Zoysia can choke out weeds in sunny areas of the lawn once it is established. Let’s Settle This! The grass is known for its rich, bluish-green tint, which is most prominent during the warmer seasons. Unlike corporate website companies, the authors on this website regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawncare. It also tolerates poor drainage better though this should be taken with a grain of salt. The most common warm-season species are bermudagrass, buffalo grass, centipede grass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine and Zoysia grass. Plugs have an intact root system, which makes it easier to keep alive after planting and helps the lawn fill in faster than sprigs. Zoysia has a deep, dense root system that grows well in sandy conditions. Plant St. Augustine if your lawn drains well, receives consistent rainfall or irrigation, and has shaded areas. Copyright © Lawn Service Grapevine 2015. This can be a difficult way to establish a lawn unless you can keep it moist for 4-6 weeks while the stolons establish a root system. While zoysia is a good choice for low-maintenance lawns, there are some climates where St. Augustine is the better option. Here Are The Facts. Aerate from April-September each year, and dethatch if there is more than ½” of dead grass clippings. Required fields are marked *. So, which grass should you choose for your new lawn? 0 Comments. Plant zoysia if your lawn has high-traffic areas, gets inconsistent moisture, and has poor soil. Both put off runners that get into everything, although zoysia isn't quite as aggressive. Several weeks after the Bermuda grass is completely green in the spring, apply 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen in a slow-release fertilizer with a 4-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium per 1,000 square feet. Versatile Zoysia does well in both. In this article, we will compare and contrast these types of grasses. Standard lawn grass species are cool-season grasses that thrive during the cool, moist weather of spring and fall. Zoysia is a more versatile turf grass than St. Augustine, and it is fairly low-maintenance in the right climate. Bahia grass has excellent wearability, but gets a high-maintenance rating in the mowing department. There are many factors to consi… St. Augustine Grass. It will tolerate a wider range of temperatures than zoysia, but it must have good drainage and consistent irrigation in order to thrive. Bermuda grass wins this round, if you are looking for a type of grass with lower water requirements. It is also more tolerant of dethatching. Both grasses tolerate some shade, but St. Augustine is more shade tolerant than zoysia. See Can You Dethatch St. Augustine Grass? This insect attacks during hot, dry periods of the summer and can look like drought damage. It does not hold up to foot traffic as well as zoysia, and it does not fill in as fast after aeration or damage. If you live in the south zoysia is a good choice, particularly those with thicker blades. St. Augustine is susceptible to drought year-round, so it’s important to monitor for drought stress and irrigate as needed. Fertilizing Bermuda grass is similar to fertilizing St. Augustine grass. So, if you live along the Gulf Coast or warm coastal areas of the country, St. Augustine grass is a better choice. Saint Augustine is a traditionally beloved grass and elegant type of grass, but with weather conditions and water availability becoming less and less sure in the state of Texas you are probably better off investing your money in a hardier grass that is more versatile and more tolerant of drought. However, new zoysia lawns may take 6-8 weeks to begin active growth, so you may need to spray a broadleaf weed control during the first year. One popular choice is Zoysia grass. You can read Bermuda grass vs St. Augustine … Of the types of grasses for Texas, St Augustine is a long time favorite. However, they each thrive in different climates, and they have different appearances, which may influence your turf choice. After a week without moisture, zoysia will go dormant until the next rainfall, and then quickly green up again. Elevate your lawn expectations. It will tolerate a wider range of temperatures than zoysia, but it must have good drainage and consistent irrigation in order to thrive. However, it has a lower tolerance of poor soils and poor drainage, which may disqualify this turf as an option in your climate. For best results, all three of these types of grass should be watered deeply once a week using a minimum of one inch of water. Curb appeal is definitely a science and an art. Keep in mind that Bermuda grass does not do well in shade, so if you have a shaded area of rugged terrain, you are better off choosing Zoysia. The hybrid cultivar Raleigh is less disease-prone than other varieties. Zoysia is a popular choice for homeowners because it can tolerate shade, drought, cold and traffic. Stolons allow the grass to fill in quickly as long as there is adequate moisture. Zoysia is more prone to disease and "bald spots". The downside is that St. Augustine grass does thrive better in shady areas and will wear down in areas