Overview
Empire Zoysia has quickly become one of the most popular grass choices in the Southeast since its introduction in the early 2000s. Developed in Brazil and brought to the US market, Empire addresses many of the traditional complaints about Zoysia — slow establishment, poor traffic recovery, and limited shade tolerance.
Empire features a wider blade than traditional Zoysias like Emerald, giving it a slightly coarser appearance. However, this wider blade comes with significant benefits: faster spreading, better traffic tolerance, and improved recovery from damage. The grass maintains an attractive medium-green color with dense, thick growth.
What makes Empire stand out for Metro Atlanta homeowners is its versatility. It handles full sun and partial shade equally well, establishes faster than other Zoysias, and tolerates the abuse of family activities. It's the Zoysia for people who want Zoysia benefits without the drawbacks.
Best For
- Full sun to moderate shade locations
- Families with active yards — kids, pets, and activities
- Homeowners who want Zoysia quality with easier establishment
- Properties with mixed sun/shade conditions
- Those who want lower maintenance than Bermuda
Key Features
- Shade Tolerance: Good — handles moderate shade well
- Drought Tolerance: Excellent — deep roots survive extended dry periods
- Traffic Tolerance: Very Good — one of the best among Zoysias
- Growth Rate: Moderate — faster establishment than other Zoysias
- Appearance: Wide-bladed, medium green, dense growth pattern
- Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Faster establishment than other Zoysias
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Handles traffic better than fine-bladed Zoysias
- Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass
- Thick growth crowds out weeds
- Resists chinch bugs and many diseases
Cons
- Wider blade — not as refined looking as Emerald or Zeon
- Still goes dormant in winter (tan appearance)
- Premium priced compared to Bermuda or Centipede
- Can be aggressive in spreading to beds and borders
- Still slower to fill bare spots than Bermuda
Care & Maintenance
Empire Zoysia is designed to be lower-maintenance than Bermuda while still looking great. Its moderate growth rate means less mowing, and its disease resistance reduces the need for fungicide applications.
- Mowing Height: Keep between 1.5" and 2.5" — can be maintained higher in shade
- Watering: Very drought tolerant once established — water deeply but infrequently
- Fertilization: Moderate needs — 2-3 applications per growing season
- Pest Resistance: Good natural resistance to chinch bugs and most common diseases
Empire is more forgiving than fine-textured Zoysias if you miss a mowing or forget to water. This makes it ideal for busy homeowners who want a great-looking lawn without constant attention.
Is This Grass Right for My Yard?
Choose Empire Zoysia if: You want the benefits of Zoysia (drought tolerance, shade tolerance, dense growth) with faster establishment and better traffic recovery. Perfect for active family yards.
Consider something else if: You want the finest, most manicured appearance (go with Emerald or Zeon), or you're on a tight budget (Centipede costs less).
Ready to Install Empire Zoysia at Your Home?
Send us photos of your yard and a brief description of your project, and we'll recommend the right grass and provide a fast installation quote.
Get a Fast Quote