Centipedegrass
Centipede, also known as centipedegrass or Eremochloa ophiuroides, is a popular NC turf type best known for being low maintenance and adaptable. However, like anything else it can also present some challenges. In this article we’ll discuss the upsides, downsides, and everything in between when it comes to having centipede in your lawn.
If you live in the right climate zones and have appropriate soil, centipede can be a great, low maintenance grass type. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for those not familiar with the grass is that it is not as green and lush as other types, like fescue, zoysia, and bermuda. Actually, that’s not true. It CAN be that lush, but it shouldn’t be if you want to avoid diseases and overall decline.
Perhaps the hardest thing to do- DO NOT fertilize centipede lawns very much. Centipede require minimal amounts of nitrogen, typically less in one entire year than fescue receives in one application! Centipede lawns should have yellow-green leaf blades most of the growing season. Centipedegrass should be a low growing and slow growing grass. If you are fertilizing your centipede grass enough to keep it thick and dark green, then you are headed for problems.
Pros of Centipedegrass
Centipede is a very low maintenance turf type, as it requires minimal fertilization and is slow growing. It’s adaptable to some conditions, including acidic soil and low light. Given these factors it is a very cost effective choice for your lawn.
Cons of Centipedegrass
On the flipside, centipede’s slow growth rate means it takes longer to establish a lush lawn. While it is tolerant to many things, it is sensitive to certain disease states (more details below) and to heavy foot traffic. Lastly, centipede is a warm season grass therefore it is susceptible to cold weather and will die back in the winter months.
Care Requirements
Fertilization: Centipede requires minimal fertilization, and over-fertilization can cause hyperpigmentation, thatch buildup and other problems. We recommend applying fertilizer once in the spring, and once in late summer. This is a slow growing turf type, and the process shouldn’t be rushed.
Watering: Centipede requires infrequent watering compared to other turf types, but it is important to watch for signs of over or under watering. Centipede needs about 1 inch of water per week. You will notice clear signs of drought stress if the grass needs watering, like wilting and discoloration. If the lawn is visibly holding water, it could be a sign of over watering, uneven irrigation patterns, or that it’s time to aerate your soil.
Mowing: Mow centipede to a height of 1-2 inches, starting lower in the spring and raising the height, slightly, into the summer months.
Common Issues & Diseases States
Large Patch: Large patch is a fungal disease that causes circular patches of brown grass with a yellow halo. It is most common in the fall and spring and can be treated with fungicides. It’s typically a sign of low fertility.
Nematodes: Nematodes are a type of roundworm that cause irregularly shaped patches of dying grass. It’s typically a sign of low fertility, and can be treated with fungicides.
Dollar Spot: Dollar spot is a fungal disease that causes small, silver-dollar-sized spots on the grass. It is most common in warm, humid weather and can be treated with fungicides.
By following the proper care requirements and identifying and treating common diseases, you can keep your centipedegrass looking healthy and lush. As always, if you’re concerned about the health of your lawn, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional.
Email info@tlgturfcare.com for further questions and information.
Additional Resource:
UGA Extension: https://site.extension.uga.edu/effinghamanr/2021/05/my-centipedegrass-is-yellowing-and-dying/