st augustine grass vs bermuda

Bermuda Grass vs St. Augustine

Both Bermuda and St. Augustine are classic warm-season favorites across the South, but that's where the similarities end.

Each has its own strengths, preferences, and quirks. Homeowners often pick based on color or feel, only to find one thrives while the other struggles.

At Lawn Synergy, we've spent over 30 years managing and restoring elite lawns under every Southern condition imaginable. We've learned that great results come from informed choices, not guesswork.

In this guide, we'll break down Bermuda grass vs St. Augustine: how they grow, where they perform best, and which one fits your lifestyle and property conditions.

What this article covers:

Quick Comparison Chart

Here's a snapshot of how these two grasses differ in the real world.

Feature

Bermuda Grass

St. Augustine

Sunlight Needs

Full sun

Tolerates partial shade

Texture

Fine to medium

Coarse, wide blades

Color

Deep emerald green

Bright blue-green

Growth Rate

Fast

Moderate

Foot Traffic

Excellent tolerance

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

High

Medium

Shade Tolerance

Low

High

Maintenance

High (frequent mowing)

Moderate

Best Region

Southeast, Sunbelt

Gulf Coast, Coastal South

Climate and Sunlight Requirements

Before you can decide between these two grasses, you need to know: What is Bermuda grass? What does it demand from its environment?

A Bermuda lawn loves heat, direct sunlight, and a dry climate. It thrives where the sun beats down all day and the soil stays warm. Once established, it's remarkably drought-tolerant, capable of bouncing back even after dry spells.

St. Augustine prefers warmth, too, but thrives under different conditions. It does well in humid regions, tolerates partial shade, and loves coastal air.

That's why you'll often see it across Florida, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast, where humidity would stress other turf types.

Both grasses go dormant when the weather cools. When the soil dips below 60°F, they slow their growth and fade to brown.

St. Augustine, however, is a bit more sensitive to cold snaps and may take longer to recover in spring.

st augustine grass vs bermuda

Growth and Maintenance Differences

Growth habits and maintenance levels are where these two grasses truly part ways. Each requires a different approach depending on how much time you want to spend maintaining your yard.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda spreads quickly through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground shoots).

That double growth system makes it one of the fastest self-repairing grasses you can grow. It's the reason golf courses and sports fields rely on it.

However, that same aggressiveness means you'll need to stay on top of mowing and edging.

During peak growth, Bermuda might need cutting every three to five days to maintain a tidy, uniform surface. With the right care, it creates a dense, carpet-like appearance that handles foot traffic beautifully.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine grows mainly through stolons and lacks the underground rhizomes that make Bermuda so aggressive.

It fills in more slowly and doesn't recover from damage quite as fast, but its lush, wide blades create a softer look and feel underfoot.

This grass thrives when mowed weekly and kept at a height of about three to four inches. It appreciates regular but moderate fertilization – too much nitrogen can lead to thatch and disease.

We recommend using balanced lawn fertilizer formulas like Almighty 20-0-10 Lawn Fertilizer for steady, healthy growth.

Appearance and Texture

For many homeowners, appearance is where the decision starts. Bermuda and St. Augustine have completely different personalities when it comes to texture and visual appeal.

Bermuda grass has fine to medium blades that interlock tightly, giving it that manicured, “country club” finish. It feels firm and crisp underfoot, especially when kept short.

St. Augustine, by contrast, features broad, flat blades that form a soft, cushiony layer. It's more forgiving and looks lush even when slightly overgrown. Its color leans toward a light blue-green, creating a relaxed, tropical vibe.

Both are beautiful, but if you prefer a dense, defined, and professional look, Bermuda wins. If you want a soft, full, beach-town lawn, St. Augustine fits the bill.

st augustine vs bermuda grass

Pest, Disease, and Drought Resistance

No grass is completely immune to problems, but each has its strengths.

Bermuda is naturally resistant to drought, heat, and heavy use. Even if it browns out in a dry spell, it rebounds quickly after watering or rainfall.

It resists most pests, though armyworms and mites occasionally show up in stressed lawns. Maintaining a mowing height of about 1.5 to 2 inches and using quality lawn fertilizer will help keep it resilient year-round.

St. Augustine, by contrast, thrives in humid air but struggles in prolonged drought. It's more vulnerable to chinch bugs and fungal diseases, especially in shaded, moist conditions.

To prevent this, water early in the day, mow high, and feed with balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.

Cost and Installation

When choosing turf, cost and installation options matter as much as color or maintenance.

Bermuda grass is widely available and can be installed by seed, sod, or plugs. For large DIY projects, seeding is the most affordable route, and results can be impressive with proper timing and preparation. You'll find high-quality seed in our Bermuda grass seed collection.

St. Augustine, on the other hand, isn't typically sold as seed. It's planted as sod or plugs, which increases cost but guarantees even coverage. But if you do want to use seed, your best bet is our St Augustine grass seed.

That makes it a popular choice for homeowners who want instant results and fewer weeds during establishment.

Both should be installed once soil temperatures are warm and stable, ideally above 65°F.

bermuda vs st augustine grass

How to Transition or Switch Between Them

Switching between grass types takes preparation and timing. A clean start helps ensure that your new lawn establishes quickly and evenly. Follow these steps depending on which direction you're transitioning:

Replacing St. Augustine with Bermuda:

  • Completely remove the existing turf using solarization or a non-selective herbicide.
  • Test your soil pH with a soil test kit – it should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for both grass types.
  • Aerate and loosen compacted soil.
  • Apply Gypsum Soil Conditioner if needed to improve drainage.
  • Once soil temperatures reach 65°F or higher, seed or lay Bermuda sod for fast establishment.

Converting from Bermuda to St. Augustine:

  • Use sod or high-quality seed since St. Augustine doesn't germinate well.
  • Keep the new sod consistently moist for two to three weeks until roots establish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Plant Bermuda Grass Over St. Augustine?

Not effectively. Bermuda may germinate, but St. Augustine's thick stolons will smother it over time. If you plan to switch, remove the existing lawn first for a clean, even result.

Is St. Augustine Softer Than Bermuda Grass?

Yes. St. Augustine's wide blades and upright growth make it noticeably softer underfoot, while Bermuda's finer texture feels denser and firmer.

Which Stays Greener Longer Through The Year?

In warmer climates, St. Augustine often stays green slightly longer in the fall. However, both grasses go dormant in cooler months.

Does Bermuda Grass Overtake St. Augustine If They're Mixed?

In sunny areas, yes. Bermuda's fast growth allows it to spread and dominate. But in shaded or coastal environments, St. Augustine will hold its ground.

Which Grass Handles Shade Or Coastal Conditions Better?

St. Augustine handles both better. Its tolerance for partial shade and salt makes it the go-to choice for coastal properties and mixed-light lawns.

Conclusion

When comparing Bermuda grass vs St. Augustine, it comes down to sunlight, climate, and how you use your lawn. Bermuda thrives in the sun, handles drought, and recovers fast from wear. St. Augustine tolerates shade, loves humidity, and delivers a softer, more tropical look.

Explore Lawn Syngery for the same pro-grade products used by the experts. We proudly serve homeowners across Florida and North Carolina who expect performance, not promises.

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