Centipede Grass Care Guide

Centipede grass is the low-maintenance choice for southeastern lawns (zones 7-9). It needs less fertilizer, less mowing, and less water than bermuda or St. Augustine. The key to centipede care is knowing what NOT to do.

Mowing

Maintain centipede at 1.5-2.5 inches. It grows slowly, so you may only need to mow every 7-10 days. Do NOT scalp centipede in spring — unlike bermuda, it does not recover well from aggressive mowing.

Fertilization

Centipede needs only 1-2 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft per year total. Apply 0.25-0.5 lb N at greenup (soil 65°F+) and one more application in mid-summer. Centipede prefers acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5) — do not lime unless a soil test shows pH above 6.0.

Weed Control

Atrazine (Spectracide) is the standard broadleaf herbicide for centipede. It is safe at label rates and provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent activity. Celsius WG is a premium alternative. Avoid 2,4-D products at full rate.

Common Problems

Centipede decline (yellowing, thinning) is caused by over-fertilization, over-watering, or high soil pH. Ground pearls are a soil insect specific to centipede — there is no effective chemical control. Large patch disease can occur at dormancy transitions.