Centipede grass, often nicknamed “lazy man’s grass,” is a popular turf choice in the southeastern United States due to its minimal maintenance requirements. Characterized by its slow, low-growing nature, it spreads across the ground via above-ground stems called stolons. Maintaining a low, consistent height preserves its health and dense, carpet-like appearance, reducing the need for frequent mowing and heavy fertilization.
Centipede Grass: Natural Height and Growth Habit
If left completely unmowed, the upright leaf blades of Centipede grass typically reach a maximum height of about four to six inches. This is significantly shorter than other warm-season grasses, like St. Augustine grass, which can easily exceed six inches in height if neglected. The grass is not known for vertical growth but rather for its horizontal spreading.
Centipede grass uses thick, creeping stolons to expand laterally across the soil surface, forming a dense sod. These stolons are the biological structure from which the short, vertical leaf blades emerge. This growth pattern defines it as a low-growing turf, as most of the plant’s energy is directed toward expansion rather than height.
The Importance of Proper Mowing Height
The ideal height for a well-maintained Centipede lawn ranges from one to two inches. Keeping the turf in this range promotes a thick, healthy stand that resists weed invasion. Mowing too high, particularly above two inches, can cause the grass to become thin and unkempt.
A fundamental principle in mowing Centipede grass is the “one-third rule,” which states that no more than 30 to 33 percent of the leaf blade should be removed in a single mowing event. For instance, if you maintain your lawn at a height of 1.5 inches, you should mow before the grass reaches approximately two inches tall. Violating this rule by cutting too much at once severely stresses the grass plant and impairs its ability to photosynthesize effectively.
Allowing the grass to grow too tall between cuts can lead to a significant buildup of thatch, a layer of dead and living organic material at the soil surface. Excessive thatch prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots and makes the grass more susceptible to winter injury and drought stress. If the lawn is allowed to get tall and is then cut back too short, a process known as scalping occurs. Scalping cuts into the low-lying stolons, damaging the plant’s primary growth structure and leaving a patchy, brown appearance that is vulnerable to disease and sun exposure.
Factors That Cause Height Variation
Several environmental and cultural factors can cause Centipede grass to either grow abnormally tall or appear stunted.
Causes of Excessive Height
When the grass is exposed to excessive shade, it will unnaturally stretch its blades in an attempt to reach sunlight, a response called etiolation. This results in a thin, weak, and sparse vertical growth that is prone to damage. Mowing at the higher end of the recommended range, around two inches, is often suggested for Centipede grass growing in partially shaded areas.
Over-application of nitrogen fertilizer is another common cause of excessive vertical growth. Centipede grass is a naturally low-fertility turf and requires very little nitrogen, typically one to two pounds per year per 1,000 square feet. Too much nitrogen promotes rapid, excessive growth, which contributes to thatch buildup and can lead to a condition known as Centipede grass decline.
Causes of Stunted Growth
Conversely, certain issues can stunt the growth and keep the turf short and sparse despite maintenance efforts. Poor soil conditions, such as high soil pH (above 6.0), can cause an iron deficiency, which is visible as yellowing or chlorosis and restricts healthy growth. Similarly, compacted soil or a lack of water during a drought will cause the grass to remain abnormally short and wilted as the root system struggles to function.