Empire Maintenance Calendar

Empire Lawn Maintenance Calendar.pdf

Spring (March – May)

Mowing - Always keep a very sharp mower blade for maintaining Empire lawns. Initial mowing should be in mid to late April at about 1 inch when grass has greened up and is less than 2” tall. Mow as needed throughout the spring months being mindful that if you have to mow frequently, the grass may have too much fertilizer. Mowing about every 7-10 days is normal. Never remove more than one third of the leaf blade at a time. Mowing heights above 2” will reduce turfgrass density and increase weed problems. If a scheduled mowing is missed and clippings clump on top of the Empire, bag or vacuum clippings to reduce shade-out and excessive thatching.

Fertilization - Empire Turf responds best to moderate fertility rates. 2 – 4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn per year will produce a good quality Empire lawn in the Carolinas. Never apply more than 1 lb. of N at a time. In early May the initial 1 lb N per 1000 square feet should be applied. (Consult Fertilizer Calculator for exact amount) It is always recommended to obtain a soil test through your County Extension Service to determine the exact amounts of fertilizer needed. Empire loves iron and it will turn the grass a whole shade darker green without an unhealthy flush of growth. Iron products like Ironite liquid or granular can be used throughout the growing season. Follow label directions. Remember that Iron will stain concrete drives and walks so be sure to remove granules prior to watering in.

Insect Control - In general Empire Turf has few problems with insects. Possible damage could from infestations of mole crickets, sod web worms, white grubs, spittlebugs, bill bugs, cutworms or fall army worms. We have observed more injury from spittle bugs while bill bug injury has been reported in more southern parts of South Carolina and Georgia. Spittle bug injury generally occurs in the later part of the summer and can be attributed to over fertilization and overwatering. Grass will gradually loose color and become lime green and straw colored. Look closely for stripes of discoloration in the leaf blades. Spittle bugs are a piercing sucking insect and will draw the color out of the blades leaving a striped pattern of discoloration. If treatment is necessary it will usually take two applications about 10 days apart. This is because the insecticide will have little to no effect on the spit sac like egg clusters found in the thatch. If injury is visible from any of these pests it is safe to use any product available to the homeowner to treat Empire. For any insecticide application read and follow label directions carefully.

Weed Control - Apply preemergent herbicides to control grassy summer weeds by the time dogwoods are in full bloom. While we consider ourselves environmentalists we also believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilization of Empire will reduce weed problems. If a weed problem persists and herbicide use is necessary be sure to reads and follow label directions carefully. Improper use of herbicides can severely damage or kill Empire. Empire is tolerant of many commonly used herbicides but consult with the experts at Modern Turf if you are unsure of how to control your problem. For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.

Aeration- None at this time

Irrigation - Established Empire exhibits drought resistance but will appreciate regular irrigation like other grasses. The telltale signs of a dry lawn are rolled leaf blades, wilting and footprints that remain on the lawn after walking on it. As these signs of water deficit apply ½ to ¾ inches of irrigation (or to a depth of 3-4 inches) to the entire lawn. Do not apply light infrequent amounts of water (example: 15 minutes every other day) as this will not encourage root growth and will promote insect and disease activity.Proper irrigation is crucial to lawn health, too much can be just as detrimental as too little. If your lawn seems too dry or too wet – it probably is!

Thatch Control- Do not dethatch at this time.

Summer (June – August)

Mowing- Keeping mower blades sharp, mow as needed at 1” to 2”. If grass appears scalped and brown after mowing, mow more frequently and sharpen blades. Empire does not like to be scalped. Mow as needed throughout the summer months being mindful that if you have to mow frequently, the grass may have too much fertilizer. Mowing about every 7-10 days is normal. Avoid mowing when grass is wet or the soil is soggy. If the lawn is under stress from drought, shade, insects, disease or nutrient deficiencies it is a good idea to raise the height until the stress pressure is relieved. Mulching mowers with mulching blades will help minimize thatch by making smaller blades that will decompose faster. Returning clippings to the lawn rather than collecting them can reduce the amount of Nitrogen fertilizer needed by the plant by up to 25%.

Fertilization - Avoid heavy applications of nitrogen in the summer by applying ½ pound of N per 1000 square feet of lawn each month through August. Use a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 for best results. Consult Fertilizer Calculator for exact amounts. Apply other nutrients as suggested by soil testing. Empire loves iron and it will turn the grass a whole shade darker green without an unhealthy flush of growth. Iron products like Ironite liquid or granular can be used throughout the growing season. Follow label directions. Remember that Iron will stain concrete drives and walks so be sure to remove granules prior to watering in.

Insect Control - In general Empire Turf has few problems with insects. Possible damage could from infestations of mole crickets, sod web worms, white grubs, spittlebugs, bill bugs, cutworms or fall army worms. We have observed more injury from spittle bugs while bill bug injury has been reported in more southern parts of South Carolina and Georgia. Spittle bug injury generally occurs in the later part of the summer and can be attributed to over fertilization and overwatering. Grass will gradually loose color and become lime green and straw colored. Look closely for stripes of discoloration in the leaf blades. Spittle bugs are a piercing sucking insect and will draw the color out of the blades leaving a striped pattern of discoloration. If treatment is necessary it will usually take two applications about 10 days apart. This is because the insecticide will have little to no effect on the spit sac like egg clusters found in the thatch. If injury is visible from any of these pests it is safe to use any product available to the homeowner to treat Empire. Treat for insect damage as needed. For any insecticide application always read and follow label directions carefully.

