Warm-season grasses love heat and sun. Here is how bermuda and zoysia compare, and what dormancy means.
Bermuda and zoysia are warm-season grasses that thrive in the heat that stresses fescue. They grow thickly in summer, spread on their own to fill gaps and handle drought and traffic well. Bermuda is a favorite for sunny yards, play areas and sports lawns, while zoysia forms a dense, soft carpet that crowds out weeds. Both are installed as sod or plugs and need full sun for good results.
The trade-off is winter. Both go dormant after the first hard frost and turn tan until spring. Some owners accept that for a tough, low-water lawn, and some overseed with ryegrass for winter color. Bermuda needs frequent mowing at a low height and feeds heavily in summer. Zoysia grows more slowly, needs less mowing and costs more up front. We help you choose by sun, use and your tolerance for a brown winter.
Thrives in July.
Self-repairing.
Handles traffic.
Tan until spring.
Neat and dense.
Not for shade.
Take the quiz, check a problem or ballpark a budget.
Which Landscaping Service Do I Need? QuizAnswer five questions about your yard, your lawn and your goals to see whether you need design, lawn care, hardscape, drainage or tree work.Try it 
Lawn and Yard Problem CheckerCheck the signs you see in your lawn, beds and drainage and get a likely cause with the next step.Try it 
Landscaping Budget PlannerPick a project, a size and a few options and get a ballpark planning range.Try it No. They turn tan after frost, unless overseeded.
Bermuda is tougher and costs less, and zoysia is softer and denser.
Not well. They need most of a day of sun.
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