Centipedegrass came to America from China in the early 1900s and is a light green, low maintenance, warm season grass. Homeowners love centipede because of its thick cover, uniform growth pattern, and low maintenance requirements.
- Most commonly used grass in Southeastern North Carolina
- Well adapted to sandy acidity soils
- Very low maintenance
- Very low fertility needed
- Apple green in color with medium leaf texture
- Called the “lazy man’s grass”
Centipede Characteristics
SOIL MANAGEMENT
- Soil test every two years.
- Amend soil to maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Know your soil type!
MOWING
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Sharpen blades every spring.
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Keep mowed between .5 to 1.5 inches.
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Don’t cut of more than 1/3 the blade.
IRRIGATION
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Don’t Overwater
- Water less in cooler fall months
- About 1 inch a week total irrigation spring & summer
- Water deeply, frequently, and in early AM
WEED CONTROL
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Pre-emergents prevent weeds from germinating
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Post-emergents kill weeds after they germinate
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A thick, lush lawn is the best deterrent to weeds
DISEASE CONTROL
- Overly wet grass + shade = fungus problems
- Apply systemic fungicide to prevent fungus outbreaks
- Use multiple fungicide applications to treat affected areas
INSECT CONTROL
- Use a broad spectrum insecticide that controls chinch bugs
- For a once-a-year treatment, July & August are good months
- Drought-stressed lawns are more susceptible to chinch bug injury
- If using a granular insecticide, water in after application