
Summary Highlights:
- Compare Bermuda Grass and Zoysia Grass for North Carolina lawns
- Discover which warm-season turf is better for sun, shade, and foot traffic
- Learn which grass requires less maintenance and fewer treatments
- Get expert Residential Landscaping insights from Honeycutt Landscaping Inc.
When it comes to Residential Landscaping in North Carolina, choosing the right grass makes all the difference. Bermuda and Zoysia are two of the most popular warm-season grasses in the South—but they behave very differently when it comes to appearance, care, and resilience.
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and best-use scenarios for each so you can choose the perfect turf for your NC home.
Understanding Warm-Season Grasses in NC
Both Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in warm climates and go dormant in winter. They’re ideal for residential yards in USDA Zones 7–8, which includes much of Union County and the greater Piedmont region. That said, not all warm-season grasses perform the same under sun, shade, or foot traffic. That’s why choosing the right turf involves more than picking what looks greenest. As part of our comprehensive landscaping services for homeowners, Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. evaluates your property’s conditions to recommend and install the best warm-season grass for long-term performance.
Bermuda Grass: Fast-Growing, Sun-Loving Turf
Bermuda grass is a favorite among homeowners looking for lush, dense coverage and a quick green-up. It grows rapidly, spreads aggressively, and handles frequent mowing with ease.
Benefits of Bermuda Grass:
- Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Establishes quickly and recovers from damage fast
- Ideal for high-traffic areas like play yards or sports spaces
- Cost-effective and widely available in NC
Potential Drawbacks:
- Poor shade tolerance
- Requires frequent mowing during peak season
- Can invade flower beds or sidewalks if not edged
Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. recommends Bermuda for homeowners who want a quick-fill, high-impact lawn with strong drought resistance.
Zoysia Grass: Slow-Growing, Low-Maintenance Option
Zoysia is a denser, more refined turfgrass known for its soft texture and deeper green hue. While it takes longer to establish, Zoysia is prized for its low-maintenance needs and adaptability.
Benefits of Zoysia Grass:
- Tolerates partial shade (4+ hours sun)
- Needs less mowing and fertilization than Bermuda
- Dense blades choke out weeds naturally
- Great for moderate foot traffic and ornamental lawns
Potential Drawbacks:
- Slower to green up in spring
- More expensive to install (especially as sod)
- Slower to recover from damage
Zoysia is ideal for front yards, shaded lawns, or homeowners who want elegant curb appeal with minimal upkeep.
Which Turf Is Best for Your NC Landscape?
When selecting the right grass for your yard, your decision plays a vital role in executing landscape design ideas to boost your home’s curb appeal. Bermuda and Zoysia are both warm-season grasses commonly used across North Carolina, but each comes with different strengths depending on your property’s light, usage, and maintenance preferences.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Criteria | Bermuda Grass | Zoysia Grass |
Sun Requirements | Full sun only | Partial shade-tolerant |
Growth Speed | Fast | Moderate to slow |
Mowing Frequency | Weekly (or more) | Biweekly or less |
Foot Traffic Tolerance | Excellent | Good |
Maintenance Level | High | Moderate to low |
Winter Dormancy Color | Straw brown | Straw brown (slower to green) |
Cost of Installation | Lower | Higher |
Whether you’re refreshing your lawn or starting from scratch, choosing the right turf helps reinforce your overall residential landscaping goals and ensures your yard remains vibrant through every season. Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. guides homeowners through this process to ensure long-term satisfaction.
Need Help Choosing or Installing Turf in Union County?
Honeycutt Landscaping Inc. specializes in turf selection, sod installation, and Residential Landscaping across Union County, NC. Whether you prefer fast-growing Bermuda or plush Zoysia, we’ll help you find the best match for your yard’s soil, light, and usage.
FAQs for Residential Landscaping
About Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. – A Trusted Landscaping Company in North Carolina
With over 24 years of professional experience, Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. is a licensed and insured landscaping company proudly serving Union County and the Piedmont Region of North Carolina, including Wingate, Monroe, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Marvin, Stallings, and surrounding communities. Founded by Brandon Honeycutt, a seasoned expert with a degree in forestry management and extensive field knowledge, our team blends science, strategy, and superior service to bring every outdoor space to life.
As a full-service landscape contractor, we specialize in:
🌿 Landscaping Design & Installation: Custom plant selection, hardscapes, soil-specific planning, and drainage solutions
🌱 Landscape Maintenance: HOA and commercial upkeep, pruning, mulching, and seasonal cleanups
🏡 Lawn Care Services: Fertilization, aeration, weed control, and lawn health management for residential and small commercial properties
❄️ Snow Removal: Reliable winter weather services for industrial, medical, and commercial facilities
We proudly serve a diverse client base, including homeowners, property managers, HOAs, and business owners who depend on professional results that enhance curb appeal, support functional outdoor living, and deliver year-round landscape reliability.
Honeycutt Landscaping holds multiple credentials that demonstrate our commitment to regulatory compliance and safety, including:
✅ NC Landscape Contractor License #3161
✅ NC Landscape Corporate License #CL.1889
✅ NC Pesticide License #28785
✅ NC Septic Installer Grade IV #11873
From residential landscape makeovers to commercial site maintenance and storm-ready snow solutions, we approach every project with precision, transparency, and pride. We tailor every landscape installation and maintenance program to match the unique needs of North Carolina’s soil types, climate conditions, and seasonal changes, ensuring long-term results and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re planning a full-yard transformation, need help with lawn health, or want a responsive partner for multi-site commercial property upkeep, Honeycutt Landscaping, Inc. is the landscaping company North Carolina trusts for quality workmanship, local knowledge, and honest service you can count on.