that are heavily frequented by children or pets. It would be better not to mix because the former grows slower than later which can choke the latter. St. Augustine grass is a thickly-growing grass species that creates a lush, inviting landscape. Related Reading: Will Zoysia Grow In Clay Soil? St. Augustine does not handle dethatching with a power rake, so it is important to mow frequently to prevent long grass clippings or clumps of grass. In the south, one big element of that mastery is understanding the pros, cons, similarities, and differences of Bermuda grass vs. St. Augustine. When you prepare your lawn for St. Augustine, mix in 3”-6” of high-quality compost to help with drainage and improve fertility. You can use a simple test to determine your soil texture. Most soils will need a starter fertilizer to help the turf establish roots quickly, and you may need to fertilize every 6 weeks until the first frost to help the turf prepare for cooler weather. If it holds its shape without crumbling, you have clay. As with most sod options, there are some varieties that are more shade or pest tolerant that are only available in sod form, so in some climates it may be worth it to plant sod because you won’t have to wait as long for good coverage. Zoysia does not require as much fertilization as St. Augustine, which makes it the better choice for poor soils. Kane Skennar/Digital Vision/Getty Images. Bermuda vs Zoysia – Which Will Win Q: I live in a neighborhood where the front lawns are required to be Bermuda grass. Zoysia is susceptible to brown spot, rust, and leaf spot. Seeds may take up to 3 weeks to germinate, and you must keep the soil moist during that time. Better yet, these species have a low fertilizer requirement. Plant St. Augustine three months before the first frost and keep it moist. and centipedegrass (Eremchloa ophiuroides) are medium-textured warm-season turf grasses that are well adapted for use in lawns in Southern climates. Both Zoysia and Bermuda are warm-season grasses, and a soil temperature of 65-75 degree F is ideal for both. April 4, 2019 April 11, 2019 Tiffany Hepburn Grass, lawn maintenance. Improving the soil will cut down maintenance requirements of both kinds of grass, so topdressing after aeration each year will gradually cut the time and money invested in your lawn. A wider blade than Bermuda grass, it can tolerate a good amount of Shade. Keep zoysia consistently moist until you begin to see active growth from sprigs, plugs, or sod. St. Augustine has large flat stems and broad coarse leaves while Bermuda grass has short flat leaves. St. Augustine has above-ground runners, known as stolons, which creep along the soil and put down roots. Side By Side Comparison). Once established, St. Augustine chokes out most weeds, making sprays unnecessary in most lawns. You need to mow frequently with sharp blades. Besides this similarity, these are grasses that have many different properties. She has an A.A.S. Zoysia is a resilient grass, but it can take a while for it to fill in and establish a thick lawn. Healthy maintenance practices are the key to a lawn’s success, so make sure that no matter which turf you choose, you follow a consistent maintenance schedule that includes aeration, topdressing, proper irrigation schedules and mowing heights. Can I Mix Zoysia and Bermuda? St. Augustine can thrive in moderate shade, so it is able to choke out weeds and other grasses in shady yards better than zoysia. During a drought, zoysia may appear to be less resilient than St. Augustine, but zoysia always recovers from drought with irrigation or rainfall, while St. Augustine may not recover once it has turned brown. Zoysia does not handle shade as well as St. Augustine, so in a humid climate with shady areas, St. Augustine would be a better choice. Can You Dethatch St. Augustine Grass? Zoysia vs. Centipede Grass. Zoysia Grass vs. St Augustine in North Texas. Zoysia will do well in most silty soils, and St. Augustine will do well as long as the soil drains well and has low foot traffic. Saint Augustine is a good choice in areas that have very tightly packed, gumbo clay type soil. (See Does Lawn Aeration Really Work? One of my neighbors decided to replace his lawn with Zoysia without the homeowner associations’ approval. St. Augustine needs more frequent mowing, irrigation, and fertilization than zoysia. There are many factors that can determine which turf you choose, but first, Let’s dive into the basics of each grass. Mow as frequently as needed to prevent breaking the 1/3rd rule, which is generally every 10-14 days. Nonetheless, it is a traditional favorite. Both zoysia (Zoysia japonica) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) are common lawn grasses in the United States, particularly in warmer areas such as Florida and the Gulf States. It is more expensive than the St. Augustine’s that we have. Learn why Empire is a superior choice over Floratam St. Augustine. Proper maintenance will help prevent most diseases, but you may need to spray if large areas are affected. In this article we will talk about Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses that are good for warm climates. Wet a handful of soil so that it is moist but not dripping. The most expensive way to establish St. Augustine is with sod. