Landscaping at home: The nuances of centipede grass

by Jodie Franklin 12/03/2023

Centipede grass is possibly one of the easiest grasses to plant, maintain and fix if necessary. It’s particularly grown in southeast regions, but can be grown anywhere that temperatures are warm. However, it can have its nuances.

Keep it hydrated

Centipede grass may be a warm-season grass, capable of sustaining higher temperatures. However, this type of grass has short roots that require at least a weekly watering of about one inch in total. However, be careful not to over hydrate it, as this can drown the roots and potentially cause severe damage to your lawn.

Typically, centipede grass lawns should be watered earlier in the morning (before 10 a.m.).

Keep it fed

Centipede grass maintenance involves keeping it fed and creating an environment that it will thrive in. While you may not need to fertilize this warm-season grass as much as a grass needing to have a high tolerance against the cold, you still want to make sure it’s getting the nutrients it needs.

Depending on your location, your centipede lawn may need a fertilizer with a little more acid, since this type of grass enjoys a soil with a little more zing to it. Try keeping the soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth.

Weed control

Weeds often creep into lawns with sparse patches where grass is missing or thin. This allows the weeds to spread and get stronger, eventually infiltrating your centipede grass lawn. You may opt to use herbicide specifically designed for weeds, that will not damage your grass. However, the most prevalent protection against weeds is to keep your grass dense and healthy.

Maintaining a centipede grass lawn isn’t as difficult as some other varieties of grasses available. Just be sure to keep it fed and properly hydrated with minimal foot traffic, and your centipede grass lawn will thrive season after season.

About the Author
Author

Jodie Franklin

I love helping people find their dream home or sell their house in order to achieve their next goals. I have been working hard for my clients for over 18 years throughout southeast Michigan. I have experienced every kind of transaction there is. 

Helping my community and being involved is extremely important to me. I am Past President of the Michigan Ability Partners board, which helps Veterans and people with disabilities reach independent, self-supported, and satisfying lives. I have also been a member of the City of Milan Tax Review Board and Zoning Board, and involved in Milan Main Street. I have been a major sponsor of events for Michigan Ability Partners, Aid in Milan, Milan Main Street, and many more organizations that work to make our communities better. 

I was 2018 President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year in 2016 for AAABOR and nominee for Michigan Realtor of the Year. I serve on many committees with the local board, state board and was a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee for the National Association of Realtors (2018-19). I am currently serving my second term as a Michigan Realtors Board of Directors. 

I have liked in Milan for over 20 years and enjoy living here with my husband Cliff, son Evan, and dog Rosie.