Zoysia Grass vs. Bermudagrass For North Texas Lawns: 5 Key Differences (2024)

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Zoysia Grass vs. Bermudagrass For North Texas Lawns: 5 Key Differences? ›

Comparative Analysis: Zoysia vs Bermuda in Dallas, Texas

Bermuda grass is mowed at 0.5-1.5 inches and is favored for sports fields due to its aggressive growth, while zoysia is mowed at 0.5-2 inches, preferred for golf courses due to its lower water and pest needs. Both grasses suppress weeds with rhizomes and stolons and have cultivars adapted for cold climates.

Zoysia Grass

It also does pretty well in cold weather, meaning it will withstand the frigid cold of North Texas winters often without a scratch. The biggest downside to zoysia is that it is typically a slower recuperator than other species.

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.

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.

When comparing Zoysia grass vs Bermuda grass, there are noticeable differences in texture and appearance; namely Zoysia grass has a fine to medium texture and a rich green color. It's 1/10-inch-wide blades may be smaller than Bermuda, but it is stiff and strong.

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.

Bermuda grass is the most prevalent grass that you'll find in North Texas. It's the grass that thrives the most in the sunlight and requires at least 10 or 12 hours of direct sun a day. If left to grow in a shaded area or in an environment where cold fronts regularly come through, this grass will not survive.

St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses are renowned for their ability to stay green throughout the year when properly cared for. These grasses thrive in Texas' warm climate, with St. Augustine being particularly shade-tolerant, making it ideal for lawns with varying sunlight.

Emerald zoysiagrass is a fine-textured hybrid that is possibly the most attractive zoysia. It is well-suited for top-quality lawns where a good maintenance program is provided. Emerald zoysia has less winter hardiness, but more shade tolerance than Meyer.

Will zoysia grass 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.

Zoysia grass is intolerant of standing water and may die out in low areas where water can collect. Although root rots may be obvious, many other problems may not be as obvious. Shallow rooting, increased susceptibility to disease, and attractiveness to grubs are a few of the other problems improper watering can cause.

After the first initial mow of the spring has taken place, begin keeping your zoysia between 0.5–2 inches in height. Keep fine-bladed zoysias mowed between 0.5–2 inches. Keep coarse-bladed zoysia grass mowed between 1–2 inches.

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.

Bermudagrass and Zoysia grass are both aggressive growers that spread by stolons and rhizomes (above- and below-ground stems). This double growing action allows these grasses to recover quickly and repair themselves when wear or other damage occurs. They are favorites for southern athletic fields and golf fairways.

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.

Will Zoysia Grass Take Over 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.