St. Augustine vs. Zoysia: Which Grass is Best for Jacksonville?

When Jacksonville homeowners ask me which grass to install, 90% of the time the choice comes down to St. Augustine or Zoysia. Both thrive here. Both look great. But they have different personalities. Let me help you pick the right one.

The Quick Comparison

| Factor | St. Augustine | Zoysia | |---|---|---| | Sun Needs | 6+ hours (Floratam), 4+ hours (Palmetto) | 6+ hours (tolerates light shade) | | Drought Tolerance | Moderate | Excellent | | Traffic Tolerance | Moderate | Excellent | | Texture | Coarse, wide blades | Fine, dense, carpet-like | | Cost | $$ (Lower) | $$$ (Higher) | | Chinch Bug Risk | High (major pest) | Low |

Choose St. Augustine If...

• You have shade: Palmetto St. Augustine is the most shade-tolerant option in Florida. Under oaks? St. Augustine.
• You want lower cost: St. Augustine is more affordable per square foot.
• You like the classic Florida look: Those wide, lush blades are iconic in Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Choose Zoysia If...

• You have kids or dogs: Zoysia rebounds from traffic like no other grass. It's the playground champion.
• You want drought resistance: Zoysia has deep roots and tolerates dry spells better than St. Augustine.
• You want that "golf course" look: Zoysia's fine, dense texture is visually stunning.
• You're tired of chinch bugs: Zoysia isn't bothered by them.

My Recommendation After 37 Years

For most Jacksonville homeowners with full sun and an active family, I recommend Empire Zoysia. It's more expensive upfront, but it's tougher, uses less water, and looks amazing year-round.

If you have significant shade (4+ hours of tree cover), go with Palmetto St. Augustine. No Zoysia can match Palmetto's shade performance.

Not sure which fits your yard? Contact us for a free consultation--we'll walk your property and give you an honest recommendation.