Empire Zoysia cutting height

roaddogmm – posted 20 June 2005 17:02

I just wanted to find out how high everyone is cutting their empire zoysia, or other wide bladed strains of zoysia.

I’m starting to believe that my grass would benefit from a higher mowing height. Right now I’m mowing around 1.75 inches.

Tungsten33333 – posted 20 June 2005 20:36

Hey,

where are you from? I’m considering either Empire Zoysia or SA Pametto (Dallas-FtWorth area). At this point, it’s a coin flip to decide which one to get.

I’ve read that 2 inches is recommended due the fact you’d cut less and it’d tolerate hot weather or drought better. I think i read somewhere that this guy thinks 3 inches is even better but who knows?

roaddogmm – posted 21 June 2005 07:04

I am in Cary, NC.

I have also heard the 1-2 inches, but I’m starting to wonder if it wouldn’t do better at some height over 2 inches. I’m going to start mowing mine at around 2.5 inches, and see if it maintains its green color better.

Tungsten33333 – posted 21 June 2005 08:46

When did it start to green up and have full green coverage? I’m seriously considering it for my bare backyard next month. Are there anything that you don’t like about Empire?

roaddogmm – posted 21 June 2005 17:27

I am completely satisfied with it so far, but I only sodded it last july.

It started green up in april, but was a bit slow for full green up this year because of the cold spring. It was fully green some time in may, and fully dormant( brown ) in december.

Also, we are kinda slow on rain so far this year(4 or 5 inches behind normal rainfall ), but the grass has done fine without any water.

empire1 – posted 22 June 2005 19:20

I am in West Central Fl, sodded Empire last Oct. So far so good. I am in a new community where the builders only offered St. Aug or Bahai. I searched the web and found Empire. Every one on the street has asked me what it is and where I got it!!I mow at 1.75 inches with a rotary mower that I hand sharped everyother cut. Only takes a couple minutes and is much better for the grass. I also bag the clippings.I do have irrigation set to twice a week when it does not rain. I found at 2 in. and overthe numerous seed heads were not getting cut.