The question of blending Zoysia and Centipede grass is common for homeowners managing warm-season turf in the southern United States. While both varieties thrive in hot climates, mixing them is generally not advisable because of their fundamental biological differences. These two turfgrass types possess distinct growth habits and care requirements that make a uniform, healthy lawn impossible to maintain when planted together. Understanding these disparities is the first step in achieving a successful, single-species lawn.
Distinct Characteristics of Each Grass
Zoysia grass is characterized by a dense growth habit and a fine-to-medium leaf texture, often presenting a deep, rich green color. It develops a robust root system, which contributes to its excellent tolerance for foot traffic and drought conditions. Centipede grass, by contrast, has a coarser leaf texture and a distinctly lighter, sometimes yellowish-green, color. It spreads slowly using above-ground stolons, leading to a less dense canopy and a relatively shallow root structure.
Why They Compete Unevenly
The primary issue with mixing these grasses lies in their vastly different competitive strengths and growth patterns. Zoysia grass is significantly more aggressive, spreading rapidly through both rhizomes (underground runners) and stolons, creating a dense turf. Centipede grass spreads only by stolons and possesses a much slower growth rate.
This difference means Zoysia will inevitably invade and choke out the Centipede grass over time. Centipede patches, being less vigorous, are unable to withstand the lateral pressure from the spreading Zoysia. This results in a lawn that is functionally and aesthetically inconsistent.
The varying textures and colors exacerbate the visual clash, creating a non-uniform appearance. The aggressive nature of Zoysia ensures the competition is uneven, ultimately leading to the decline of the Centipede areas. A healthy Centipede lawn cannot coexist long-term with the more dominant Zoysia variety.
Differing Maintenance Needs
Managing a mixed Zoysia and Centipede lawn becomes a practical dilemma due to their conflicting needs for nutrients and soil conditions. Centipede grass, often called the “lazy man’s grass,” is uniquely adapted to low-fertility soils and requires minimal nitrogen input. Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer can harm Centipede, causing it to thin out and become vulnerable to pests and disease.
Zoysia grass performs best when supplied with moderate to high levels of nitrogen, typically requiring between two and three pounds per 1,000 square feet annually for optimal density and color. Any single fertilizer application intended for Zoysia will over-fertilize the Centipede. Conversely, an application suitable for Centipede will under-nourish the Zoysia.
The grasses also have disparate soil pH preferences that complicate joint management. Centipede thrives in acidic soils, with an ideal pH range of 4.5 to 6.0, often developing iron deficiencies if the pH is higher. Zoysia is more adaptable and tolerates a much wider range of soil pH levels. They also require different mowing heights; Centipede is best maintained around 1.5 to 2 inches, while Zoysia is often cut lower, sometimes to 0.75 inches. The inability to satisfy both grass types simultaneously results in a perpetually struggling, uneven lawn.
Strategies for Correcting a Mixed Lawn
For a lawn already containing both species, the only effective solution is to commit to one variety and eliminate the other. If Centipede is the invading species within a desirable Zoysia lawn, selective removal is an option. Certain herbicides containing active ingredients like quinclorac or fenoxaprop target Centipede grass while generally sparing Zoysia, though multiple applications are often necessary.
If the lawn is heavily mixed or the desired grass is Centipede, a full renovation is usually the most reliable strategy. This process involves applying a non-selective herbicide to kill existing vegetation, followed by tilling and soil preparation. Homeowners can then re-establish the preferred turfgrass using sod or seed, ensuring a uniform start and simplifying future maintenance practices. Transitioning to a single species removes the competitive and maintenance conflicts, leading to a healthier, more consistent lawn appearance.