Bahia Grass vs. St. Augustine Grass: Which Is Best for Your Lawn?
For this landscaping battle, the grass just might be greener on the other side
Highlights
Bahia grass is heat-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
St. Augustine grass requires frequent watering and fertilization.
Both are popular grass types for warm, humid climates.
You don’t have to ditch your dreams of having a lush green lawn because you live in a warmer, subtropical climate. Enter two popular options: Bahia grass vs. St. Augustine grass. The secret is to choose the right type of warm-season grass that can withstand the heat and sandy soil conditions, plus lean on the advice of a lawn care professional for help. We’ll look at pros and cons of these grasses and how they measure up in price, appearance, and maintenance categories.
Bahia Grass vs. St. Augustine Grass: Key Differences
Bahia grass and St. Augustine grass are popular warm-season grasses for warm, humid climates with sandy soil conditions. However, consider their differences when choosing the best fit for your lawn.
While Bahia grass requires full sun and frequent mowing, it’s a relatively affordable, low-maintenance option as it doesn’t need much watering or fertilization. Bahia grass can also be susceptible to weeds in certain stages. On the other hand, St. Augustine grass is less drought tolerant and requires more watering and fertilization. And while it’s great with weed control, you’ll need to invest in pest control since it’s vulnerable to some pests.
What Is Bahia Grass?
Bahia grass originated in South America but was introduced to the United States in 1914. Mostly found in Florida and other Gulf states, Bahia thrives in sandy, acidic, infertile soil conditions. This hardy grass type can be grown from seed and sod and doesn’t require much maintenance, watering, or fertilizer. Additionally, Bahia grass is heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant, making it the ideal choice for hot and humid climates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Withstands heat well | Vulnerable to weeds during early and dormant stages |
| Relatively low-maintenance | Not conducive for areas with high-pH soils |
| Drought-tolerant | Can be unsightly in appearance |
| Affordable | Not very tolerant of shade or traffic |
| Few pest and disease problems | Requires frequent mowing |
Best for:
Southern and Gulf states
Large acres of land without an irrigation system
Hot and humid climates with sandy, acidic soil conditions
Pros of Bahia Grass
Heat-tolerant: While many species of grass don’t grow well with extreme heat, Bahia thrives in sunny, hot, and humid conditions.
Minimal maintenance: Bahia is very low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require high inputs of water or fertilizer. In fact, adding too much water can weaken this rugged type of grass.
Drought-tolerant: Bahia grass has a deep, extensive root system, which allows it to withstand periods of drought.
Low-cost: Ranging from $90 to $150 per pallet, Bahia is a relatively affordable option compared to other types of grass for lawns.
Pest- and disease-resistant: While you may still deal with a few weeds and encounter some pests, Bahia grass has few pest and disease problems.
Cons of Bahia Grass
Prone to weeds: In its early stages of growth and in dormancy, Bahia can be vulnerable to weeds.
Not suitable for coastal areas: High pH soils often found in coastal areas can turn Bahia grass yellow due to iron deficiency. That’s why it doesn’t grow well in such areas.
Unsightly appearance: If you’re trying to achieve the quintessential lush, green lawn, Bahia isn’t the best choice due to its coarse and patchy appearance.
Not tolerant of shade or traffic: Bahia does best in low-traffic areas that receive plenty of sunshine.
Requires mowing: You’ll need to regularly mow new grass that grows, as Bahia stalks can grow tall and become unsightly.
What Is St. Augustine Grass?
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass with a blue-green color and wide, flat blades. Thought to have originated in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, St. Augustine grass is salt-tolerant and ideal for homeowners who live along the coast. St. Augustine grass thrives in sunny, warmer climates which is why it’s one of the most popular grass types in Southern U.S. states
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Withstands heat well | More expensive |
| Salt-tolerant | Not as drought-tolerant |
| Grows relatively fast | Doesn’t reproduce by seed |
| Requires moderate maintenance | Requires more fertilization |
| Resistant to weeds | Prone to insects and diseases |
Best for:
Coastal areas with salty and sandy soil conditions
Subtropical and humid states
Areas with access to irrigation and fertilization
Pros of St. Augustine Grass
Heat tolerant: St. Augustine is a grass type that flourishes in warm weather and doesn’t grow well in colder climates.
Salt tolerant: Native to coastal areas, St. Augustine can tolerate salty and sandy conditions very well.
Fast-growing: Compared to other types of grass, St. Augustine grass grows quite fast, spreading at an average rate of 6 to 12 inches per year.
Moderate maintenance: While it’s true that St. Augustine grass requires frequent watering and fertilizing, it’s adaptable in the sense that it can grow in climates and soil conditions that are less than ideal.
Weed resistant: Since St. Augustine grows quickly and aggressively, it can often overpower weeds.
Cons of St. Augustine Grass
More costly: Between the cost of sodding and maintenance, St. Augustine grass can be more expensive to maintain than other types of grass.
Not drought tolerant: Since St. Augustine grass requires a lot of water to stay vibrant and healthy, droughts can harm its health, especially in the early growth stages.
Doesn’t spread by seed: St. Augustine doesn’t spread by seed, meaning it can only be grown from transplanted sod or plugs.
Needs ample fertilization: St. Augustine needs 3 to 6 pounds of fertilizer each year for every 1,000 square feet of grass. Such a need increases time spent on maintenance and costs.
Prone to pests and disease: St. Augustine grass is highly susceptible to harmful pests like the chinch bug and diseases like downy mildew disease.
Bahia Grass vs. St. Augustine Grass
When deciding between Bahia and St. Augustine for your lawn, keep in mind that the right fit for you will depend on your needs and location. Hire a local lawn care pro to help you weigh all factors and make the best decision. Here are a few factors to consider.
Appearance: St. Augustine
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most people choose St. Augustine over Bahia in the looks department. Bahia has thinner blades, which are light green in color and coarse in texture, giving it an unsightly appearance. Weed growth is also prevalent in Bahia which contributes to its unkempt look. On the other hand, St. Augustine grass has a thicker blade and a more dense texture, making it more pleasing to the eye.
Price: Bahia
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, Bahia is slightly less expensive than St. Augustine, costing between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot on average. St. Augustine can cost anywhere from $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. Furthermore, you can plant Bahia by seed, but St. Augustine cannot. So, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of sod if you opt for St. Augustine grass.
Maintenance: Bahia
Bahia grass requires less upkeep than St. Augustine grass. Although Bahia may need the occasional mowing and weed control, it’s also heat- and drought-tolerant so it won’t need as much watering or fertilization. St. Augustine grass will need more TLC, requiring frequent watering and fertilization. You’ll also need to treat it for pests and diseases.