EMPIRETurf - Research Results

Preliminary research was conducted with the aim of finding out the different mowing rates of Empire, Kikuyu and Couch. Based of overseas information, it was known that Empire Turf had a lower rate of mowing than many of the common turf varieties available. To prove this in Australia turf growers Australia wide were surveyed to see the mowing rates for the grasses under different conditions. The results indicated that there is a significant difference in the mowing rates of these turf varieties. Empire required a lot less mowing than the other turf varieties.

The research is useful for an indication of mowing rates, however further testing is in progress to confirm these results.

The following graph shows the potential amount of money that can be saved using Empire Turf compared to Kikuyu in moderate wearing areas. This clearly shows a saving of up to $1200 which can be made using Empire Turf

Mowing Costs for an average lawn

Kikuyu: Fertilised twice per year, which is recommended for this type of lawn for moderate wearing areas.
Empire: Fertilised once per year in Autumn which is recommended for this type of lawn for moderate wearing areas.

Note: Once established, Empire needs less fertiliser than other types of turf to look good.

The following graph shows the saving that can be made with Empire turf compared to Kikuyu grass in high wearing areas. Both turfs require fertilising twice per year: in this situation.

Mowing Costs for an average lawn
with high wear areas

It makes sense to invest in Empire Turf it is the wise choice of turf because not only will it save you money and time, it uses less water. Australia as a continent is becoming drier, so it makes sense to plant turf which uses less water. By purchasing Empire Turf you are saving water which is great for the environment.

The average mowing times for three turf varieties are in the tables below. As the average cost for a contractor to mow a lawn is $40, we have based the costs and savings from this figure.

Fertilised twice per year
	Empire	Kikuyu	Couch
Yearly mowing	21.43	47.82	36.67
Cost of mowing @ $40 each time	$857.20	$1,912.80	$1,466.80
$$ saved with Empire		$1,055.60	$609.60

In the table above last row shows the savings that can be made with Empire turf compared to the other varieties.

Mowing Costs when fertilized two times per year

The above graph shows the different mowing costs for the 3 varieties of turf when they are fertilised twice per year, which is recommended in Spring and Autumn. Empire clearly requires less mowing which is good news for people who would prefer to save time doing something else.

Fertilised once per year
	Empire	Kikuyu	Couch
Yearly mowing	16.52	38.35	31.83
Cost of mowing @ $40 each time	$660.80	$1,534.00	$1,273.20
$$ saved with Empire		$873.20	$612.40

In the table above last row shows the savings that can be made with Empire turf compared to the other varieties.

Mowing Costs when fertilized once per year

The above graph shows the different mowing costs for the 3 varieties of turf when they are fertilised once per year, which is recommended in Spring and Autumn. Empire again requires far less mowing, compared to the other grass varieties.

Not Fertilised
	Empire	Kikuyu	Couch
Yearly mowing	11.52	31.88	25.08
Cost of mowing @ $40 each time	$460.80	$1,275.20	$1,003.20
$$ saved with Empire		$814.40	$542.40

In the table above last row shows the savings that can be made with Empire turf compared to the other varieties.

Mowing Costs for Grasses with No fertilizer

The above graph shows the mowing costs when the 3 grasses are not fertilised at all over a year. The results still show that Empire requires less mowing.
All the above graphs were designed from data received from growers Australia wide.