Your decision to lay turf is a wise one, not only will it add value to your Sunshine Coast property, but having a lawn can actually help reduce your air-conditioning costs. According to Turf Australia, an average front lawn has a cooling effect equal to two air conditioners.
One of the most easy-care and aesthetically pleasing lawns on the market is Empire Zoysia. It’s a fine-leaf grass that is super soft to the touch and has excellent wear tolerance. As a warm season grass, it thrives year-round in the Sunshine Coast and you won’t need to spend countless hours a week making it look good.
Did you know? Empire Zoysia is the best selling Zoysia grass in Australia and is often referred to as EZ grass (as in easy) because of how easy it is to care for!
This turf is also perfect for those who don’t want to be married to their lawnmower, because it’s been proven to need one-third of the mowing other varieties require. Interestingly, Empire was one of the first Zoysia types to be specially bred by Australian turf farmers.
You’ll love growing Empire Zoysia in the Sunshine Coast because it’s…
Tough and hardwearing
Because this variety has a deep root and rhizome system you won’t have to tread lightly on it. Empire Zoysia has been bred to tolerate extreme wear, making it a great choice for young families, those with pets or those who frequently entertain outside.
Able to tolerate moderate shade
Don’t worry if you’ve got a few areas around your property that are in the shade from time-to-time; this variety will tolerate it. It’s recommended for up to 50% shade in areas with low wear and up to 30% shade in areas with moderate-to-high wear.
Maintains its striking colour in winter
Year-round Empire Zoysia will retain its colour so you’ll always have a healthy-looking lawn, even in the cooler winter months. This is especially true when compared to the more common turf varieties such as couch.
It won’t let you down
If you’ve got friends and family who love visiting you on the Sunshine Coast, you won’t have to worry about them destroying your new lawn. This variety has fast runners that are high branching which provides excellent recovery from wear – so let the games begin.
You won’t be married to your lawnmower
Not everyone loves home maintenance and mowing lawns, so the good news with Empire Zoysia is that although it grows across the ground at a fast rate, its upwards leaf growth is less than most other commercially grown lawns in Australia. This also makes it a great lawn for Sunshine Coast holiday homes or rental properties.
Versatile and adaptable
With its aggressive growth from its runners and rhizomes, this variety performs well in both sandy and clay soil types. So regardless of the quality of your soil, Empire Zoysia will continue to thrive. It also has excellent salt tolerance making it a perfect lawn for coastal areas.
Super drought-hardy
Few turf varieties on the Sunshine Coast will look at good as this with such little water. Its ability to keeps its colour and maintain healthy growth without heavy watering makes this variety a firm favourite for those wanting a carefree lawn.
FACT: Empire Zoysia is known for its ability to create a dense sward without major thatch problems. It also has less thatch and less scalping than any other Zoysia.
Put simply, Empire Zoysia is well suited to the harsh yet idyllic weather of the Sunshine Coast and has been bred with these sorts of climatic conditions in mind. So whether you’re after a new lawn for your home, an attractive communal amenity or a functional sports field or playing area, this variety will deliver.
If you’d like to see this turf in its natural environment, get in touch with a Sunshine Coast farmer who is willing to show you around their property. While you’re there, get them to share their tips on fertilising your new lawn!