Compare Sod Types
Bahia vs. Bermuda Sod
Let's dive into a side-by-side comparison of these two grasses. We're looking at everything from cost and looks to how well they stand up to drought, shade, and foot traffic. Stick around to see which one comes out on top!
Price
Which costs more, Bahia or Bermuda sod?
Between these two, Bermuda is typically on the pricier side with an average cost per square foot of $0.50. On a per pallet basis, which is usually how sod is sold, this comes out to roughly $250.00 per pallet.
Bahia on the other hand, is a more moderately priced at $0.45 per square foot (on average). This comes out to around $225.00 per pallet.
Editor's note: It's important to remember that both of these are averages based on data from around the country so cost can vary depending on your location. Keep in mind this doesn't include other fees like delivery or installation.
See our sod calculator to get a comprehensive sod estimate. →
Sun & Shade
Which grass grows better in the shade?
Bahia Grass is a sun-lover and typically needs about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight to perform well, with limited tolerance to shade.
Similarly, Bermuda Grass needs abundant sunlight and generally requires at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day, struggling in shady conditions.
Appearance
Which one looks better? You decide.
When choosing between sods like Bahia (pictured lefttop) and Bermuda (pictured rightbottom), personal preference plays a significant role, but understanding the nuances of each type's appearance can guide your decision. Here's what to consider:
Bahia Grass stands out with its airy, light green blades, providing a durable and somewhat rougher lawn that can handle the hustle without needing much pampering.
Bermuda Grass shines in a brilliant green and has a fine, tight knit, offering a lawn that's both springy to the touch and tough enough for kids and pets.
Drought Tolerance
Which one needs more water?
Bahia Grass boasts excellent drought tolerance, with deep roots that help it stay resilient and green even in prolonged dry periods.
On the other hand, Bermuda Grass is highly drought-resistant, thriving in hot, dry climates and bouncing back robustly from water deficits.
Takeaway: If you're located in a somewhat dry and arid geographic region and are looking for a grass that can handle drought-like conditions, both options are pretty similar from a drought tolerance standpoint.
Grow Zones
Cold or warm weather - which do they prefer?
Bahia is well-suited for growth in warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for laying Bahia sod is between 70°F and 90°F.
Bermuda is well-suited for growth in warm or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Bermuda is between 75°F and 90°F. If you choose to lay outside of the ideal range, you can still have success, but it may take a longer time to esablish and require a bit more maintenance.
As you may have noticed, both Bahia and Bermuda thrive under pretty similar climatic conditions!
Lawn Traffic Tolerance
Which sod handles heavy foot traffic better?
Bahia Grass is tough and can handle a fair amount of foot traffic with its deep roots, making it not the worst choice but also not the best choice for backyards and play areas.
On the other hand, Bermuda Grass excels under high foot traffic, its dense growth and quick recovery rate making it a go-to choice for sports fields and active lawns.
Takeaway: If you're looking for a grass that can handle heavy foot traffic, Bermuda is the better option between Bahia and Bermuda.
Establishment Rate
Which grass grows faster?
Bahia grass, valued for its adaptability and low maintenance, establishes at a moderate rate and offers a durable lawn option especially in sandy and infertile soils.
Bermuda grass is a fast-establishing, aggressive grower, known for its fine texture and resilience, thriving in hot, sunny environments.
Net, net - if you're looking for a grass that establishes quickly, Bermuda is the way to go.
Pest & Disease Resistance
Which handles pests better?
Bahia Grass boasts robust resistance to many common lawn pests and diseases, making it a hardy choice for less-than-ideal soil conditions.
Bermuda Grass shows good pest resistance, especially to grubs, but can be vulnerable to diseases such as dollar spot and spring dead spot without proper care.
TLDR - if you're looking for a grass that wards off pests and disease, Bahia edges out the competition.
Which Is Best?
Which sod is better, Bahia or Bermuda?
Alright it's time to count the scores up.
Most blogs or articles are going to give you a wishy washy "it's up to you" speil. That is definitely true. You'll need to choose based on your geographic conditions and what you like most looks-wise.
That being said, if we just compare the scores based on the following measures. Higher is better in this case.
- Average Cost: 8 for Bahia, 7 for Bermuda
- Shade Tolerance: 4 for Bahia, 3 for Bermuda
- Drought Tolerance: 9 for Bahia, 9 for Bermuda
- Traffic Tolerance: 6 for Bahia, 9 for Bermuda
- Establishment Rate: 5 for Bahia, 8 for Bermuda
- Pest & Disease Resistance: 8 for Bahia, 7 for Bermuda
Drumroll please...
All in all, Bermuda comes out on top with a score of 43/60 versus 40/60 for Bahia.
Thanks for reading! If you have any feedback or corrections for us, please email our editor at editor@sodcalculator.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Which is better for dogs, Bahia or Bermuda sod?
Neither Bahia nor Bermuda are particularly durable; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. For both Bermuda and Bahia, it will come down to how rough your pets are on the turf.
Will Bahia overgrow Bermuda?
Neither Bahia nor Bermuda are particularly aggressive growers. Bermuda is not likely to overtake Bahia, and vice versa.
Can you mix Bahia and Bermuda sod?
It's not recommended to mix Bahia and Bermuda sod. Mixing sod types can lead to uneven appearance and issues with lawn health. It's best to choose Bahia or Bermuda sod and stick with it.
Which costs more, Bahia or Bermuda sod?
Both Bahia and Bermuda are on the pricier side at between $225.00 - $250.00 per pallet. Their prices reflect their premium characteristics and quality.
Is Bahia or Bermuda sod better for shade?
Neither Bahia nor Bermuda are particularly tolerant of shade; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. The heartiness of Bermuda and Bahia will come down to how much sunlight your lawn gets.
What are the main differences between Bahia and Bermuda?
The main differences between Bahia and Bermuda are in their cost effectiveness, popularity, and establishment rate. Bahia performs better in popularity, while Bermuda performs better in cost effectiveness and establishment rate.