Empire Zoysia grass earned the nickname EZ Grass for a reason. It is one of the lowest maintenance warm season grasses you can grow in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with very high drought tolerance, a slow growth rate that means less mowing, and a dark green colour that holds well into the cooler months.
But low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. The way you mow, water, feed, and protect your Empire Zoysia lawn through each season is what separates a thick, weed‑resistant carpet from a thin, patchy one that lets problems in.
This year‑round care guide is built from ALC’s own Empire Zoysia Yearly Lawn Care Plan and two decades of growing and installing this turf across South East Queensland.
Empire Zoysia features worth knowing
Before you plan a maintenance routine, it helps to understand what makes Empire Zoysia turf different from other grass varieties.
- Fine leaf blades with a soft feel underfoot. Softer and finer textured than buffalo, not rough like some couch varieties.
- Thick stolons and a strong underground runner system (rhizomes) that give it a deep root system and very high drought tolerance.
- An open growth habit compared to other zoysias, which means lower thatch buildup than denser zoysia varieties and easier mowing with a standard rotary mower.
- Handles approximately 40–50% shade each day, roughly 4–5 hours of direct sun in Brisbane conditions. Performs best in full sun. In heavy shade, Empire Zoysia will thin and weaken over time.
- Strong wear tolerance for kids, pets, and moderate to heavy foot traffic. Runners are highly branching, which gives excellent recovery from wear.
- Good winter colour compared to many warm season grasses. Holds a green colour longer into the cooler months.
- Salt tolerance makes it well suited to coastal areas across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW.
- Grows well in sandy and clay soil types.
If you want to compare Empire against other turf varieties like Augusta Zoysia orSir Walter Buffalo, ALC’s guide to choosing your new instant lawn is a good starting point.
How often should you mow Empire Zoysia?
Less than you think. Empire Zoysia’s slow growth rate means less frequent mowing than buffalo, couch, or bermudagrass. During summer, mow every 2–3 weeks. During winter, mow every 3–4 weeks.
Recommended mowing height: 25–40mm in full sun. 40–60mm in shade.
Those numbers come directly from ALC’s own Empire Zoysia brochure. The lower end (25mm) gives you a tighter, more manicured finish. The higher end suits shaded areas, slopes, and lawns that see less regular maintenance. Mowing heights above 50mm can reduce turf density and increase weed problems.
Mowing tips:
- Follow the one‑third rule. Never remove more than a third of the grass blade in a single mow. Cutting too much stresses the grass plant and opens the canopy to weeds.
- Mow along the longest straight line in your yard for the cleanest result with a standard rotary mower.
- Keep sharp mower blades. Dull blades tear the fine leaf instead of cutting it cleanly, which browns the tips and invites disease.
- If the lawn appears scalped and brown after mowing, you are cutting too low or waiting too long between mows. Raise the height and mow more often.
For the full picture on mowing practices, ALC’s lawn mowing tips guide covers heights for every variety.
How much water does Empire Zoysia need?
Less than most warm season grasses. Empire Zoysia has one of the highest drought tolerance ratings of any turf variety grown in Brisbane. Its deep root system pulls moisture from well below the soil surface, which means it survives dry stretches that would brown out other grasses.
The goal is deep, infrequent watering rather than light daily sprinkles.
- Water only when the lawn tells you it needs a drink. Empire Zoysia has a built‑in signal: the leaf blades roll inward and take on a bluish‑grey tone when moisture drops. If you see that, it is time to water.
- When you do water, soak deeply so moisture reaches 75–100mm into the soil. This trains the roots to grow downward rather than sitting near the soil surface.
- Water in the early morning so the leaf dries before nightfall. Wet grass overnight creates conditions for fungal disease.
- During Brisbane’s warmer months, you may need to water once or twice a week during dry spells. In winter, natural rainfall usually covers it.
- Do not apply light, frequent amounts of water (for example, 15 minutes every other day). This does not encourage root growth and promotes insect and disease activity.
ALC’s yearly care plan for Empire Zoysia simply says “water when required” across all four seasons. That is deliberate. This grass does not need a fixed schedule.
If you are preparing for extended dry weather conditions, ALC’s guide on preparing your lawn for possible drought covers water‑saving strategies that work well with Empire Zoysia’s natural drought tolerance.
When should you fertilise Empire Zoysia?
Two to four feeds a year depending on your lawn’s condition. Empire Zoysia needs less fertiliser than buffalo or couch to maintain its dark green colour and dense growth. Avoid over fertilising. Excess nitrogen pushes fast, soft growth that increases mowing, thatch buildup, and pest pressure.
ALC’s yearly care plan recommends four seasonal applications for best results:
- Spring: OxStar (pre‑emergent weed control + fertiliser) at 4kg per 100 square metres. This feeds the lawn while blocking weed seeds from germinating as soil temperatures rise.
- Summer: Zoystar at 2.5kg per 100 square metres. A balanced feed that supports the lawn through extreme heat without pushing excessive growth.
- Autumn: OxStar again at 4kg per 100 square metres. A second round of pre‑emergent plus feed heading into the cooler months.
- Winter: OxStar at 4kg per 100 square metres. Light feed plus ongoing weed prevention while growth slows.
For a zoysia‑specific option, ALC stocks ZOYSTAR 4kg Zoysia Lawn Fertiliser. It is a stabilised release formula created specifically for zoysia lawns, covers up to 400 square metres, and restores soil health with over 20 beneficial microbes. Apply at 25–30g per square metre and reapply every 8–10 weeks during the growing season.
ALC’s All Rounder Fertiliser is another solid option if you maintain multiple turf varieties across different areas.
A full seasonal feeding plan is covered in ALC’s fertiliser timing calendar for Brisbane, which explains what to use and when for every warm season variety.