Disease Control - If nutrient levels are properly maintained there should be little disease pressure on Empire. Large patch may occur under hot humid conditions and dollar spot is known to affect seashore paspalum. Helminthosporium disease may also occur under high humidity or compacted soil conditions. If these diseases occur first identify the disease then treat as directed on fungicide product label. For any fungicide application always read and follow label directions carefully.


Weed Control - Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilization of Empire will reduce weed problems. If a weed problem persists and herbicide use is necessary be sure to read and follow label directions carefully. Improper use of herbicides can severely damage or kill Empire. Empire is tolerant of many commonly used herbicides but consult with the experts at Modern Turf if you are unsure of how to control your problem. For any herbicide applications always read and follow label directions carefully.

Irrigation - Established Empire exhibits drought resistance but will appreciate regular irrigation like other grasses. The telltale signs of a dry lawn are rolled leaf blades, wilting and footprints that remain on the lawn after walking on it. As these signs of water deficit apply ½ to ¾ inches of irrigation (or to a depth of 3-4 inches) to the entire lawn. Do not apply light infrequent amounts of water (example: 15 minutes every other day) as this will not encourage root growth and will promote insect and disease activity.

Thatch Control - Thatch is the layer of dead and decomposing leaf blades and stems on top of the soil surface. Thatch occurs naturally but can become excessive due to over fertilization and poor mowing practices. Vertical mowing is the proven remedy for thatchy lawns. Thatch accumulations greater than 1 inch should be removed as excessive thatch is a breeding ground for harmful insects and diseases. It is possible to harm the grass during this process so it is recommended to have a turf professional who has experience with the equipment perform this task. Vertical blades should be spaced 2-3 inches apart for best results on Empire Turf. Vertical mowing should only take place when the grass is actively growing to maximize recovery time. Vertical mowing should only be performed on healthy non stressed grass.

Aeration - If soil is compacted and or thatch is becoming an issue, this is a good time of year to aerate. Aeration should only be done when the grass is actively growing and free from environmental stresses like disease, drought or long periods of rain.

Fall (September – November)

Mowing - Keeping mower blades sharp, mow as needed at 1” to 2”. If grass appears scalped and brown after mowing, mow more frequently and sharpen blades. Empire does not like to be scalped. Avoid mowing when grass is wet or the soil is soggy. If the lawn is under stress from drought, shade, insects, disease or nutrient deficiencies it is a good idea to raise the height until the stress pressure is relieved. Mulching mowers with mulching blades will help minimize thatch by making smaller blades that will decompose faster. Returning clippings to the lawn rather than collecting them can reduce the amount of Nitrogen fertilizer needed by the plant by up to 25%.

Fertilization - It is a good idea to apply a light application of a complete fertilizer or one with a more heavy Potassium analysis this time of year. Empire likes to grow into the fall but tends to run out of fertilizer in the late summer months. ½ lb of N in a 10-10-10 turf type fertilizer in the middle of September will help the Empire hold its color beyond that of most other lawn grasses. Consult the Fertilizer Calculator for exact amounts to apply to your yard.

Insect Control - Look closely for stripes of discoloration in the leaf blades. Spittle bugs are a piercing sucking insect and will draw the color out of the blades leaving a striped pattern of discoloration. If treatment is necessary it will usually take two applications about 10 days apart. This is because the insecticide will have little to no effect on the spit sac like egg clusters found in the thatch. If injury is visible from any of these pests it is safe to use any product available to the homeowner to treat Empire. Treat for insect damage as needed. For any insecticide application read and follow label directions carefully.

Disease Control - Same as summer.

Weed Control - Apply winter weed preemergent in late September to early October. Be mindful to use a product that does not use a nitrogen based fertilizer (such as most Weed & Feed products) as the carrier agent. These products contain far too much nitrogen to apply at this time of year. Check with your local Lesco or John Deere Landscapes store for a better selection of winter preemergent products. For any herbicide application always read and follow label directions carefully.

Irrigation - Irrigate as needed.

Winter (December – February)

Mowing - Keep lawn free of leaves and debris throughout the winter months. Mow Empire lawn to a 1” height in late February. Bag, collect or rake excess dead leaf tissue generated from this mowing. This will help the grass break dormancy and eliminate a source of thatch.

Fertilization - Do not fertilize at this time. This is a perfect time to test your soil.

Insect Control - There should be no need for insect control at this time.

Disease Control - There should be no need for disease control at this time.

Weed Control - After mowing the tops of the dormant grass off the lawn and removing clippings, apply preemergent herbicide for the control of summer grassy weeds. Apply broadleaf herbicides as necessary to control winter annual weeds such as chickweed and clover. For any herbicide application always read and follow label directions carefully.

Irrigation - Do not allow Empire lawns to completely dry out through the winter months. Dormant grass needs water roughly once a week. It is a good idea to run irrigation if no rainfall has occurred, especially during periods of low humidity and high wind.