Zoysia Grass vs. Bermuda – Who Wins the Battle for Your Lawn? (2024)

You’ve seen lush, green lawns and you want to know the secret. What is it? It could come down to the type of sod!

The truth is that both Zoysia and Bermuda grass have their advantages and disadvantages, so the decision of which will give you the best lawn ultimately comes down to your personal preference and the specific needs of your lawn.

We’ve helped thousands of customers find the perfect sod for their properties, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Zoysia and Bermuda grass and help you decide which one is right for you.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Type of Grass for Your Lawn

Choosing the right type of grass for your lawn is essential for achieving the perfect lawn. Grass plays a vital role in enhancing the overall look of your home’s exterior, and the right type of grass can provide many benefits. It can help to prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and reduce maintenance requirements.

Additionally, it can also contribute to the ecological health of your surroundings. So, before you make your decision, it’s essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of grass.

Pros and Cons of Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is native to Asia. It is a dense, low-growing grass that is popular in the southern United States. One of the main advantages of Zoysia grass is that it is very drought-resistant and can survive in hot, dry conditions. It also has a low-maintenance requirement, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to reduce their lawn care duties.

However, there are some downsides to Zoysia grass. For one, it is slow to establish and may take several months to grow. It is also not as tolerant of heavy foot traffic as Bermuda grass, and it can be prone to thatch buildup.

Pros and Cons of Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is another popular warm-season grass that is common in the southern United States. It is known for its durability and resistance to heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Additionally, Bermuda grass grows quickly, which means that it can establish a lush, green lawn relatively quickly.

However, there are some drawbacks to Bermuda grass. For one, it is not as drought-resistant as Zoysia grass and may require more water to maintain. It also has a higher maintenance requirement, making it less suitable for homeowners who want to reduce their lawn care duties.

Zoysia vs. Bermuda Grass

When it comes down to Zoysia vs. Bermuda grass, the decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Zoysia grass is an excellent choice if you live in an area with hot, dry summers and want a low-maintenance lawn. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, is ideal if you want a durable, high-traffic lawn that establishes quickly.

How to Choose the Best Grass for Your Lawn?

When choosing the best grass for your lawn, it’s essential to consider several factors. First, consider the climate in your area. If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, Zoysia grass may be the best choice for your lawn. If you live in an area with more moderate temperatures, Bermuda grass may be a better choice.

You should also consider the amount of foot traffic your lawn receives. If your lawn is used frequently, Bermuda grass may be the better choice due to its durability. Finally, consider your maintenance needs. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, Zoysia grass may be the best choice for you.

Zoysia Grass vs. Bermuda – Who Wins the Battle for Your Lawn? (1)

FAQs – Zoysia Grass vs. Bermuda Grass

Does Zoysia grass need more water than Bermuda grass?

No, Zoysia grass is generally more drought-resistant than Bermuda grass and can survive in hot, dry conditions with less water.

What are the drawbacks of Bermuda grass?

Bermuda grass requires more maintenance than Zoysia grass, as it grows quickly and can become invasive if not properly managed. It also requires more water and may not be as drought-resistant as Zoysia grass.

What are the pros and cons of Zoysia grass?

The pros of Zoysia grass include its drought resistance, low-maintenance requirements, and dense growth pattern. The cons include its slow establishment, intolerance to heavy foot traffic, and potential for thatch buildup.

Will Zoysia choke out Bermuda?

Zoysia and Bermuda grass are both aggressive grasses that can compete with each other. However, if both grasses are growing together in the same area, they will likely coexist rather than one choking out the other.

Do you need to mow Zoysia grass?

Yes, Zoysia grass requires regular mowing during the growing season to maintain its appearance and health. The mowing height should be adjusted based on the variety of Zoysia grass you have.

Should you winterize Zoysia grass?

Winterizing Zoysia grass involves preparing it for the dormant season by reducing watering and fertilization. However, it is not always necessary, and the need for winterization depends on the specific climate and growing conditions in your area.

Will Zoysia choke out other grass?

Zoysia grass is an aggressive grass that can outcompete other grasses if planted in the same area. However, it is not guaranteed to choke out other grasses and may coexist with them under certain conditions.

Can you mix Zoysia with Bermuda?

It is possible to mix Zoysia with Bermuda grass, but it is generally not recommended as the two grasses have different maintenance requirements and growing habits. It is best to choose one type of grass that is suitable for your lawn’s specific needs.

Zoysia or Bermuda Grass – Which One Will You Choose?

The choice between Zoysia and Bermuda grass ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Both types of grass have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider factors such as your climate, soil type, and maintenance requirements before making a decision.

Whatever your choice may be, remember that a beautiful and healthy lawn requires dedication and effort. So, choose wisely, tend to your lawn regularly, and watch it flourish into a lush green oasis that brings joy and relaxation to your life. Ready to plant some Zoysia or Bermuda grass sod? Reach out to The Turfgrass Group today!

