Compare Sod Types
Buffalo 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, Buffalo 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.
Buffalo on the other hand, is a more moderately priced at $0.68 per square foot (on average). This comes out to around $337.50 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?
Buffalo Grass, adapted to open plains, prefers full sun and requires at least 6 to 8 hours daily, underperforming in shady spaces.
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 Buffalo (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:
Buffalo Grass rolls out a soft, blue-green carpet with thin blades, giving you a lawn that feels soft to walk on and adds a touch of the prairie to your backyard.
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?
Buffalo Grass is naturally adapted to arid conditions, requiring minimal watering to maintain its health and appearance.
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, Buffalo is the better option between Buffalo and Zoysia.
Grow Zones
Cold or warm weather - which do they prefer?
Buffalo is well-suited for growth in warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for laying Buffalo sod is between 70°F and 85°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 Buffalo and Zoysia thrive under pretty similar climatic conditions!
Lawn Traffic Tolerance
Which sod handles heavy foot traffic better?
Buffalo Grass has low to moderate traffic tolerance and is best for less-trodden areas, but it can endure gentle play and relaxation time.
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 Buffalo and Zoysia.
Establishment Rate
Which grass grows faster?
Buffalograss, a true prairie grass, is slow to establish but eventually forms a low-maintenance turf that's ideal for the Great Plains and similar regions.
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, Buffalo is the way to go.
Pest & Disease Resistance
Which handles pests better?
Buffalo Grass generally resists pests well, though it can attract mealybugs and mites; it's also notably resistant to many diseases, thriving in varied environments.
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, Zoysia edges out the competition.
Which Is Best?
Which sod is better, Buffalo 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: 5 for Buffalo, 4 for Zoysia
- Shade Tolerance: 4 for Buffalo, 6 for Zoysia
- Drought Tolerance: 9 for Buffalo, 8 for Zoysia
- Traffic Tolerance: 4 for Buffalo, 8 for Zoysia
- Establishment Rate: 5 for Buffalo, 4 for Zoysia
- Pest & Disease Resistance: 6 for Buffalo, 7 for Zoysia
Drumroll please...
All in all, Zoysia comes out on top with a score of 37/60 versus 33/60 for Buffalo.
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, Buffalo or Zoysia sod?
Neither Buffalo nor Zoysia are particularly durable; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. For both Zoysia and Buffalo, it will come down to how rough your pets are on the turf.
Will Buffalo overgrow Zoysia?
Neither Buffalo nor Zoysia are particularly aggressive growers. Zoysia is not likely to overtake Buffalo, and vice versa.
Can you mix Buffalo and Zoysia sod?
It's not recommended to mix Buffalo and Zoysia sod. Mixing sod types can lead to uneven appearance and issues with lawn health. It's best to choose Buffalo or Zoysia sod and stick with it.
Which costs more, Buffalo or Zoysia sod?
Neither Buffalo nor Zoysia are particularly expensive or cheap at between $350.00 - $375.00 per pallet. Zoysia and Buffalo both offer a balance between cost and characteristics.
Is Buffalo or Zoysia sod better for shade?
Neither Buffalo nor Zoysia are particularly tolerant of shade; however, they aren't at the bottom of the pack either. The heartiness of Zoysia and Buffalo will come down to how much sunlight your lawn gets.
What are the main differences between Buffalo and Zoysia?
The main differences between Buffalo and Zoysia are in their cost effectiveness, popularity, and traffic tolerance. Buffalo performs better in popularity, while Zoysia performs better in cost effectiveness and traffic tolerance.