Having a lawn is a great asset. It provides a place to relax, play with your kids or pets, and host barbecues or other events. But with all of this comes the large task of maintaining your yard in order to keep it in good shape in order to do all these things.
Lawn maintenance is quite crucial and selecting the right type of grass is one of the most significant factors to ensure that your lawn stays vibrant and healthy all year long. If you’re looking to plant new grass seed, we’ll describe two popular types: zoysia grass vs. Bermuda grass, so keep reading in order to make an informed decision for your home.
What Is Zoysia Grass?
Before we start to compare zoysia vs. Bermuda grass, we should first take a closer look at each type of grass and its features.
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is known for its fine texture and dense growth. It has a vibrant color that gives off a warm, light green shade, and it is known for its ability to resist weeds and pests.
It is often preferred by homeowners because it requires less water and fertilizer than other types of grass, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, zoysia grass is very tolerant of heat and drought, making it a great choice for areas with hot and dry summers.
What Is Bermuda Grass?
Now let’s look at another popular option, Bermuda grass. This is another type of warm-season grass that is popular among lawns across the country. Compared to zoysia grass, its color is a darker shade of green with a coarser texture
Bermuda grass is known for its high tolerance to heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic, along with being resistant to pests and diseases. However, it requires more maintenance than zoysia grass, including frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Despite this, many homeowners choose Bermuda grass for its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear caused by regular foot traffic.
Choosing The Right Grass For Your Lawn
Now that you know the different characteristics of each type of grass, let’s compare zoysia grass vs. Bermuda grass on various fronts so that you can decide which type will suit your lawn better.
Climate Conditions
Different types of grass handle climate conditions differently depending on the area. Your local weather patterns will play a significant role in deciding the ideal grass type for your lawn.
Bermuda grass thrives in hot and sunny climates, making it a perfect choice for regions with long, hot summers. It has a good heat tolerance which keeps the grass its vibrant green color, even in the most scorching conditions.
Zoysia grass is also suited for warmer temperatures, and can withstand periods of high heat. However, what makes this grass stand out is how it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures better than Bermuda grass. This makes it a versatile option for areas with varying climates, able to withstand mild winters while retaining its lush appearance when temperatures drop.
Durability
Once you plant a certain type of grass for your yard, you will not want to change it out. Therefore, durability is a crucial factor you need to consider before you make your decision. Both types of grass are quite strong, but Bermuda gets the edge here. This is because the grass has thicker roots and bounces back quickly with its coarse texture.
Maintenance
When choosing between Bermuda grass and zoysia grass, it’s important to consider their maintenance requirements. Bermuda grass needs more maintenance compared to zoysia grass. It grows quickly and requires frequent mowing and watering to maintain its height and lush appearance.
Zoysia grass, on the other hand, is low-maintenance. It grows slowly and needs to be mowed less frequently. It also requires less water, making it a more drought-tolerant option. If you want an easy-to-maintain lawn, zoysia grass is the better choice. It can thrive with minimal care, which makes it ideal for people who don’t have much time during the day, or who want to reduce their amount of lawn maintenance tasks.
Read More: How Often Can I Apply Sulfur To My Lawn?
Aesthetic Appeal
Aesthetic preferences also play a significant role in the choice between Bermuda grass and zoysia grass. Bermuda grass offers a finer texture and a darker green color, giving it a manicured and uniform look. In contrast, zoysia grass has a thicker texture and a lighter green hue, lending a more natural and rugged aesthetic to your lawn. Consider how you want your lawn to appear and how each type of grass aligns with your aesthetic preferences when making your decision.
Foot Traffic
How much time do you intend to spend on your lawn? Do you play there or host get-togethers regularly? These things can play a role in its level of wear and tear. When considering foot traffic, Bermuda grass emerges as the preferred choice for lawns with heavy use. Its resilience allows it to rebound quickly, maintaining a lush appearance.
However, if your priority is to have a lawn with a soft and luxurious texture, zoysia grass may be more suitable since its thicker blades provide a plush feel underfoot.
How Much Does Each Type Of Grass Cost?
When planning to seed your lawn you will want to be aware of the cost, and this is where Bermuda grass is initially more budget-friendly. This is because it is often less expensive to install compared to zoysia grass. Bermuda grass can be planted through seed, sod, and even plugs while zoysia grass can only be installed using sod.
Also, Bermuda grass grows rapidly, spreading throughout your lawn, meaning that you need to purchase less seed or sod for ample coverage.
On the other hand, zoysia grass is typically more expensive to install, as it requires more seed or sod to establish a new lawn. Additionally, zoysia grass is slower to establish and may take longer to fill in bare spots, which could result in higher maintenance costs during the establishment phase.
Also Read: How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?
Get Quality Lawn Care Services In Cordova, TN
Your choice between Bermuda and zoysia grass for your lawn depends on what your preference is, as both types have their pros and cons. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some essential factors to think about. Every lawn is unique, and it’s crucial to have a professional lawn assessment before making a final decision. By getting expert advice from the team at Jamison Pest and Lawn, you can feel confident that your chosen grass will meet your requirements.
