Choosing the right grass for your lawn can feel overwhelming. Two of the most popular warm-season choices are Zoysia and St. Augustine grass. Understanding the key differences between zoysia vs st augustine grass is the first step to your perfect lawn.
Both grasses thrive in heat and sunshine, but they have unique personalities. Your local climate, soil, and how you use your yard will determine which one is the winner for you. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Zoysia vs St Augustine Grass
This head-to-head comparison will cover the essentials. We’ll look at texture, growth habits, maintenance needs, and climate preferences. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which grass suits your lifestyle and landscape.
Appearance and Texture: Feel Underfoot
How your lawn looks and feels is a big deal. This is where these two grasses show an immediate difference.
Zoysia grass has a fine to medium texture. It feels dense and carpet-like underfoot. When well-maintained, it creates a beautiful, tight-knit turf that many find very attractive. Some varieties, like Emerald Zoysia, have a particularly fine blade.
St. Augustine grass, in contrast, has a broad, coarse blade. It’s much wider and feels softer and spongier when you walk on it. It gives a lush, tropical appearance that is instantly recognizable in southern landscapes.
- Zoysia: Fine/medium blade, dense, carpet-like feel.
- St. Augustine: Broad, coarse blade, soft, spongy texture.
Climate and Growing Zones
Both are warm-season grasses, but their cold tolerance varies. This is a critical factor depending on where you live.
Zoysia grass is known for its excellent cold tolerance among warm-season grasses. It can survive in USDA zones 6-11, though it thrives best in 7-10. It goes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost, greening up again in late spring.
St. Augustine grass is more sensitive to cold. It prefers zones 8-11 and can be damaged or killed by prolonged freezing temperatures. It stays green longer into the fall but may suffer in areas with harsh winters.
Sunlight and Shade Tolerance
How much sun does your yard get? This can be a deciding factor.
Zoysia grass loves full sun. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform its best. While some varieties (like Zeon or Geo) have improved shade tolerance, zoysia generally struggles in heavy shade, becoming thin and weak.
St. Augustine grass is the champion of shade tolerance for warm-season grasses. It can handle 4-6 hours of direct sun and performs reasonably well in dappled or partial shade. This makes it a top choice for yards with large trees.
Drought Tolerance and Water Needs
Watering is a major part of lawn care. Your grass’s thirst impacts your time and water bill.
Zoysia grass is highly drought-tolerant. Its deep root system allows it to withstand dry periods very well. Once established, it often needs less frequent watering than other grasses, going dormant in extreme drought and recovering when water returns.
St. Augustine grass has moderate drought tolerance. It requires more consistent moisture to stay healthy and green. During dry spells, it will show stress (like grayish-blue color and folded leaves) more quickly and needs irrigation to survive.
Establishment and Growth Rate
How quickly do you want a full lawn? Patience is required with one of these options.
Zoysia grass is notoriously slow to establish. It spreads through both rhizomes and stolons (above-ground runners), but it does so at a leisurely pace. Planting sod gives instant results, but if you use plugs or sprigs, it can take two to three growing seasons to fill in completely.
St. Augustine grass is a rapid grower. It spreads aggressively via above-ground stolons. This means it establishes quickly from sod, plugs, or sprigs, often filling in bare spots within a single growing season. This fast growth also means it can invade garden beds if not managed.
Maintenance and Care Requirements
Your weekly lawn chores will look different depending on your choice.
Mowing Requirements
- Zoysia: Prefers a shorter cut, typically between 1-2.5 inches. It needs regular mowing during peak growth to maintain density and prevent thatch. Its slow growth can mean less frequent mowing in cooler periods.
- St. Augustine: Should be mowed higher, usually between 3-4 inches. Mowing too short stresses it and exposes the coarse stems. Its fast growth requires more frequent mowing in the summer.
Fertilizing Needs
Both grasses need fertilizer, but the amounts differ. Zoysia grass has a moderate fertilizer requirement. Usually, 2-4 applications per growing season with a balanced fertilizer is sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive thatch buildup.
St. Augustine grass is a heavier feeder. It typically needs more frequent fertilization, often 3-5 times per season, to support its rapid growth and maintain its lush green color. A fertilizer with iron can help keep its color vibrant.
Thatch and Aeration
Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter that builds up between the soil and grass. Zoysia grass is prone to thatch buildup due to its dense growth. It may require dethatching every year or two to prevent problems with water and nutrient absorption.
