If you are establishing a lawn for the first time or you are replanting one, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your grass type.
Homeowners in North Texas commonly choose between St. Augustine vs Zoysia grass, as both grow well in this region. But as with any choice, there are some pros and cons to weigh.
These two grass types are both quite popular but for different reasons. We’ll explain some of the benefits of each as well as what our preference is when choosing between the two.
At the end of the day, we want you to feel confident that you’ve made a good decision that is best for your property and expectations.
Zoysia and St. Augustine grass have two different looks. Whereas Zoysia grass tends to be fine and thin, St. Augustine has a much thicker blade. Zoysia is also said to have a softer, more carpet-like feel to it when walked on.
While well-maintained St. Augustine grass can definitely have the look of a luxurious carpet, it does have a rougher texture that is not as comfortable to walk on.
St. Augustine is not native to this region. Because of that, it can sometimes require more water than other turf types. It’s also more prone to thatch.
In choosing between Zoysia grass vs St. Augustine, our top pick is Zoysia, which we’ll explain in more detail in the next section.
While we can certainly maintain St. Augustine lawns, and we know some homeowners do prefer this grass type, there are a few reasons why Zoysia might be your better choice.
At Grassperson, we prefer to recommend Zoysia sod for clients that are considering replacing any existing turf type.
Our primary reasoning is that Zoysia performs well in full sun, can handle some shade, and is somewhat drought-tolerant.
Zoysia has also survived several recent harsh winters as we saw temperatures in the single digits for extended periods of time.
In comparing St. Augustine vs Zoysia grass, we generally tell homeowners that there are a few big “cons” against St. Augustine. It does not grow as well as Zoysia in shaded areas. It has that rougher texture that people have said is uncomfortable to walk barefoot on. And, it is highly susceptible to a variety of diseases.
St. Augustine grass is also not very tolerant of low temperatures, which we’ve been having more frequently over the winter. We have experienced more issues with St. Augustine grass in the last 5 years than other grass types.
In fact, we have seen homeowners lose their entire yards to a combination of lower winter temperatures and fungal diseases.
While we aim to educate our clients and explain why we prefer Zoysia, if a client truly prefers this grass type, we will install and maintain a St. Augustine lawn for them. At the end of the day, it’s your lawn and we want what is best for you.
If you’ve settled on a Zoysia lawn, your decision-making process is not quite over.
In addition to choosing between St. Augustine vs Zoysia grass, you’ll also have to choose the type of Zoysia that you prefer. Yes, there are choices within choices!
Grass is more complex than people sometimes realize.
When choosing a Zoysia lawn, there are four varieties that we like to recommend, for different reasons. It’s always important to consider your personal expectations and situation.
The four types of Zoysia that we typically recommend include:
Let’s look at the differences between each of these varieties.
This grass type has a fine texture, is dark green when watered and fertilized properly, and stands up to our hot North Texas summers. Some people call the Emerald variety the “Cadillac of Grasses.” This is our top recommendation.
This is a dense, medium-blade variety that is more tolerant of foot traffic and sports use. If you have a family and use your lawn heavily, this might be your better choice. It still has a soft texture but is not as dark in color as Emerald (or Zeon, which we’ll get to).
Palisades is known to recover quickly from heavy use so families with small kids enjoy having this grass in their backyards. This is another shade and drought-tolerant grass which does well in North Texas.
This grass grows in a dense pattern, has long and narrow blades, and tolerates our extended summer conditions. It is typically a darker green color when properly watered and fertilized. Cavalier resists many of the turf diseases that can impact other Zoysia varieties and is easy to maintain.
Zeon is known for its particularly soft and plush texture and it does well in the Texas heat. It grows quickly and is decent at filling in patchy or bare areas quicker than Emerald or Palisades. Zeon does tend to create a lot of thatch, which can result in additional maintenance. But we have many satisfied Zeon Zoysia clients.
After choosing between St. Augustine vs Zoysia grass (or another grass type), it will be important to properly care for your new lawn. Different grass types have different care requirements, so you need to know exactly what your lawn needs.
This can be a lot to handle on your own but fortunately, when you partner with professional lawn care services near Flower Mound, TX, you have an expert on your side.
Bringing in the right lawn care services in Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Lewisville, TX can help you make the best decisions for your lawn. They will not only help advise on what grass type might be best for your wants and needs, but they’ll also be able to properly care for your lawn so that it continues to look and perform its best.
Getting the most out of any grass type boils down to the proper care.
With a beautiful and thriving lawn, a knowledgeable professional can help you accomplish your lawn care goals and help you enjoy your property to the fullest.
Ready for a gorgeous lawn at your Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Lewisville, TX home? Get a free quote and then enjoy the best lawn on the block without the worries!
Image Source: Zoysia Grass, St. Augustine Grass
