Compare Sod Types
Bahia 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, Bahia 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.
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, 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 Bahia (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:
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.
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?
Bahia Grass boasts excellent drought tolerance, with deep roots that help it stay resilient and green even in prolonged dry periods.
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, Bahia is the better option between Bahia and Zoysia.
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.
Zoysia is well-suited for growth in warm or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Zoysia is also 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 Bahia and Zoysia 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, 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, Zoysia is the better option between Bahia and Zoysia.
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.
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, Bahia 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.
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, Bahia edges out the competition.
Which Is Best?
Which sod is better, Bahia 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: 8 for Bahia, 4 for Zoysia
- Shade Tolerance: 4 for Bahia, 6 for Zoysia
- Drought Tolerance: 9 for Bahia, 8 for Zoysia
- Traffic Tolerance: 6 for Bahia, 8 for Zoysia
- Establishment Rate: 5 for Bahia, 4 for Zoysia
- Pest & Disease Resistance: 8 for Bahia, 7 for Zoysia
Drumroll please...
All in all, Bahia comes out on top with a score of 40/60 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, Bahia or Zoysia sod?
Neither Bahia nor Zoysia are particularly durable; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. For both Zoysia and Bahia, it will come down to how rough your pets are on the turf.
Will Bahia overgrow Zoysia?
Neither Bahia nor Zoysia are particularly aggressive growers. Zoysia is not likely to overtake Bahia, and vice versa.
Can you mix Bahia and Zoysia sod?
It's not recommended to mix Bahia and Zoysia sod. Mixing sod types can lead to uneven appearance and issues with lawn health. It's best to choose Bahia or Zoysia sod and stick with it.
Which costs more, Bahia or Zoysia sod?
Neither Bahia nor Zoysia are particularly expensive or cheap at between $225.00 - $375.00 per pallet. Zoysia and Bahia both offer a balance between cost and characteristics.
Is Bahia or Zoysia sod better for shade?
Neither Bahia nor Zoysia are particularly tolerant of shade; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. The heartiness of Zoysia and Bahia will come down to how much sunlight your lawn gets.
What are the main differences between Bahia and Zoysia?
The main differences between Bahia and Zoysia are in their cost effectiveness, popularity, and shade tolerance. Bahia performs better in popularity, while Zoysia performs better in cost effectiveness and shade tolerance.