If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, hardy grass that thrives in warm climates, centipede grass might be the perfect choice for your lawn. Known for its attractive, soft texture and tolerance to both drought and heat, centipede grass is an excellent option for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn with minimal effort. In this blog, we’ll explore how to establish centipede grass and how to care for it once it’s in place.
UNDERSTANDING CENTIPEDE GRASS
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a warm-season grass that is native to Asia. It has a distinctive, fine texture and light green color that forms a dense, carpet-like lawn. Unlike many other turfgrass varieties, centipede grass grows slowly, meaning less frequent mowing and maintenance. It is well-suited for the southeastern United States and other regions with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
CENTIPEDE GRASS BENEFITS
Before diving into the details of establishment and care, here are some of the key benefits of choosing centipede grass for your lawn:
Low Maintenance: Centipede grass requires less mowing and fewer fertilizers than other grass types.
Heat and Drought Tolerant: It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate dry conditions once established.
Weed Resistance: Its slow-growing nature helps crowd out weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
Soft and Dense Lawn: The grass forms a thick, soft, carpet-like turf that feels pleasant underfoot.
ESTABLISHING A CENTIPEDE GRASS LAWN
You've decided zoysia grass is the turf species for you. Now what? Here are some tips for how to get started with your zoysia lawn.
1. Prepare the Soil: Proper soil preparation is essential for establishing a healthy centipede lawn.Follow these steps:
- Loosen the Soil: Use a rake or garden hoe to loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This helps centipede's roots penetrate more easily. If you have compacted soil, core aeration can help promote root growth and improve water and nutrient absorption. Centipede grass, like other lawns, benefits from aeration if the soil becomes compacted.
- Test Soil pH: Centipede grass prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Use a soil test kit to check the pH. If the soil is too acidic, add NutraLime OP® Hi-Mag Lime to raise the pH, or add Elemental Sulfur pH Down if the pH is too high.
2. Select the Method of Planting: Centipede grass can be established through seeds, sod, or plugs. The method you choose will depend on factors such as budget, time, and the size of the area you’re planting.
- From Seed: Centipede grass is often grown from seed, which is the most cost-effective method, although it requires patience. The ideal time to plant centipede grass seed is late spring to early summer, when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C). Evenly spread the seed using a broadcast spreader. Lightly rake the soil to cover the seed and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the area gently to keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Germination can take 2-3 weeks, depending on weather conditions. Keep the soil moist until the grass is established. After germination, reduce watering frequency but ensure the soil stays slightly moist.
- From Sod: Sod provides an instant lawn but comes with a higher upfront cost. Lay sod in late spring or early summer when the grass is actively growing. Lay the sod in a staggered pattern, much like bricks in a wall, to avoid visible seams. Press the edges of the sod pieces tightly together to eliminate gaps. Roll the lawn with a roller to ensure the sod makes good contact with the soil. Water thoroughly right after laying the sod to help it settle into the soil.
- From Plugs: Plugs are small pieces of grass that are spaced out and grow to fill in the lawn over time. Plant plugs in late spring to early summer for optimal growth. Space plugs about 6 to 12 inches apart in a grid pattern. Dig small holes for each plug and insert them into the soil. Water the area thoroughly after planting, and keep the plugs moist until they grow into a thick lawn.
3. Watering: Watering is crucial for centipede grass establishment, especially during the first few weeks. After planting seeds, sod, or plugs, water the area thoroughly to ensure the soil is evenly moist. Keep the area moist until the grass establishes roots.
CENTIPEDE GRASS CARE TIPS
Here are some tips every homeowner with a centipede lawn can use.
Watering: Once the grass is established, centipede grass is relatively drought-tolerant. Water the lawn once a week during dry periods, ensuring the water penetrates deeply (6-8 inches). Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Mowing: Centipede grass grows slowly, so mowing won’t be needed as often as with other grass types. Keep the grass at a height of 1.5 to 2 inches. This helps the grass stay healthy and promotes a dense, uniform lawn. Mow only as needed, usually once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at once to prevent stress on the grass.
Fertilizing: Centipede grass is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilization. Over-fertilizing can damage the grass, so it’s essential to follow a proper fertilization schedule. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer such as PGF Complete™ 16-4-8, during the growing season. Apply fertilizer once or twice a year, preferably in late spring when the grass begins actively growing. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter when centipede grass is dormant. Don’t overfertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak, thin grass.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn can help promote root growth and improve water and nutrient absorption. Zoysia grass, like other lawns, benefits from aeration if the soil becomes compacted. Late spring to early summer, when zoysia is actively growing, is the best time for aeration. Aerate once a year, or every other year if your lawn is not subjected to heavy traffic.
Weed Control: Centipede grass has a natural ability to crowd out weeds, but young lawns may need some assistance with weed control. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Barricade® in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating. If you notice weeds in your centipede lawn, spot-treat them with a post-emergent herbicide that is safe for centipede grass. Be careful not to use herbicides that could damage the grass.
Pest and Disease Management: Centipede grass is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for common issues like chinch bugs and fungal diseases. Regularly inspect your lawn for pests and treat as needed with appropriate insecticides or natural solutions. Apply a grub prevention prevention product, such as GrubOut Plus Lawn Food 17-0-3, in the late spring to help avoid a grub infestation. If you find grubs in your lawn, apply DuoCide® to help treat them. Practice good lawn care, such as proper watering techniques and not mowing when the grass is wet, to reduce the risk of fungal infections. You may also apply Prophesy® to prevent and treat common fungal diseases.
Follow the warm-season lawn care calendar for recommended timing of product applications.
Centipede grass is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn that thrives in warm climates. By following the steps outlined above, you can establish a healthy centipede lawn and keep it thriving for years to come. Whether you choose to plant from seed, sod, or plugs, with the right care, your centipede grass lawn will become a beautiful, soft, and resilient outdoor space that requires minimal upkeep.
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