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

  • Sharpen blades every spring.
  • Keep mowed between .5 to 1.5 inches.
  • Don’t cut of more than 1/3 the blade.

IRRIGATION

  • 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

  • Pre-emergents prevent weeds from germinating
  • Post-emergents kill weeds after they germinate
  • 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