How do you maintain Empire Zoysia grass?
Emily Wong
Updated on March 02, 2026
How do you maintain Empire Zoysia grass?
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.
Is Zoysia high maintenance?
The Zoysia needs a weekly application of 25-30 l/m2 to maintain its color during the summer. To simply survive, Zoysia needs even less, and it can go several weeks without watering. In sandy soils, it requires more frequent watering, such as 12 l/m2 every three days.
What height should Empire Zoysia grass be cut?
between one and two inches
One of the most important guidelines for maintaining healthy EMPIRE® Zoysiagrass and other zoysia japonica lawns is proper mowing. Sod Solutions recommends managing EMPIRE at a height between one and two inches.
How often does Zoysia grass need to be cut?
Proper Mowing Height
| GRASS | MOW WHEN THIS TALL | MOWING INTERVAL |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald Zoysia | 1.5 to 2 inches | 7 to 10 days |
| Zeon Zoysia | 1.5 to 2 inches | 7 to 10 days |
| Zenith Zoysia | 1 to 2 inches | 7 to 10 days |
| TifTuf Bermuda | 0.75 to 2.5 inches | 4 to 7 days |
How do I make my zoysia grass thicker?
Use the lowest mower setting for this spring mowing. New blades of grass that are starting to grow will get better sunlight and moisture. This early mowing helps the grass grow in thicker and turn green faster.
Why is my zoysia grass dying?
Zoysia grass is intolerant of standing water and may die out in low areas where water can collect. Although root rots may be obvious, many other problems may not be as obvious. Shallow rooting, increased susceptibility to disease, and attractiveness to grubs are a few of the other problems improper watering can cause.
What are the pros and cons of Zoysia grass?
Zoysia Grass – Pros and Cons Plus Expert Tips for Growing a Healthy Zoysia Lawn
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Drought Tolerance | 👍 Good at tolerating drought |
| Traffic Tolerance | 👍 Handles moderate traffic |
| Growth Rate | 👎 Spreads slowly |
| Color in Winter | 👎 Browns in winter |
Should I bag my Zoysia grass clippings?
When your mower leaves behind large clumps of grass rather than small little clippings, it can cause considerable damage to your lawn. Bagging your zoysia grass clippings will allow the grass that is left after a mowing to grow and thrive in a healthy manner.
Will Empire zoysia grow in shade?
EMPIRE® Zoysia, a medium textured zoysia grass grown in warm season areas, has moderate shade tolerance, while Innovation, a finer textured zoysia grasses grown in the transition zone, has greater shade tolerance.
Should I bag my zoysia grass clippings?
Will dead zoysia come back?
Louis area zoysia grass turns tan or brown in the fall and does not green up until spring (usually late May). Although it is heat and drought tolerant, it can go dormant or die during extreme heat or drought, especially when the two are combined. Dormant grass can resume growth; dead will not.
How to care for zoysia grass?
January through April. Mowing: Mow the lawn slightly lower than the regular summer mowing height of 1½ to 2 inches.
Can you fertilize Zoysia in the fall?
Fertilize Your Zoysia Grass Lawn in Summer. With many lawn types, a fall fertilizer application is the most critical, but with Zoysia grass, the prime time for fertilizing is May through August. If you fertilize earlier or later than that, it can interfere with the Zoysia’s natural seasonal cycle.
Is Zoysia grass good?
Zoysia does have good qualities. It’s much more drought resistant than the cool season grasses that we are used to here in the north. It grows quite well under hot and dry conditions. Once established it fills in and makes a really nice, dense turf.
What is Zoysia grass?
Zoysia grass is native to Asia, but it’s been in the United States since at least 1895, 1 around the time the first American lawns appeared. It is known as a warm-season grass, meaning its active growth starts in the warmth of late spring and peaks during hot summer weather.