EMPIRE Turf is a Zoysia grass that elevates the standards and expectations of homeowners for their lawns. EMPIRE Zoysia combines soft-to-the-touch feel with lush green color and fine, tight blade growth. Visually, EMPIRE is a very attractive turfgrass for residential landscapes. Homeowners also appreciate its maintenance advantages. This turfgrass accommodates a variety of activities without suffering extensive wear and tear.

You might not expect turfgrass this soft to be this strong. EMPIRE Turf is as hardy as it is attractive, and has a deep, thick root structure. It is more drought tolerant than most varieties of zoysia grass, once established. In addition, slower vertical growth, plus natural chinch bug and chemical resistances, mean your lawn will require less maintenance, mowing and water than with other types of warm season grass. In some instances, once naturalized to the local climate, EMPIRE Zoysia requires minimal irrigation.

These reduced maintenance needs and durability are EMPIRE's hallmarks. EMPIRE Zoysia was originally developed in Brazil, and thrives in harsh tropical climates, yet also exhibits excellent cold hardiness. EMPIRE Turf is one of the few grasses rated to perform well in all zones; and it can thrive in varying soils and climatic conditions.

Durable enough for professional use, EMPIRE is also a favorite of golf courses, theme parks, master planned communities, office complexes and other commercial areas.

The following are the basic steps to a beautiful lawn. Check with your local Sodbusters® office for any further recommendations for your specific area.

STEP 1 - Measuring and Ordering

With a tape, measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width, and any unusual features. Your local Sodbusters® associate will be happy to determine the amount of turfgrass sod you will need from your sketch.

Schedule your order for delivery of turf after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.

STEP 2 - Soil Preparation

There is no better time to enhance a lawn's ultimate beauty and success than by improving the soil before any planting takes place.

Benefits of Proper and Complete Soil Preparation:

• Improved Uniformity
• Increased Density
• Faster recovery from wears
• Reduced Use of Water, Fertilizer, & Chemicals
• Reduced Maintenance

STEP 3 - Turf Installation

Sodbusters will install your lawn the same day of delivery. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking, and/or sprinkling.

STEP 4 - Watering

Give your new lawn at least 2 to 3 cm. (1 in.) of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.

Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

Caution: During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil, and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

STEP 5 - Enjoy

Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.

SPECIFICATIONS

Uses Golf, Sports, Commercial, Home	Color Dark Blue Green	Blade Width 1.7 mm
Feel Very Soft	Fall Color Retention Excellent	Spring Greenup Excellent
Soils Sand, Sandy Loam, Clay, Muck	Growth Rapid Horizontal Growth from Stolons/Rhizomes	Wear Excellent
Injury Recovery Excellent	Insects Good Resistance	Diseases Good Resistance
Heat Excellent	Cold Good (6b-11)	Shade Fair
Drought Excellent	Salt Excellent	Mower Reel/Standard Rotary
Height 0.5-1"	Weed Control Very Good