Difference Between Bermuda Grass and St. Augustine Grass

Bermuda Grass vs St. Augustine Grass

If you are a homeowner with a lawn, you certainly look for a grass that could grow easily in your lawn. Though there are many varieties to choose from, always pay attention to the weather and conditions in your lawn before finalizing any type of grass. In this article we will talk about Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses that are good for warm climates. Besides this similarity, these are grasses that have many different properties. Read on to find which one is better for your lawn.

Bermuda grass

Bermuda is one of the most popular grasses in warm climates in southern states of the country. It is not only easy to grow, it also requires very little maintenance and turns any ground into a beautiful landscape as it is soft to touch and looks very attractive.

Bermuda grass is dark green in color with a fine texture and deep roots. It is one grass that can withstand very high temperatures and is drought resistant. It can also weather rough use which is why it is ideal for homes with toddlers and pets. One thing to note is that Bermuda requires full sunlight all the time and doe not perform that well in shade.

Bermuda grows nicely if fertilized once a year with a fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You do not need to water it everyday and soaking it an inch deep in water every 4-5 days is enough for this grass. Though it can be grown with seeds, it is better to let it propagate through stolons and rhizomes.

St. Augustine

Like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine is a favorite of lawn owners in southern states as it grows beautifully in warm climates. It grows with very little care and does not require frequent watering. Unlike Bermuda, though it prefers full sunlight, it can tolerate shady periods without any problems. Because of its liking for hot summers, it grows well in hot weather but slows down during spring and is almost dormant during winters. It is good for laying the turf of your lawn, but as it is not so tolerant to wear as Bermuda avoid it if you have small children or pets in your home.

St. Augustine requires more fertilizers, particularly nitrogen for its growth. Though it can tolerate very high temperatures, it cannot withstand extreme winters. It requires frequent mowing as it grows quickly in summers and if you leave it unattended, you might find it difficult to mow with your lawn mower.