DROUGHT TOLERANT ZOYSIA GRASS MAKES FINE CHOICE FOR GREEN LAWN AND GREEN LIFESTYLE

Thursday April 3, 2008

With strict once-a-week water restrictions in place and fertilizer limitations spreading through the state, it’s tough to find a hardy turf that can take the heat.

Empire Zoysia is a variety that can stand up to the challenge, according to Alan Shaffer, Forestry Resources’ vice president of sales, marketing and store operations.

“This turf is ahead of its time,” he says. “It’s prepared to meet the changing standards of less water and fewer nutrients.”

The turf grass surpasses other grass varieties in subtropical conditions by requiring minimal maintenance while also possessing a lush green hue, durability, fine tight blade growth and an appealingly soft texture.

It’s a proven survivor, adapting to all of Florida’s hardiness zones and a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam.

“Zoysia is a smart choice for those who embrace a greener lifestyle,” Shaffer said.

According to Michael Pope, national sales manager for Bethel Farms, which grows Empire Zoysia, it is a wise choice for conservation-minded consumers because “it requires less water. It thrives under once-a-week watering restrictions. Less than one-third of nitrogen and phosphorus is required to maintain a healthy lawn versus other grass varieties. It works well with ‘summer blend’ type fertilizers aimed at reducing nutrient runoff into the waterways during the rainy season. Trials are now being conducted maintaining Empire with zero nitrogen and phosphorus with promising results.”

In addition, it is chinch-bug resistant and stands up to weed killers designed for turf, making it easier to control hard-to-kill infiltrators such as Bermuda grass, he said.

Yet another plus is its lush appearance.

“The visual aspect is more appealing than Floritam and Bahia,” said Stephen Brown, horticulture program leader for the Lee County Extension Service. “The blades are finer and the internodes are shorter so it makes for a more carpeted feel and appearance.”

Since 1983, Forestry Resources Inc. has been a leader in the manufacturing of environmentally friendly landscape materials for wholesale and retail distribution. FRI’s FloriMulch products are made from 100 percent melaleuca inspected by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and certified by the Mulch and Soil Council, a national industry trade group that has established grades and standards. An industry leader in the manufacturing of environmentally sensible landscape materials for wholesale and retail distribution, Forestry Resources is widely known for FloriMulch, the company’s signature mulch product that is made from the highly invasive exotic melaleuca tree.

For information about Forestry Resources, landscaping and landscape products, and the Southwest Florida environment, call 239-334-7343, visit one of their six wholesale-retail locations throughout Lee, Collier and Sarasota counties, or go to gomulch.com on the Web.