Compare Sod Types
Bahia vs. Fine Fescue Sod

Price

Which costs more, Bahia or Fine Fescue sod?

Between these two, Fine Fescue is typically on the pricier side with an average cost per square foot of $0.60. On a per pallet basis, which is usually how sod is sold, this comes out to roughly $300.00 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.

On the other hand, Fine Fescue stands out for shade tolerance, needing as little as 3 to 4 hours of direct sun each day and flourishing even in heavily shaded lawn areas.

Appearance

Which one looks better? You decide.

When choosing between sods like Bahia (pictured lefttop) and Fine Fescue (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.

Fine Fescue is all about the delicate look and feel; its fine blades knit together for a soft, green pasture that's easy on the eyes and gentle for your soles.

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, Fine Fescue is one of the more drought tolerant among cool-season grasses, able to survive dry conditions with minimal watering.

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, Bahia is the better option between Bahia and Fine Fescue.

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.

Fine Fescue generally grows better in cool or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Fine Fescue is between 60°F and 75°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, Bahia and Fine Fescue have somewhat different climatic preferences for optimal growth! Let's move on...

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, Fine Fescue has lower traffic tolerance and is best for ornamental areas or yards that don’t see intense games and heavy footfall.

Takeaway: If you're looking for a grass that can handle heavy foot traffic, Bahia is the better option between Bahia and Fine Fescue.

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.

Fine Fescue is slow to establish but eventually forms a low-growing, fine-textured turf that's shade-tolerant and suited for cooler climates or less trafficked areas.

Net, net - if you're looking for a grass that establishes quickly, Fine Fescue 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.

Fine Fescue, while resistant to most common pests, can sometimes be troubled by red thread and other fungal diseases, particularly in damp conditions. Overall, it's a solid choice if you're worried about pests.

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 Fine Fescue?

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, 6 for Fine Fescue
• Shade Tolerance: 4 for Bahia, 9 for Fine Fescue
• Drought Tolerance: 9 for Bahia, 7 for Fine Fescue
• Traffic Tolerance: 6 for Bahia, 3 for Fine Fescue
• Establishment Rate: 5 for Bahia, 6 for Fine Fescue
• Pest & Disease Resistance: 8 for Bahia, 7 for Fine Fescue

Drumroll please...

All in all, Bahia comes out on top with a score of 40/60 versus 38/60 for Fine Fescue.

Thanks for reading! If you have any feedback or corrections for us, please email our editor at editor@sodcalculator.com.