Emerald or Meyer Zoysia?

RickMarks – posted 13 April 2003 15:18

I plan to change my centipede lawn to Zoysia but not sure which variety. I have some areas are only get a 4 hrs of sun a day. So shade tolerance is more important than the other factors. In Alabama, between Emerald and Meyer, which should I select?

Scott – posted 14 April 2003 18:12

Go with El Toro Zoysia. Grows much better in the shade and can handle the heat too.

frenchman – posted 14 April 2003 19:39

El Toro is more aggressive than the other types of Zoysia. I posted somewhere on this forum of a new Zoysia they came out that is very shade tolerant.

Kevster – posted 14 April 2003 20:39

My research indicates that El Toro is better than Meyer, but Empire is better than El Toro. The respected garden place I’m buying from in NC has transitioned from El Toro to Empire. Has a thicker leaf than Meyer and Empress. Supposedly stays green in the fall longer than El Toro and is better shade-tolerant as well. Do some searching around, but Empire looks good to me and I like the color and thickness.

Good luck!

Cary, NC – posted 03 August 2005 23:26

El Toro sucks! Get Meyer or Emerald.

mwhite125 – posted 04 August 2005 09:28

Get EMPIRE, it nice and thick and Very greeeen!!

turfgrrl – posted 16 August 2005 16:28

The University of Florida just released two new zoysias. UltimateFlora is an improved variety over Empire. Actually tests out much better than Empire. Less seed heads and a prettier grass all around. PristineFlora is a fine textured zoysia. But it’s better suited for golf tees. Try: www.environmentalturf.com for more info

KBilly – posted 19 August 2005 12:23

We have narrowed our choice to Empire — take a look at it. For example, in the Dallas area, it can be had for 137-145 per 450 sq ft pallet. Can’t beat that!

Here is a link to the developer of it: http://www.sodsolutions.com/empire/index.shtml

They also have comparisons to other turfs and links to sellers by zip code.

[This message has been edited by KBilly (edited 19 August 2005).]