Compare Sod Types
Bahia vs. Buffalo 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 Buffalo sod?
Between these two, Buffalo is typically on the pricier side with an average cost per square foot of $0.68. On a per pallet basis, which is usually how sod is sold, this comes out to roughly $337.50 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.
On the other hand, Buffalo Grass, adapted to open plains, prefers full sun and requires at least 6 to 8 hours daily, underperforming in shady spaces.
Appearance
Which one looks better? You decide.
When choosing between sods like Bahia (pictured lefttop) and Buffalo (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.
Buffalo Grass rolls out a soft, blue-green carpet with thin blades, giving you a lawn that feels soft to walk on and adds a touch of the prairie to your backyard.
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, Buffalo Grass is naturally adapted to arid conditions, requiring minimal watering to maintain its health and appearance.
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.
Buffalo is well-suited for growth in warmer climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Buffalo is also between 70°F and 85°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 Buffalo 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, Buffalo Grass has low to moderate traffic tolerance and is best for less-trodden areas, but it can endure gentle play and relaxation time.
Takeaway: If you're looking for a grass that can handle heavy foot traffic, Bahia is the better option between Bahia and Buffalo.
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.
Buffalograss, a true prairie grass, is slow to establish but eventually forms a low-maintenance turf that's ideal for the Great Plains and similar regions.
Net, net - if you're looking for a grass that establishes quickly, they are pretty similar in this respect, so feel free to go with either one!
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.
Buffalo Grass generally resists pests well, though it can attract mealybugs and mites; it's also notably resistant to many diseases, thriving in varied environments.
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 Buffalo?
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, 5 for Buffalo
- Shade Tolerance: 4 for Bahia, 4 for Buffalo
- Drought Tolerance: 9 for Bahia, 9 for Buffalo
- Traffic Tolerance: 6 for Bahia, 4 for Buffalo
- Establishment Rate: 5 for Bahia, 5 for Buffalo
- Pest & Disease Resistance: 8 for Bahia, 6 for Buffalo
Drumroll please...
All in all, Bahia comes out on top with a score of 40/60 versus 33/60 for Buffalo.
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 Buffalo sod?
Neither Bahia nor Buffalo are particularly durable; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. For both Buffalo and Bahia, it will come down to how rough your pets are on the turf.
Will Bahia overgrow Buffalo?
Neither Bahia nor Buffalo are particularly aggressive growers. Buffalo is not likely to overtake Bahia, and vice versa.
Can you mix Bahia and Buffalo sod?
It's not recommended to mix Bahia and Buffalo sod. Mixing sod types can lead to uneven appearance and issues with lawn health. It's best to choose Bahia or Buffalo sod and stick with it.
Which costs more, Bahia or Buffalo sod?
Neither Bahia nor Buffalo are particularly expensive or cheap at between $225.00 - $350.00 per pallet. Buffalo and Bahia both offer a balance between cost and characteristics.
Is Bahia or Buffalo sod better for shade?
Neither Bahia nor Buffalo are particularly tolerant of shade; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. The heartiness of Buffalo and Bahia will come down to how much sunlight your lawn gets.
What are the main differences between Bahia and Buffalo?
The main differences between Bahia and Buffalo are in their cost effectiveness, disease resistance, and traffic tolerance. Bahia performs better in disease resistance and traffic tolerance, while Buffalo performs better in cost effectiveness.