Zoysia Grass Vs. Bermuda

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. Both are warm-season grasses and are widely planted throughout the South and warmer regions of the U.S. 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. (See ref 1, Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass)

Zoysia species often don't cover until their second or third season; they may cover completely by the end of the first season under ideal conditions. (Ref 2, 3rd bullet point of disadvantages) Zoysia, although slower to establish, forms a thicker sod, which in turn makes for a better-looking lawn and less space for weeds to pop up and take over. (Ref 1, Zoysiagrass; Ref 2, 2nd and 3rd bullets of Advantages; ref 3, 5th paragraph Zoysiagrass) Bermuda grasses, on the other hand, grows quickly via stolons and rhizomes, making it potentially invasive throughout other parts of your yard. Its quick growth prevents many weeds from coming up, although it is still susceptible. (Ref 4, Disadvantages)

Both zoysia and Bermuda species are particularly suited as turf species for a number of reasons. Both are drought-tolerant and will go dormant during dry spells. During dormancy, both will turn a straw-brown color; both green up quickly with irrigation or healthy doses of rain. (Ref 1, Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass, Drawbacks; ref 2, 1st bullet Disadvantages) Both are also traffic-tolerant, although Bermuda is among the most traffic-tolerant of warm-season grasses. Fine-bladed zoysia cultivars and species are difficult to mow, but medium-textured varieties do well with a regular mower. (Ref 1, Zoysia drawbacks; ref 3, 6th paragraph zoysia) Bermuda grass has the potential to mimic the dense, solid turf of a golf course when mowed short. (Ref 5, Bermuda paragraph)

Zoysia grasses are a bit more resistant to diseases and pests than many Bermuda species, although both types of turf fall victim to more than a few problems. The main problems for zoysia species are large brown patch, nematodes and billbugs. Bermuda grasses, on the other hand, are negatively impacted by a large number of diseases, mole crickets and, the most serious problem, nematodes. Each type of turf has a number of different commercially available cultivars, some much more tolerant of certain problems than others. (See ref 4, Pest Problems; ref 6, pest management)