Centipede Grass: Pros and Cons of Centipede Grass

Centipede grass is a type of grass popular in relatively warm, wet climates, such as the American Southeast. Originally from Asia, it was introduced into the United States in the early twentieth century. This low-maintenance grass can thrive in relatively low-quality soil and tolerates high temperatures, making it a popular choice for homeowners in appropriate climates.

Centipede grass, with its bright green color, is an attractive choice for lawns and has many benefits:

1. 1. Low maintenance. Once established, centipede grass does not require much maintenance, aside from water and well-draining soil. In a warm enough climate, centipede grass will survive multiple winters without any significant issues. It also grows relatively slowly via above-ground stems called stolons, and so it requires less mowing than other species. It seldom requires aeration of the soil, unlike different types of grass.
2. 2. Weed control. Centipede grass grows very thick and can impede the growth of invasive weeds. This means less reliance on lawn care efforts such as applying weed killers or manual weeding. It’s slow growth also means less buildup of thatch, so dethatching often isn’t necessary.
3. 3. Light and heat-friendly. Like many other warm-season kinds of grass, centipede grass grows best in balmy weather and can handle the hottest months. Centipede grass can also tolerate moderate amounts of shade.

Before deciding if centipede grass is suitable for your yard, consider its disadvantages:

1. 1. Shade averse. Although centipede grass has some shade tolerance, too much will cause significant damage. Centipede grass grows best in full sun exposure.
2. 2. Delicate surface. Centipede grass does not handle foot traffic well. Because it’s slow-growing, it will die back and take a long time to recover if it gets stepped on a lot.
3. 3. Water requirements. Centipede grass needs quite a bit of moisture—about an inch of water a week. If there isn’t a lot of rainfall, you will need to water the grass. It’s also essential that its soil is well-draining since standing water can attract pests and kill the grass. Quick-draining sandy soil, often found in parts of the southeastern United States, is excellent for centipede grass.

If you’ve decided on a centipede grass lawn, below are some tips for a thriving lawn of centipede grass:

1. 1. Check your climate. Centipede grass is well-suited to the American Southeast, from the Carolinas to Florida to the Texas gulf coast. If you’re on the edge of the ideal growth range, check with your local garden center to see what you might need to do to get the best results.
2. 2. Till the soil. If you’re growing from centipede grass seed, be sure to till the area before you spread the seed. This will ready the soil for the new seed. Also, be sure to use mulch for moisture retention. Tilling and mulching will help build up a good environment for germination and the formation of a robust root system.
3. 3. Clear the planting area. Clear the desired area of any old grass or weeds before laying down the seed. Tilling will start this process, but it will also be necessary to treat the area with an herbicide or a barrier to kill off the old growth.
4. 4. Test your soil. Centipede grass grows best in acidic soil, much lower than many other species at pH 4.5 to 6. If your lawn’s soil pH is too high, iron deficiency can affect the growth and color of the foliage. In this case, you can add amendments to your soil to make it suitable for centipede grass growth.
5. 5. Care for your grass in the winter. Centipede grass doesn’t have a seasonal dormancy period, distinguishing it from other turfgrass species, such as Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass. This means it is susceptible to cold winters and will require some attention even in the cooler months.
6. 6. Fertilize your grass in the spring. Early spring is an excellent time to fertilize your centipede grass lawn. (Fertilizing will also help prevent the germination of crabgrass, a common invasive species.) It’s also a good idea to fertilize again in the fall with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, after the height of the growing season.
7. 7. Occasionally cut the grass. While centipede grass grows slowly, occasional passes with the mower are still a good practice. Ideally, you’re looking to maintain about one and one-half to two inches of height.

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