Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a warm-season turfgrass favored in the warm, humid climates of the Southeastern United States. Its slow-growing nature and minimal input requirements have earned it the nickname “lazy man’s grass,” making it an attractive, low-maintenance choice for homeowners. While generally easy to care for, centipede grass has unique characteristics that demand specific management practices. Understanding these needs, especially regarding nutrition and common vulnerabilities, is crucial for maintaining a dense, healthy lawn.
Mowing and Watering Requirements
Centipede grass requires precise mowing habits due to its slow-growing nature. It should be consistently maintained at a height between 1 and 2 inches during the active growing season. This low height helps prevent the accumulation of thatch, which can harbor pests and disease.
When mowing, adhere to the one-third rule, removing no more than one-third of the blade length in a single session. Removing too much causes scalping and weakens the turf. Maintaining a sharp mower blade is also important to ensure a clean cut, as tearing the leaf blades makes the grass more susceptible to disease.
Centipede grass has a relatively shallow root system, benefiting from deep, infrequent watering rather than light, frequent sprinklings. Apply about one inch of water per week, factoring in natural rainfall. Deep soaking encourages roots to grow deeper, creating a more drought-tolerant and resilient turf.
Shallow watering promotes a weak, surface-level root structure, making the grass highly vulnerable to drought stress and heat. The best time to water is in the early morning to allow the foliage to dry before evening, which minimizes the risk of fungal disease development. Only water when the turf shows early signs of stress, such as a grayish-green color or footprints remaining in the grass.
Centipede Grass Nutritional Needs
Centipede grass has exceptionally low nitrogen requirements compared to other turfgrasses. Applying excessive nitrogen is a common mistake, leading to excessive thatch build-up, increased susceptibility to disease, and Centipede Decline. The recommended annual application rate is typically between one and two pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
This grass thrives in acidic soil conditions, ideally with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0, which is lower than what most other lawn grasses prefer. It is strongly advised to avoid applying lime, as this raises the soil pH and can inhibit the grass’s ability to absorb micronutrients. When the soil pH becomes too high, centipede grass often develops chlorosis, a yellowing of the leaves, which is an indicator of iron deficiency.
This yellowing (chlorosis) is due to the elevated pH locking up the iron in the soil. To quickly correct this iron deficiency, use a spray application of chelated iron or ferrous sulfate. This provides the necessary iron to restore the green color without adding unnecessary nitrogen.
A simple fertilization schedule involves applying a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in late spring, after the grass has fully greened up, and a second, lighter application in mid-summer. Using a fertilizer with a low or zero phosphorus content, such as a 15-0-15 analysis, is also important, as centipede grass does not tolerate high levels of phosphorus. A soil test should always be performed to determine the exact nutrient and pH requirements before any major application.
Identifying and Treating Common Issues
Due to its slow-growing nature, centipede grass is vulnerable to weed invasion, especially in newly established or thin areas. The most effective strategy for weed management is the use of pre-emergent herbicides applied in the late winter or early spring before soil temperatures consistently reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing prevents the germination of annual grassy weeds like crabgrass.
Centipede grass is particularly sensitive to certain post-emergent broadleaf herbicides, especially those containing 2,4-D, which can cause significant injury if improperly applied. For actively growing weeds, use herbicides specifically approved for centipede grass, such as those with atrazine, following label instructions carefully. Maintaining a healthy, dense turf through proper cultural practices remains the primary defense against weed establishment.
Several insect pests can cause damage, including mole crickets, nematodes, and ground pearls. Mole crickets tunnel through the soil, damaging roots and causing the turf to lift. Microscopic nematodes feed on the roots, leading to wilting and thinning even when the lawn is adequately watered. Ground pearls, a type of scale insect, also feed on the roots and are difficult to control with insecticides.
Disease management focuses largely on preventing conditions that encourage fungal growth, as over-fertilization and over-watering are common triggers. Brown patch and Large Patch are major diseases that appear as circular areas of dying grass, typically during cool, wet spring and fall periods. Proper air circulation, appropriate mowing height, and correct irrigation scheduling are cultural practices that reduce the likelihood of disease. If a fungal outbreak occurs, targeted applications of a broad-spectrum fungicide may be necessary, often with the best results coming from preventative fall treatments for Large Patch.