💡 Pro Tip: Always test soil temperatures before beginning any treatment program. When temperatures consistently reach 10°C, weed seeds start to germinate, and your action window opens. Check out the OxStar Lawn Fertiliser & Weed Preventer and theweed killer range to keep your lawn free of weeds.
Weed and pest control
A healthy, dense Empire Zoysia lawn is one of your best defences against weeds. The thick canopy blocks sunlight from reaching the soil surface, which stops most weed seeds from germinating.
When weeds do appear:
- Pre‑emergent control: Apply OxStar in early spring before soil temperatures hit 10°C consistently. This creates a barrier that stops weed seeds before they break through.
- Post‑emergent control: For weeds that have already germinated, use the correct selective herbicide based on the weed type. ALC’s weed killer range includes Bow and Arrow for broadleaf weeds and Tempra Nutgrass Killer for stubborn nutgrass.
For lawn grub and pest control:
- ALC’s yearly care plan recommends Acelepryn GR at 1.5kg per 100 square metres, applied in spring and autumn.
- Watch for signs of grub activity: birds pecking at the lawn, spongy patches, or turf that lifts easily.
- Empire Zoysia has excellent lawn grub resistance compared to many other grass varieties, but it is not immune.
- ALC’s insecticide range covers grubs, armyworms, and other common pests.
Combine this with good maintenance: mow at the recommended height, feed your lawn with proper nutrients to promote thick growth, and water deeply but less frequently. Healthy, dense turf naturally crowds out weeds, reducing herbicide reliance and keeping your lawn vigorous throughout the season.
For help identifying what is attacking your lawn, ALC’s guide on common turf diseases walks through diagnosis and treatment.
Seasonal care calendar
Here is the year‑round rhythm for an established Empire Zoysia lawn in Brisbane, drawn from ALC’s care plan PDF and real growing conditions across South East Queensland.
Early spring (September–October)
Growth resumes. This is your action window.
- Drop mowing height back to 25–40mm (sun) or 40–60mm (shade) if you raised it over winter.
- Apply OxStar pre‑emergent + fertiliser at 4kg per 100m².
- Apply Acelepryn GR for grub prevention at 1.5kg per 100m².
- Aerate compacted areas before feeding. ALC’s guide on lawn aeration explains when and how.
- Begin watering deeply as the lawn starts actively growing.
Summer (December–February)
Peak growing season. Maintain, do not overwork.
- Mow every 2–3 weeks at recommended height. Empire’s slow growth rate means less frequent mowing even at peak.
- Apply Zoystar at 2.5kg per 100m².
- Water deeply in early morning when rainfall is not enough.
- Watch for lawn grub activity and heat stress. If the lawn shows signs of struggle, raise the mowing height slightly and increase water depth.
Autumn (March–May)
Second key treatment window.
- Apply OxStar pre‑emergent + fertiliser at 4kg per 100m².
- Apply Acelepryn GR for grub prevention at 1.5kg per 100m².
- Keep mowing at recommended height while growth is still active.
- This is a good time to de‑thatch lightly if the thatch layer has built up. ALC’s guide on thatch build‑up and how to remove it covers the right approach for zoysia. De‑thatch every 2–3 years if needed.
Winter (June–August)
Growth slows. Do less.
- Mow every 3–4 weeks. Raise mowing height slightly to protect the crown from frost and cold.
- Apply OxStar at 4kg per 100m² for ongoing weed prevention and a light feed.
- Reduce watering. Rainfall usually covers Empire Zoysia’s needs in a Brisbane winter. Do not let the lawn completely dry out.
- Avoid heavy renovation, scalping, or aggressive de‑thatching. Save that for spring when the lawn can recover. ALC’s guide on what to expect during winter rest explains why.
For a broader view of how this fits with other varieties across the year, ALC’s turf care during different seasons guide covers the full picture.
How do you establish a new Empire Zoysia lawn?
If you are laying a new Empire Zoysia lawn rather than maintaining an existing one, the first six weeks set the foundation for everything above.
- Prepare the soil: clear weeds, rocks, and debris. Spray out any existing lawn 1–2 times before laying.
- Install a minimum 100–150mm of quality under‑turf soil. ALC’s Underlay Fertiliser and Water Crystals gives young roots water and nutrients right where they need them.
- Lay turf in a staggered brickwork pattern along the longest straight line. Press down gently and use a lawn roller across the entire area for good root‑to‑soil contact.
- Water thoroughly for 7–10 days until established. Keep the soil beneath the turf moist during this period.
- Do not mow until the turf has rooted in and resists a gentle tug, typically 4–6 weeks from planting depending on the time of year. First mow on a high setting, just a light skim off the top.
For the full step‑by‑step, ALC’s turf installation preparation guide covers soil prep, levelling, and laying in detail.
ALC’s Essential Lawn Starter Pack for Zoysia bundles the under‑turf starter, fertiliser, and water crystals you need for a new Empire Zoysia install.
When to call the ALC team for support
Empire Zoysia is forgiving, but some situations call for professional input:
- Persistent yellowing or thinning despite regular watering and feeding. A soil test can reveal pH or nutrient lockout issues that fertiliser alone will not fix.
- Large dead patches that do not recover after a few weeks. ALC’s Lawn Block Instant Lawn Repair lets you patch in fresh Empire Zoysia turf without replacing the whole lawn.
- Commercial sites or large properties that need a structured program. ALC’s yearly lawn care plans cover scheduled treatments, aeration, and seasonal feeds in one package.
ALC’s team includes turf specialists and an on‑site agronomist who can assess your lawn, match a care program to your soil types and weather conditions, and handle renovation work if sections need replacing.
Book a free prep and lay quote or call the team on 07 5541 7000.