Compare Sod Types
Bermuda vs. Zoysia 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, Bermuda or Zoysia sod?
Between these two, Zoysia is typically on the pricier side with an average cost per square foot of $0.73. On a per pallet basis, which is usually how sod is sold, this comes out to roughly $362.50 per pallet.
Bermuda on the other hand, is a more moderately priced at $0.50 per square foot (on average). This comes out to around $250.00 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?
Bermuda Grass needs abundant sunlight and generally requires at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day, struggling in shady conditions.
On the other hand, Zoysia Grass is versatile, withstanding shaded areas quite well; it stays healthy with about 4 to 5 hours of sun but prefers a bit more light when possible.
Appearance
Which one looks better? You decide.
When choosing between sods like Bermuda (pictured lefttop) and Zoysia (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:
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.
Zoysia Grass is thick and lush, sporting a deep green color and finer blades that cushion your steps, making for a plush, inviting lawn to walk and play on.
Drought Tolerance
Which one needs more water?
Bermuda Grass is highly drought-resistant, thriving in hot, dry climates and bouncing back robustly from water deficits.
Similarly, Zoysia Grass is quite drought tolerant, able to stay green with less water and recover well when conditions improve.
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, Bermuda is the better option between Bermuda and Zoysia.
Grow Zones
Cold or warm weather - which do they prefer?
Bermuda is well-suited for growth in warm or moderate climates. The ideal temperature range for laying Bermuda sod is between 75°F and 90°F.
Zoysia is well-suited for growth in warm or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Zoysia is between 70°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 Bermuda and Zoysia thrive under pretty similar climatic conditions!
Lawn Traffic Tolerance
Which sod handles heavy foot traffic better?
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.
Similarly, Zoysia Grass is a champion of foot traffic tolerance, withstanding heavy use and bouncing back well from wear, making it ideal for busy yards and public spaces.
Takeaway: If you're looking for a grass that can handle heavy foot traffic, Bermuda is the better option between Bermuda and Zoysia.
Establishment Rate
Which grass grows faster?
Bermuda grass is a fast-establishing, aggressive grower, known for its fine texture and resilience, thriving in hot, sunny environments.
Zoysia grass, characterized by its fine texture and high drought tolerance, establishes slowly but creates a dense, wear-resistant turf ideal for warm, temperate areas.
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?
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.
Zoysia Grass is well-regarded for its pest resistance, particularly to chinch bugs and grubs, but can occasionally suffer from diseases like brown patch in humid conditions.
TLDR - if you're looking for a grass that wards off pests and disease, they are pretty similar in this respect, so feel free to go with either one!
Which Is Best?
Which sod is better, Bermuda or Zoysia?
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: 7 for Bermuda, 4 for Zoysia
- Shade Tolerance: 3 for Bermuda, 6 for Zoysia
- Drought Tolerance: 9 for Bermuda, 8 for Zoysia
- Traffic Tolerance: 9 for Bermuda, 8 for Zoysia
- Establishment Rate: 8 for Bermuda, 4 for Zoysia
- Pest & Disease Resistance: 7 for Bermuda, 7 for Zoysia
Drumroll please...
All in all, Bermuda comes out on top with a score of 43/60 versus 37/60 for Zoysia.
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, Bermuda or Zoysia sod?
Both Bermuda and Zoysia are great options for dogs! They are both durable and can handle the wear and tear that comes with having a pet.
Will Bermuda overgrow Zoysia?
Neither Bermuda nor Zoysia are particularly aggressive growers. Zoysia is not likely to overtake Bermuda, and vice versa.
Can you mix Bermuda and Zoysia sod?
It's not recommended to mix Bermuda and Zoysia sod. Mixing sod types can lead to uneven appearance and issues with lawn health. It's best to choose Bermuda or Zoysia sod and stick with it.
Which costs more, Bermuda or Zoysia sod?
Neither Bermuda nor Zoysia are particularly expensive or cheap at between $250.00 - $375.00 per pallet. Zoysia and Bermuda both offer a balance between cost and characteristics.
Is Bermuda or Zoysia sod better for shade?
Neither Bermuda nor Zoysia are particularly tolerant of shade; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. The heartiness of Zoysia and Bermuda will come down to how much sunlight your lawn gets.
What are the main differences between Bermuda and Zoysia?
The main differences between Bermuda and Zoysia are in their cost effectiveness, establishment rate, and shade tolerance. Bermuda performs better in establishment rate, while Zoysia performs better in cost effectiveness and shade tolerance.