The difference between Sir Grange Zoysia Vs Empire Zoysia Brisbane
In this week’s turf tip we look at the difference between two turf varieties, Sir Grange Zoysia and Empire Zoysia grass in Australia. As a variety, zoysia is one of the turf grass varieties known for its deep root system and an ability to thrive under extreme climates, including Queensland’s humidity and heat. Zoysia grasses have drought tolerance and are one of the best performers when it comes to shade tolerance.
There is so much to love about this grass variety. However, not all zoysia lawn varieties are the same. When you’re comparing Empire Zoysia grass vs a Sir Grange lawn, you will need to consider their individual qualities as well as which one will best suit your needs.
Looks
When you want a tip-top lawn, the look of it either makes or breaks the deal.
Shade Tolerance
With small backyards and overhanging trees, it will be important to pick a turf variety that is shade tolerant for your space.
Lawn Solutions Australia recommended Sir Grange Zoysia as the perfect premium shade tolerant lawn. Not only does this premium, fine leaf grass handle full sun, it only requires as little as 3 hours of direct sunlight per day.
The Empire Zoysia turf variety is a semi-shade tolerant variety which has decent shade tolerance, but grows best in sun. While it struggles in the cold, in Queensland you will see lawns of Empire Zoysia on the Gold Coast in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. It loses its colour during extreme winter conditions.
Maintenance
We know how painful it can be to maintain a lawn. Picking a variety that requires minimal mowing can be a true task for homeowners who want to avoid maintenance. Few people want to spend more hours each weekend mowing their home lawns.
Sir Grange zoysia is a true low maintenance lawn. It only requires 50% less mowing and 75% less fertiliser than other varieties. Even better you can ditch the mower and go for a luscious long look with Sir Grange Zoysia.
Empire Zoysia will need a bit more maintenance as it needs more mowing in the hotter months as this is when it thrives the most. While this variety is known as a “no-mow’ zoysia, Empire turf will need a cut every one to two weeks to a height of between 35 to 45mm.
High Wear Tolerance
Wear, wear, wear. Wear can be very strenuous on a lawn and it is best to pick a variety that can handle it best.
Sir Grange Zoysia is a true marvel when it comes to wear. It has a high wear tolerance to foot traffic than other grasses.
An Empire turf zoysia grass variety is not as tolerant to wear as Sir Grange Zoysia. Originally the Zoysia Empire turf was developed for the golfing industry, with golf fairways on golf courses loving the fine leaf, low maintenance lawn. As a member of the Zoysia Japonica family, it quickly made a name for itself from high wear tolerance and its ability to self repair.
However, when comparing the two turf varieties, the scientifically researched and tested Sir Grange zoysia is sturdier to high traffic than an Empire zoysia lawn.
Drought Tolerance
Which of the zoysia grasses are the best when it comes to self repairing quality when subject to long periods of drought?
It’s here that both zoysia grasses are similar. A Sir Grange lawn carries a medium drought tolerance and is hardy in dry conditions compared to other zoysia varieties. Empire also boasts drought tolerance and is the right turf for landscaping projects and large open areas where it finds full sun.
However, Lawn Solutions Australia suggests other premium grass varieties would be better known for high drought tolerance and minimal watering. These include the Lawn Solutions Australia recommended Sir Walter Buffalo DNA Certified and Tiftuf bermuda. Sir Grange or Empire zoysia varieties are better known for their high shade tolerance.
To help you select drought tolerant varieties for the Australian climate, check out the key characteristics of these premium grass varieties.
Conclusion
The verdict for both varieties is…of course, Sir Grange Zoysia. With its perfect lush deep green colour, its high shade, wear tolerance and low maintenance, it truly makes it the best Zoysia lawn we have seen on the market. Sir Grange is low maintenance and most importantly, requires less mowing than Empire Zoysia.
Sir Grange Zoysia vs Empire Zoysia grass price
When deciding between Sir Grange and the Empire zoysia grass price, it’s important to select by what is the right choice for your new lawn over a cheaper price that may not be what you want or need.
Jimboomba Turf prefers selling zoysia grass of premium quality so stocks Sir Grange Zoysia turf over its Empire zoysia rival.
Find out how much you require for your low maintenance and shade tolerant turf by taking a look at our Turf Calculator.
To get more advice on Sir Grange in Brisbane call our team on (07) 3114 8281. You can also pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm.
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