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. Zoysia is more tolerant to shade. Going by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), the Hardiness Zones for Zoysia and Bermuda grass are different. Learn more about preparing clay soil, how to care for St. Augustine, and how to establish zoysia in clay soil. How To Get Rid Of Them, Gardening Advice to Harvesting Fresh Produce Regularly. (See ref 1, Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass) Once established, it’s durable even without fertilization. Mowing height depends on the variety, but most varieties should be mowed ¾”-2.5” with a sharp blade from April-October. If it holds its shape but crumbles easily, you have silt. Learn more about zoysia vs. centipede grass. Bermuda grass does well in zones 7, 8, 9 and 10, while St. Augustine grass really only performs well in zones 8 through 10. This site is a participant in affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases. Which is more shade tolerant? By: Evan Gillespie 19 October, 2009. This is what makes them excellent for sports fields because they recover quickly. St. Augustine does not handle power-raking, but you can use a hand rake each spring to remove an unhealthy thatch layer. If the lawn is mowed too short, or if you use a power rake to dethatch, you will damage the stolons and your lawn may not recover. For zoysia grass to overtake and smother St. Augustine grass, the soil must become drier to favor the zoysia's slower growth and cause the St. Augustine to wither. Bahia grass: Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a tough, coarse grass that roots deeply and extensively. Even the more desirable “turf type” Fescue is the heaviest maintenance lawn type for our area. Silty soils can become compacted under high traffic, but they are easier to amend with compost, and they usually have better drainage than clay. Zoysia grasses are usually mowed at a height of.5–2 inches whereas St. Augustines are generally mowed at a height of 2–4 inches. Saint Augustine does not do well in rugged terrain. If it doesn’t hold its shape, you have sand. Sandy soils drain easily, which can contribute to drought conditions in dry climates. I realize that I can fertilize, water and wait for the St Aug to fill in, but I'm thinking of converting to Empire Zoysia. This helps you will have success with a … Although this turf stays green longer than zoysia, once it turns brown, it’s dying, not going dormant. Zoysia thrives in the southeastern United States, but it can tolerate regions as far north as Nebraska. Bermuda grass is second in popularity, and Zoysia (a fairly recent addition to Texas grasses) is gaining ground. Zoysia is one of the recommended species of warm-season grass for clay soils. The first step in establishing a new lawn is to do a soil test (link to Amazon) so you can properly prepare the soil before you plant. Zoysia is drought-tolerant and will go dormant within 7 days of hot, dry conditions. Zoysia grass spreads by both above-ground and underground shoots (stolons and rhizomes); while St. Augustine grass only spreads through above-ground shoots (stolons) and lack underground shoots (stolons). Sprigs are sections of stolons cut from sod that you spread over bare soil and press into the lawn with a heavy roller. Zoysia sod is more expensive than St. Augustine, and can cost anywhere from $.50-$.85/sq’ foot. Bermuda grass is usually identified by its spikelets that are borne in four or five slender spikes at the tips of the upright stems. Zoysia may have difficulty establishing a root system from sprigs, so the more common planting method is to use plugs. Most homeowners want a beautiful yard to compliment their house. Specific zoysia and St. Augustine varieties may differ, but they generally fall pretty close to their generic mowing heights. All of these diseases can cause grey or brown spots in the lawn or on individual leaves. Mow every 5-14 days to maintain the proper height. Therefore, it may be easier to plant seeds in the spring when there is more rainfall and the temperatures are lower. Amazon has put together some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save money and get your holiday shopping done! St. Augustine grows in subtropical regions of the United States, and it is most common along the coasts due to its high salt tolerance. Bermuda is an aggressive, low-growing grass that is nearly impossible to remove because it spreads through rhizomes, stolons, and seed. There are a lot of additional factors that will determine success when planting either grass in partial shade. Your email address will not be published. Of the three, Zoysia is actually the best performer, but it is also the most expensive. If you are establishing a new lawn, you can find some varieties that are more cold-tolerant, and others that require less-frequent mowing. Warm-season grasses, though less … Examples provided of tested products are actual products owned, tested, and used regularly by the author. Recommended Reading: Best Fertilizer For Clay Soil Lawn: Why Ingredients Matter. The only way to determine your soil’s fertility and pH is with a soil test. I’m trying to decide between TifTuf bermuda and Zenith zoysia. They are: Bermuda grass, Zoysia Grass and St Augustine grass. While both kinds of grass will survive in most southern lawns, they are each suited to different climates and soil conditions. