Zoysia or Bermuda – Which is the Right Grass for Your Lawn?

Zoysia grass or Bermuda grass? Confused about which one to use for your lawn? Both grasses have a lush green appearance and are durable. However, you need to consider factors like climate, traffic volume on the lawn, purpose, and maintenance before choosing the grass type. You must also be aware of the pros and cons of the grasses before making the final call.

What are Zoysia and Bermuda Grasses?

Before comparing the two, let look at the characteristics of each grass.

Bermuda is a fast-growing grass that thrives in hot conditions and can handle heavy foot traffic.

Zoysia, on the other hand, has slow growth, a thick texture, and is low on maintenance.

Key Differences Between Zoysia and Bermuda

Weather and Climatic Preferences

Zoysia is suitable for moderate climates. Though it can withstand heat, it is not ideal for extreme conditions. It is shade-tolerant and works well for lawns with partial sun or trees.

Bermuda grass is highly drought-tolerant and survives extremely hot weather. However, it struggles in the shade. The grass is a great choice for areas with intense summers.

Growth Habits and Density

Bermuda grass is a fast-growing variety and spreads rapidly as well. If you’re looking to fill in bare patches, Bermuda grass is the ideal choice. However, you will need to mow the lawn frequently.

Zoysia grass is slow-growing but thick and dense. It is easily manageable, great for weed control, and doesn’t require frequent mowing. However, if you need a quick fix, this grass may not be suitable due to its dense and slow growth.

Maintenance Requirements

Bermuda grass grows quickly and requires frequent mowing, care and maintenance. Though it’s high-maintenance, this grass variety yields great results with the right effort.

The slow-growing Zoysia grass doesn’t require frequently mowed and is easily manageable by homeowners looking for low-maintenance grass. Thatch build-up is a common issue with Zoysia and it needs occasional dethatching.

Water and Drought Tolerance

Both grass varieties are good in terms of drought tolerance. However, Bermuda has better water-holding capacity during extended dry spells. With a lower water requirement, this grass recovers faster after harsh conditions.

Zoysia grass is moderately drought-tolerant. It thrives well with minimal but consistent watering. If neglected, it loses its color more quickly than Bermuda grass during a prolonged dry period.

Cost of Establishing

Zoysia grass is more expensive to establish. You can use either sod or seed, but the establishment process takes longer, resulting in a higher upfront cost.

On the other hand, Bermuda grass is more affordable to establish. Because of its rapid growth, results appear more quickly with less financial investment.

Pros and Cons of Bermuda Grass

Pros

• Grows quickly and fills bare patches
• Thrives in scorching and sunny conditions
• Affordable to establish
• Quick recovery from wear and tear

Cons

• Not suitable for shaded areas
• Needs frequent mowing
• Can be invasive in some areas

Pros and Cons of Zoysia Grass

Pros

• Suitable for partial shade areas
• Has a lush and dense appearance
• Needs minimal mowing
• Great for weed prevention

Cons

• Slow growth
• High establishment cost
• Prone to thatch build-up

Handling Wear and Tear

If your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic from pets, kids, or other outdoor activities, Bermuda grass is the best choice. This grass handles heavy foot traffic and has quick recovery from damage.

Though Zoysia grass is durable, it cannot recover quickly from heavy foot traffic. It is a better choice for lightly used or decorative lawns.

Which is the Right Grass for Your Lawn?

Now that you know the features, details, and pros and cons of both Zoysia and Bermuda grass, choose the variety which meets your lawn requirements and fits your budget. Keep the weather conditions and the maintenance factor in mind before deciding on the grass variety for your lawn.