St. Augustine vs. Bermuda Grass?

The owner of Georgia Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC has spent a decade transforming Atlanta’s yards into lush, vibrant spaces.

There are various grasses, but you should consider your yard conditions and how much you are willing to maintain your lawn before choosing a suitable grass.

St. Augustine and Bermuda are two of the top contenders.

Both have perks and drawbacks, so let’s break them down and help you make the best choice for your home.

Why Does the Grass Type Matter?

Before jumping into the showdown, you might wonder why choosing these two grasses matters.

Well, the type of grass you choose affects not just the look and feel of your lawn but also how much time, water, and effort you’ll need to invest in its upkeep.

Atlanta’s hot, humid climate plays a huge role here, so you want grass that can handle the heat while staying green and healthy.

St. Augustine Grass: The Shade Seeker

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice in many southern states, and for good reason. Known for its thick, lush blades and rich green color, it gives a soft, carpet-like feel under your feet.

It’s the grass you’d love to walk barefoot on summer evenings.

Pros of St. Augustine Grass:

1. Great for Shady Areas:

St. Augustine is your friend if your yard has lots of shade from trees or buildings. It thrives in areas where other grasses might struggle due to limited sunlight.

2. Easy to Spot with Broad Blades:

The wide, flat blades make it easy to recognize. It creates a dense mat, which can help block out weeds.

3. Low Maintenance:

It requires less frequent mowing than some other grasses. Its slower growth rate means you won’t have to turn on the lawnmower every week.

What Are the Drawbacks of St. Augustine Grass?

1. Needs More Water:

St. Augustine can be thirsty, especially during hot, dry spells. You must monitor your watering schedule to prevent it from drying out.

2. Not Ideal for High Foot Traffic:

This grass isn’t the best choice if you have kids or pets who love running around the yard. It can wear down and show signs of damage faster than tougher grasses.

3. Vulnerable to Disease:

It’s prone to certain diseases like brown patches and chinch bug infestations, which can turn your beautiful lawn into a patchy mess.

Bermuda Grass: The Sun Lover

Now, let’s talk about Bermuda grass. This one’s a true Southern classic and a favorite in Atlanta lawns.

With its fine, wiry blades, Bermuda grass creates a smooth, uniform appearance perfect for a manicured look.

Enjoy 3 Benefits of Bermuda Grass

1. Thrives in Full Sun:

Bermuda grass will be at home if your yard basks in sunlight all day. It loves the heat and handles the hot, humid Georgia summers like a champ.

2. Tough and Durable:

This grass is like the linebacker of the lawn world. It can handle heavy foot traffic, making it great for families with active kids and pets.

3. You Will Never Find Lawn Bare Spots:

Does your lawn have bare spots or damage? No problem!

Bermuda grass spreads quickly and fills gaps faster than most other types, making your lawn lush and green.

3 Things to Consider When Planting Bermuda Grass

1. Not Good for Shady Areas:

Unlike St. Augustine, which loves shady places, Bermuda grass needs full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours daily. If your yard has lots of shade, this grass might struggle to stay healthy.

2. Frequent Mowing Required:

Because it proliferates, you’ll need to mow it more often, especially during peak growing seasons. It’s a commitment but worth it if you want a pristine look.

3. Invasive Nature:

Bermuda can be aggressive, spreading into garden beds and other areas where you might not want it. It needs clear boundaries, or it’ll take over.

We also compared Bermuda grass with Zoysia, another warm-season grass.

Comparing St. Augustine and Bermuda: What’s the Best Fit for You?

Let’s put it all together and see how these two stack up against each other:

Feature	St. Augustine Grass	Bermuda Grass
Shade Tolerance	Excellent	Poor
Sunlight Needs	Partial shade/full sun	Full sun only
Traffic Tolerance	Low to moderate	High
Water Needs	Moderate to high	Low to moderate
Maintenance Level	Moderate	High
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast

Decision Time: St. Augustine or Bermuda Grass?

It all comes down to your yard’s specific conditions and your lifestyle.

If your lawn is mostly shaded and you prefer a soft, thick carpet of grass, go with St. Augustine. It’s a beautiful choice but does require a bit more water.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a sun-soaked yard and need a tough, durable lawn that can handle some roughhousing, Bermuda is your best bet.

Final Quick Tips for a Healthy Lawn

Regardless of which grass you choose, here are a few general tips to keep your lawn looking its best:

Mow Regularly: Keep your grass at the right height to encourage healthy growth.
Water Deeply: Both grasses prefer infrequent, deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
Fertilize Seasonally: Use a balanced fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs, especially during the growing season.

Ready to transform your Atlanta lawn? Contact Georgia Landscaping today, and let’s make your yard the envy of the neighborhood!

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