St. Augustine grass builds thatch less frequently but can still benefit from annual aeration. Aeration helps combat soil compaction, which St. Augustine is sensitive to, and improves root health.
Traffic and Wear Tolerance
Do you have kids or pets who play on the lawn? Durability matters.
Zoysia grass has very good wear tolerance. Its dense growth pattern allows it to recover from moderate foot traffic. It’s a good choice for a lawn that sees regular family activity.
St. Augustine grass has poor to moderate wear tolerance. Its coarse stems can be easily damaged by heavy traffic, and it recovers slowly. It’s better suited for ornamental lawns or areas with less frequent walking and playing.
Common Pest and Disease Problems
Every grass has its weaknesses. Knowing them helps you prepare.
Zoysia grass is generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Its main nemesis is the hunting billbug, and in some conditions, it can be susceptible to large patch disease. Overall, it’s considered a low-input grass in terms of pest control.
St. Augustine grass faces more challenges. It is highly susceptible to chinch bugs and sod webworms. It’s also prone to fungal diseases like brown patch and gray leaf spot, especially in humid, wet conditions. This often requires a more vigilant pest and disease management plan.
Soil Preferences and Salt Tolerance
Your soil type and location can influence success.
Zoysia grass is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as drainage is good. It also has excellent salt tolerance, making it a strong candidate for lawns near coastal areas.
St. Augustine grass prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate a range of conditions. It also has very good salt tolerance, similar to zoysia, which is why both are common sights in coastal southern states.
Cost Comparison: Installation and Upkeep
Budget is always a practical concern.
The initial cost for sod is often similar, but prices fluctuate by region and variety. Zoysia plugs can be a cheaper initial option but require patience. St. Augustine’s rapid growth from plugs might offer a cost-effective middle ground.
Long-term upkeep costs can favor zoysia. Its lower water, fertilizer, and pesticide needs can save money over time. St. Augustine’s higher input requirements for these things, plus more frequent mowing, may lead to slightly higher annual maintenance costs.
Step-by-Step: Choosing Your Grass
Still unsure? Follow this simple process.
- Assess Your Yard: Map out sun and shade areas for an entire day. Note soil drainage and how your family uses the space.
- Check Your Zone: Confirm your USDA hardiness zone. If you’re in zone 7 or lower, zoysia is the safer bet for cold.
- Rank Your Priorities: List what’s most important: shade tolerance, drought resistance, low maintenance, or quick establishment.
- Consider Long-Term Care: Be honest about how much time you want to spend on mowing, watering, and pest control.
- Talk to Local Experts: Visit a local nursery or extension office. They know which varieties perform best in your specific area.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Which is better, Zoysia or St. Augustine?
There’s no single “better” grass. Zoysia is better for sun, drought, and traffic. St. Augustine is better for shade and quick, lush coverage. The better choice is the one that matches your yard’s conditions.
Can you mix Zoysia and St. Augustine grass?
It’s not recommended. They have different growth habits, heights, and textures. They will compete, and one will typically dominate, creating an uneven, patchy lawn. It’s best to choose one for a uniform look.
Which grass is more expensive, Zoysia or St. Augustine?
Initial sod costs are comparable. Over the long term, Zoysia is often less expensive to maintain due to its lower water, fertilizer, and pesticide requirements. St. Augustine may have higher ongoing costs.
Is Zoysia or St. Augustine better for dogs?
Zoysia is generally better for dogs due to its higher wear tolerance and faster recovery from damage. Its dense growth can also handle pet traffic better than the more brittle St. Augustine stems.
What is the best grass for full sun in the South?
Both do well, but Zoysia often excels in full, blazing sun, especially if drought resistance is a priority. Bermuda grass is another top contender for full sun, but it requires even more maintenance.
Does St. Augustine grass need less water than Zoysia?
No, actually the opposite is true. St. Augustine grass typically requires more frequent watering than Zoysia to remain healthy and green. Zoysia’s deep roots give it superior drought tolerance.
Final Thoughts on Your Decision
Choosing between zoysia and St. Augustine grass comes down to your specific situation. Evaluate your yard’s sunlight, think about your local weather patterns, and consider how much work you want to put in.
For a sunny, durable lawn that can handle some neglect, zoysia is a fantastic choice. For a shady, lush, tropical lawn where you can provide consistent moisture and care, St. Augustine might be your perfect match. Take your time, do your local research, and you’ll end up with a beautiful lawn that fits your life.