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Zoysia vs. Bermuda Grass: A Comparison Guide
Maybe the grass can be greener on the other side
Photo: JamesBrey / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: JamesBrey / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Bermuda and Zoysia are durable, beautiful grasses that require consistent edging.
Zoysia has a higher tolerance for drought and shade.
Zoysia is lower maintenance than bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass establishes more quickly and is less expensive.
Bermuda has higher salt tolerance, making it great for coastal homes.
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Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
From one homeowner to another
Great experience from start to finish. They responded to my inquiry quickly and came out to give me a quote the same day. My yard was overgrown with weeds and needed lots of trimming. The guys came out and pulled all of the weeds by hand to get them out by the roots and trimmed up nicely. They were able to come up with a treatment plan within my budget to get my lawn and yard looking great again. Very professional, efficient and knowledgeable.
Review of Sarasota Lawn Care Services, in Sarasota, FL
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
Photo: HendSTD / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
| Pros of Zoysia | Cons of Zoysia |
|---|---|
| Pleasant green color | Takes at least two years to establish |
| Heat and drought tolerant | Seed is more costly |
| Dense growth great for foot traffic | Can be invasive and hard to remove |
| Stays green for longer than alternatives | Not suitable for constant shade |
| Handles cooler temperatures and shade well | Susceptible to drought periods |
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
Photo: Tatyana Consaul / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
| Pros of Bermuda Grass | Cons of Bermuda Grass |
|---|---|
| Rich, dark appearance | High maintenance needs |
| Affordable seeds | Low tolerance for cold and drought |
| Quick recovery for traffic and games | Struggles in shade |
| Salt-resistant | Can be invasive |
| Deep roots | Can develop thatch issues |
| Suitable for a range of pH levels | More susceptible to pests and diseases |
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
Photo: Subas chandra Mahato / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
| Appearance | Lighter, friendly green | Slightly darker, richer green |
| Blade width | 2-7mm | 1.5–1.7mm |
| Comfort level | Smooth and resilient | Soft with quick recovery |
| Shade tolerance | Moderate to high | Moderate |
| Best maintained height | 0.5-2 inches | 0.5-1.5 inches |
| Wear tolerance | High | High |
| Recovery from injury | High | High |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate | High |
| Soil | Clay, loam, sand | Heavy clays to deep sand |
| Salt tolerance | Moderate | High |
| Fertilizer | Lower nitrogen preferred | High nitrogen preferred |
| Preferred soil pH | 5.8-7.0 | 6.5-80 |
| Pest threats | Chinch bugs, billbugs | Billbugs, sod webworms, armyworms, Bermuda grass mites |
| Disease threats | Brown spot, rust, and leaf spot | Dollar spot, Spring dead spot, leaf spot, brown patch, Pythium |
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
Photo: Joanne Dale / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Zoysia grass prefers full sun like bermuda does, but it can handle some shade (usually up to four hours per day). Bermuda grass doesn't fare well without full sun. If you’re planting it near a fence line, under trees, or in other shaded areas, expect your bermuda grass to brown and turn dormant.
Tolerance to Drought and Overwatering: Zoysia
Zoysia grass doesn't need more water than Bermuda grass, as they both need about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall. But Zoysia tolerates overwatering and underwatering better than Bermuda grass.
Residual dampness or drought can cause bermuda grass to suffer. If it's excessively wet for more than two days, it can develop root rot. And if there's a drought, Bermuda turns brown faster than Zoysia.
Soil Compatibility and pH Levels: Both
Zoysia and Bermuda grass grow well in a range of soil types and conditions. Zoysia thrives in sandy and loamy soils. And if you have soil with a high clay content, Zoysia grass will grow better than Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass has a higher salt tolerance than Zoysia, making it ideal for coastline homes. Bermuda also has a wider pH range. It grows well in soils with a pH of 6 to 7, and can even tolerate 5.5 pH. Zoysia grass grows best in soils with a pH of 6-6.5.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both
Both Zoysia and Bermuda grass can experience fungi growth and insects, such as billbugs and grub worms. But that's the case for most grass varieties. Maintaining a healthy lawn and removing thatch helps to keep these problems at bay.
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