Empire exhibits a narrow leaf mid-way between a couch and buffalo grass. It is very unique and is significantly more drought tolerant than any other variety due its deeper root system. Empire is not as tolerant to shade as the soft leaf buffalo varieties but is significantly more shade tolerant then the couch varieties. Its winter colour is slightly better than the couch varieties but does not compare to the better of the buffalo varieties. It’s a hard wearing and low maintenance lawn which does not need a lot of mowing. These characteristics make empire very suitable for commercial jobs.