. Fertilize the grass after all danger of frost has passed, using a rate of 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Control pests by applying an appropriate insecticide according to the label directions. To prevent grubs, apply a preventive grub-control spray to the lawn in late May.

Eliminate weeds in May or June by spraying Empire zoysia grass with an appropriate post-emergent herbicide. Select a weed killer designed for the specific weeds growing in your lawn and follow the application instructions on the label.

Mow Empire zoysia grass once every 7 to 10 days.
To prevent grubs, apply a preventive grub-control spray to the lawn in late May.
Eliminate weeds in May or June by spraying Empire zoysia grass with an appropriate post-emergent herbicide.

Care For Empire Zoysia

Water Empire zoysia grass only as needed once it shows signs of drying. When the blades start to curl inward, water the grass to a soil depth of four to six inches. Because of its deep root system, this variety requires less frequent watering than other grasses. Mow to a height between 1 and 2 inches tall when blades reach 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Collect and analyze a soil sample with a home soil analysis kit. Pull visible weeds by hand as they appear, including their roots. Dispose of weeds properly to keep them from rerooting. Although Empire zoysia is resistant to most pests and diseases, it is susceptible to brown patch disease. Fungicides are largely ineffective in treating brown patch. Removing thatch and mowing regularly keep the disease under control. Treat for pests as needed. Place the insecticide in a broadcast spreader and apply it evenly over the lawn after a rain, and do not water the lawn for two days after applying the insecticide to avoid washing it away.

Water Empire zoysia grass only as needed once it shows signs of drying.
Place the insecticide in a broadcast spreader and apply it evenly over the lawn after a rain, and do not water the lawn for two days after applying the insecticide to avoid washing it away.

Tip

Select a lawn fertilizer with iron to keep Empire zoysia grass a nice dark-green color.

Warning

Never cut more than one-third of the grass’s length at one time. To keep your Empire zoysia grass at 2 inches, cut the grass when it reaches at least 3 inches in height.