3 Ways Zoysia Grass Differs from Bermuda Grass

Why Choose Zoysia or Bermuda Grass?

Zoysia is a grass type that is becoming ever more popular as homeowners are always looking for resiliency and simplicity in their lawns. It’s been around for a while, but is increasing in popularity. It’s a good choice for many lawns, but not all.

First, let’s look at WHY you might choose Zoysia or Bermuda over the other, and then how to IDENTIFY them if you’re not sure what type of grass you have.

The Pros & Cons of Zoysia Grass

Pros of Zoysia

• Looks pretty good mowed both short and tall
• Does well in both full sun and medium shade
• Self-recovers from traffic damage, similar to bermuda’s self recovery
• Does not need to be seeded or reseeded

Cons of Zoysia

• Grows fast and tall
• Is very thick, which can make mowing quite strenuous
• Is naturally somewhat lime-green in color, for those who prefer a dark green lawn it requires lots of iron
• Many lawn care companies don’t have programs for it yet

Another thing to note about Zoysia — it is quite aggressive. Meaning, it will spread and take over any grass around it. This makes it less ideal for trying to keep in isolated to certain areas like shade as it will take over the remainder of the lawn eventually as well. If you’re choosing Zoysia for shade, go ahead and transition the whole lawn to zoysia.

Where to Easily Buy Zoysia & Zoysia Fertilizer

Since Zoysia is a naturally spreading grass there is no need to start it from seed! You can purchase high quality Zoysia grass plugs directly from Amazon, along with fertilizer to get it started. Plugging a lawn is as simple as buying plugs and planting them in a grid pattern with 6-12″ spacing. The closer you plan them, the quicker they will fill in. Below you can see plugged bermuda grass spreading out.

Because of Zoysia’s aggressive nature, you can actually plant zoysia plugs right into an existing lawn and it will slowly take over the lawn you already have.

Here are the things you need to get started plugging Zoysia. We carefully matched the plugs, plugger, and fertilizer altogether.

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The Pros & Cons of Bermuda Grass

Pros of Bermuda

• Looks golf course smooth when mowed short
• Great for high traffic areas due to it’s self recovery action
• Hard to kill, same grass that grows along many highways in the south with almost zero maintenance
• Pretty easy to mow if mowing often enough

Cons of Bermuda

• Looks thin and brown after mowing if you go more than 7-10 days between mowing
• Doesn’t do well at all in shade
• Is susceptible to brown scalp marks when mowing short if your lawn isn’t smooth

Where to Easily Buy Bermuda

Due to the problems that can arise from mixing different types of bermuda grass, we highly suggest digging up a sample of grass from your lawn and taking it to a local seed store or sod farm to have help identifying your specific type. Then, we would suggest buying sod if the budget allows. You can also buy seed and establish bermuda by seeding.

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How to Determine if You Have Bermuda or Zoysia Turf

If you’re unsure whether you have Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass in your lawn, there are a few key ways to determine the type of grass. In Oklahoma, Bermuda grass is the most common type of grass found in lawns. However, if you suspect that you may have a different type of grass, it’s important to accurately identify it in order to provide the right type of care.

While these two grasses have some similarities, there are also several key differences that can help you distinguish between them. Below we’ll explore three ways to tell Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass apart.

Note: The photos below are early spring — you can already tell the different grasses by their color.

Way #1 – Blade shape and size

One of the most noticeable differences between Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass is the shape and size of their blades. Bermuda grass tends to have a fine, narrow blade that is about 1/8 inch wide. The blades are typically smooth and shiny, giving Bermuda grass a bright green color. In contrast, Zoysia grass has a thicker, wider blade that is about 1/4 inch wide. The blades of Zoysia grass are coarser and have a more subdued green color.

While blade shape and size can be a helpful way to distinguish between these two grass types, it’s important to note that blade size and shape can be affected by factors such as mowing height and maintenance practices. If the grass is mowed too short or not well-maintained, it may be more difficult to observe the differences in blade size and shape.

Way #2 – Growth habits and density

Another way to tell Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass apart is by examining their growth habits and density. Bermuda grass is known for its rapid growth and ability to form a dense, thick turf. It spreads through underground runners, which allows it to quickly fill in bare spots and cover large areas. Bermuda grass is also known for its ability to recover quickly from damage, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.

In contrast, Zoysia grass grows more slowly and tends to form a less dense, sparser turf. It spreads through above-ground stolons, or runners, which can make it more difficult to fill in bare spots and cover large areas. Zoysia grass is known for its ability to tolerate drought and heat, making it a good choice for areas with lower water availability.

It’s important to note that growth habits and density can be affected by factors such as fertilization, watering, and mowing. Over-fertilizing or over-watering can lead to excessive growth and a denser turf, while under-fertilizing or under-watering can result in slower growth and a sparser turf. Similarly, mowing height can affect the density of the grass, with shorter mowing heights resulting in a denser turf and longer mowing heights leading to a sparser turf.

Growth habits and density can also be affected by the particular variety or cultivar you’re working with. Some bermuda grass has a much finer leaf blade than other types, for example.

Way #3 – Geographic distribution

A third way to distinguish Bermuda grass from Zoysia grass is by looking at their geographic distribution. Bermuda grass is more widely distributed across the United States, and is particularly common in southern and arid regions. It is known for its ability to tolerate hot and dry conditions, making it a popular choice in these areas.

In contrast, Zoysia grass is more limited in its distribution and is primarily found in northern and coastal regions. It is known for its ability to tolerate cooler temperatures and higher humidity, making it a good choice for these areas.

It’s worth noting that geographic distribution is not always a reliable way to distinguish between these two grass types, as both Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass can be grown in a variety of locations. However, if you know the natural range of these grasses, it can be a useful way to help identify which one you may be working with.

Conclusion: Zoysia vs Bermuda

Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass are two popular grass types that can be distinguished by their blade shape and size, growth habits and density, and geographic distribution. By examining these characteristics, you can accurately identify the type of grass in your lawn or landscaping and choose the right grass for your specific needs and location. There are pros and cons to both Zoysia and Bermuda, and which you choose for your lawn depends on the desired look and function of your lawn.