Zoysia Grass vs. Bermuda – Who Wins the Battle for Your Lawn? (2024)

FAQs

Zoysia Grass vs. Bermuda – Who Wins the Battle for Your Lawn? ›

Bermuda often requires more maintenance to manage its invasive growth. Because bermudas require a little more maintenance with mowing and edging, zoysia wins the battle for mowing heights and growth habits.

Will zoysia grass overtake Bermuda grass? ›

Will Zoysia choke out Bermuda? Zoysia and Bermuda grass are both aggressive grasses that can compete with each other. However, if both grasses are growing together in the same area, they will likely coexist rather than one choking out the other.

What is the disadvantage of zoysia grass? ›

Often, the lawn will stay brown well into Spring, which is a deal breaker for some. So, if year-round color is necessary for you, you may want to think twice before choosing zoysia grass. Zoysia will not tolerate heavy traffic during these dormant periods. Another negative is the very poor shade tolerance under trees.

What kills bermuda but not zoysia? ›

Recognition makes it possible to control bermudagrass with excellent safety to zoysiagrass. Recognition alone does not control bermudagrass, but when tank mixed with Fusilade II at rates up to 24 fl. oz./A, the combination controls bermudagrass without injuring zoysiagrass.

What is the most aggressive grass? ›

Bermuda and Zoysia are what I call “alpha grasses” meaning they are very aggressive and work hard to take new ground. They do this by spreading wide through “runners” that creep across the surface and just below ground, sending new shoots of growth upward. These runners are called stolons and rhizomes.

Does Zoysia green up faster than bermuda? ›

Bermuda grass is also known for its ability to recover quickly from damage, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. In contrast, Zoysia grass grows more slowly and tends to form a less dense, sparser turf.

Which is more expensive, Zoysia or bermuda? ›

The Cost of Zoysia is Typically Higher

Zoysia sod tends to cost a little bit more, primarily because the demand for Bermuda is a little higher and it's imported more frequently.

What grass will choke out bermuda? ›

Tall Fescue is one of the grass types that can compete with Bermuda grass and potentially choke it out in certain conditions.

Why do people like Zoysia grass? ›

It has a beautiful, lush green color that looks great in the summer months, and its thick, dense growth pattern gives it a carpet-like appearance that's pleasing to the eye. Zoysia grass is also more resistant to disease and pests than other grasses, making it a reliable choice for homeowners.

What are the cons of Bermuda grass? ›

Cons of Bermuda Grass

Shade intolerance: Bermuda grass may not be the right choice for your lawn if you have several trees in your yard. This grass type needs direct sunlight, so you might find thin spots in heavily shaded areas. Rapid growth rate: You may find yourself mowing more often with this type of grass.

What animal eats Zoysia grass? ›

Mole crickets are a common pest of Zoysiagrass and are increasingly common in many grasses across the Southeast.

Will Zoysia choke out weeds? ›

Chokes Out Weeds

Once established, the dense turf created by zoysia significantly reduces summer weeds. Amazoy will choke out all existing cultivated and wild grasses, including Bermuda (often called wire grass) and St. Augustine. For best results keep these grasses away from newly planted zoysia plugs.

Will Zoysia take over St. Augustine? ›

They will be overtaken by almost any other grass variety that you plant nearby, whether it's Palisades Zoysia, or a St. Augustine, or Bermuda. Those other varieties will run right over the top of the fine-bladed Zoysia grasses because they grow so slowly. Grass is looking great.

What is the downside of zoysia grass? ›

Homeowners with kids or pets appreciate that Zoysiagrass is a dense grass that has an excellent resistance to heavy foot traffic and other wear. In addition, if damage occurs, Zoysia has a strong ability to recover. There is one downside: since Zoysia is a slow grower, the recovery will be slow.

What grass is better than bermuda? ›

St. Augustine is the most shade-tolerant grass, followed by finer-bladed zoysia varieties like Innovation and Geo, while bermuda is less shade-tolerant, with Celebration being the best option among bermuda types.

How to tell bermuda vs Zoysia? ›

Look at the overall texture of the lawn. Bermuda grass has an open, coarse texture, whereas zoysia is finely textured. However, the difference in texture is less obvious if the lawn was grown with one of the newer hybrid types of Bermuda grass rather than common Bermuda grass.

Can you lay Zoysia sod over bermuda? ›

Can I lay sod over my existing grass? You can do that, but we do not advise it. At the very least we recommend that you cut the existing grass down with a weed eater and then lay the grass over that. However, you should also spray the existing grass and especially Bermuda grass with Roundup before you lay your new sod.

Will Zoysia choke out other grasses? ›

Zoysia is considered invasive and is known to take over lawns, when given enough time. That includes crowding out other grasses that exist in your lawn or newly seeded grasses that you plant.

What is the best grass to mix with bermuda? ›

Seeding new and improved Kentucky bluegrass cultivars into bermudagrass fairways produces a powerful combination that can thrive in the transition zone.

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