St. Augustine vs. Bermuda vs. Zoysia — a property manager's guide to choosing turf grass for different commercial applications in Florida.
Turf selection for Florida commercial properties depends on sun exposure, traffic levels, water availability, and maintenance budget. St. Augustine (Floratam) is the most popular choice for moderate-traffic commercial properties due to its shade tolerance and dense appearance, but requires more water and is susceptible to chinch bugs. Bermuda grass excels in full-sun, high-traffic applications like athletic fields and parking lot medians. Zoysia offers a premium appearance with moderate maintenance requirements and good drought tolerance once established. For industrial and low-visibility areas, Bahia grass provides the most economical option with minimal irrigation needs.