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "add2e773fa4925e335feb2970106bbd9" );document.getElementById("bbd004a1d9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Bermuda vs Zoysia vs St Augustine Grass in Texas. St. Augustine should be mowed May-October 2”-4” with a sharp blade. Texas is well-known for extremes in temperature and lengthy dry spells. Bahia grass is low-growing and forms a tough, open turf that resists thatch. Besides climate, soil is the most important factor for turf choice. The look of your lawn reveals to any passerby how well you’ve mastered it. Zoysia grass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, and Bermuda grass is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. You can also establish zoysia from sprigs, plugs, or sod. It’s surprising that St Augustine is as popular as it is because it is actually not very drought hearty and it … The rhizomes are protected from the sun and mower blades, which makes zoysia more drought-resistant and able to recover much easier from short mowing heights or dethatching. It is slightly less salt tolerant than St. Augustine, which makes it a better choice in drier climates that may have salt buildup and less annual rainfall. Let’s start off with the most important element for plant life: water. Space plugs 6”-12” apart. Bermuda and Zoysia are more resilient and more likely to rally after lengthy periods of drought. In light shade or subfreezing winter weather, zoysia will persist even when dormant, but the St. Augustine will be … When it comes to sunlight, zoysia is more shade-tolerant than Bermuda and, as such, is a better candidate for lawns with areas of moderate shade. For Most People, Zoysia Grass is the Better Choice If someone asks, “would you put Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass in your yard,” I’m putting Zoysia every time. Both grasses are warm season perennial grasses that grow actively during the summer but … Lush, colorful flower beds increase curb appeal while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Under most other conditions, however, zoysia is the better option if you don’t mind your lawn going dormant during dry seasons. We have just moved to our first house, the previous owner put a really nice Zoysia grass everywhere, but now it is dying under the invasion of St.Augustine grass from our both neighbors. Zoysia handles clay soil much better than St. Augustine. Both St. Augustine and zoysia are warm-season grasses, which means they have a similar growth habit. Empire Zoysia grass is the perfect choice for Florida. Zoysia species are best grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, while Bermuda species perform best in USDA zones 7 through 10. Warm-season grasses are generally creeping grasses, which means they send out runners to put down roots and establish new leaves. Silt tends to act like clay under most conditions. An attractive yard provides an elegant and relaxing space to enjoy on the weekend or after a long day. Purchase Zoysia plugs from a reputable grower where they are guaranteed to grow or replaced free (link to Zoysia Farms). Bermuda grass is second in popularity, and Zoysia (a fairly recent addition to Texas grasses) is gaining ground. There are many varieties to choose from, such as Pampas, Bermuda, and St. Augustine. It is such a prolific nuisance that there are multiple sprays and chemical control... 5 Tips for Creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Flower Beds. Clay soils tend to become compacted, which leaves very little pore space for drainage. St. Augustine tolerates extremely high summer temperatures as long as it has enough moisture. Annual aeration can help manage thatch, but because St. Augustine does not have rhizomes, the aerator must be set to remove fewer cores so that it can fill in before summer. An easier method is to use plugs, which is small sections of cut sod spaced apart across the lawn. It is not as elegant as Saint Augustine, but it grows well in almost all Texas settings. Learn warm season grass identification and grass care. Now that you’ve gone through Zoysia vs Bermuda difference, you know which one suits your lawn best. Chinch bugs are the most common pest that affects zoysia. St. Augustine and Zoysia are popular grass options in the southern United States due to their aggressive growth and relative drought tolerance. Please help us, we don’t know what to do! Zoysia can only tolerate a pH of 5.8-7.0, which makes it less versatile than St. Augustine. Daria – posted 28 April 2009 09:04. Bermuda Grass. Thriving Yard is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Spray for grubs and sod worms each spring to prevent infestations, and apply a fungicide to prevent brown patch and grey leaf spot (source). 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