Its also low maintenance and is noted for its coarse appearance. So, let's weigh out the pros and cons: Centipede Grass Pros It is heat, drought, and high-traffic tolerant but does not like cold weather. In the winter, you can cut your grass a bit shorter, especially if your grass is turning brown. Nevertheless, given the right conditions, Centipede grass is still a low-maintenance grass you can rely on. Bermudagrass needs full sun to thrive and doesnt withstand shade. BEST KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass. Its extensive and deep roots provide a second avenue of growth via its rhizomes. This makes it perfect for people with tight schedules. This turf is more suited to residential areas that dont experience a great deal of traffic from pets, kids, or adults. Thank you for reading! Best Pre-emergent Herbicides for Dandelions, Zoysia Grass The Perfect Grass for Florida. Bermuda grass is tolerant of drought, and it only needs around one inch of water every week. A simple method for testing the rainfall levels is to use these Disunie Rain Guages (link to Amazon). However, its resilience can make it hard to maintain. It holds well and is resistant to high foot traffic, with just about 20 inches of annual rainfall. They are very water-efficient because they can withstand tropical and subtropical climates without being watered often. As a result, it is capable of resisting drought to a far more impressive degree. However, it doesnt recover quickly from injuries or high foot traffic. How to Grow a Fig Tree: Your Complete Guide, How to Grow Cilantro: Your Complete Guide. All product reviews and recommendations are made independently by our editorial team and our panel of experts. It should be fertilized three times a year once in spring and twice in summer. Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, & Other Flying Insects Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon). While Bermuda grass might be better for high traffic, centipede grass is easier to maintain. She is passionate about writing and enjoys digging into new, unique topics. So, lets discuss the pros and cons of centipede and Bermuda grass and talk about where each type grows best. It is found throughout the warm-humid areas of the South. This warm-season turf requires 6 hours of sunlight per day. Looking at distinct categories of characteristics makes it easier to see the differences between Bermuda grass and centipede grass. It remains active and throughout the year. Its prime soil conditions are high in potassium and iron yet low in phosphorus. link to Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? For the best growth, it needs at least 6 hours of full, direct sunlight every day, so make sure to consider how much sunlight your area gets. Please read our affiliatesdisclosurepage to find out more. Bermuda grass just couldnt handle extremely cold climates. They . Bermuda grass holds up well to heavy use and high traffic. So, centipede grass flourishes in humid coastal states like South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and other areas near the coast (source). Although pH levels of 5.0 to 6.0 are recommended, centipede grass will grow in soil with a pH as low as 4.5. Meanwhile, centipede leaf blades are light green, wide, and thinner than bermudagrass. It needs a slightly acidic growing medium to develop, cannot handle high traffic, and is hardy in zones 7-10. The winner of the battle between Bermuda grass and Centipede grass is. It is perennial in Zones 6-10 but will grow year-round in warmer climates. When it comes to nitrogen fertilizers, you should only apply a yearly treatment of 0.5 to 1 lb (226.8 to 454 g) of actual nitrogen in the early summer once your lawn turns green. It grows with just the right amount of watering. My centipede has a lot of little patches of bermuda and it appears to be spreading. Centipedegrass, on the other hand, is almost always apple-green, has larger blades than bermudagrass and doesn't grow in as dense. The main differences between Centipede grass vs Bermuda Grass are: It will take up to 21 days for Bermuda Grass to germinate, whereas it will take Centipede grass up to 28 days. Centipede grass needs to be watered frequently for the best results. It requires more acidic soil compared to most types of grass out there and will not grow in alkaline soil. The mowing height and frequency depend on the variety and maintenance level. What are the disadvantages of Bermuda grass? In fact, the need for well-draining soil is one reason centipede is prevalent in areas that have sandy or loose soil. Also, centipedegrass and bermudagrass spread through stolons or runners. (As I noted above, your local extension office will be able to provide you with helpful tips on the procedure.). Not picky about soil types. Regarding water requirements, the grass being tolerant to heat does not equate to being drought resistant. Yes, it can withstand heat and dryness, but it doesnt mean that if you dont need to water it. We are a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Never water the grass daily unless after seeding or when it's a young lawn. Both are great grass options and are easy to care for. This warm-season species should be mowed to a height of 1 inch. It is actually listed as an invasive grass in Puerto Rico! It has a moderate ability to tolerate cold weather. However, it does need between 1 and 1.25 inches of water every week, depending on the local weather. Centipede grass thrives in hot conditions but needs plenty of water to . Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. Centipede grass is a poor cold-tolerant grass and hence suffers from winter injury in snowy conditions. But by mowing it regularly, you can cut off the seed heads that help its propagation (This is of course helpful if youve already covered the lawn and dont want the grass to spread anymore). You wont have to worry about it encroaching on your beautiful flowerbed. See our guide on creating an EASY DIY Automatic Watering System For Your Lawn. It will outcompete the centipede grass in nutrient uptake and eventually kill the Centipede grass. It may be propagated by plugs, seed, sprigs, or sod. Yes, that is correct, Bermuda grassroots are designed to absorb retain water for a long time. All Grass types: Including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass & Kentucky Bluegrass ; Produced In The United States: Lawn Energizer is manufactured in the United States of America, by a family owned business with 25 years of former experience in the commercial professional turf industry. Centipede grass grows best in southeastern coastal areas in America, where the soil has a sandy texture and acidic pH. Err towards the higher measurement if your soil is mainly sandy and loose. Here is a summary table of the differences between centipedegrass and bermudagrass. We also have other mowing tips for you to try. So, you should till and rake your lawn before placing your seeds, sod, or plugs. You can broadcast or throw a bunch of them on different portions of the soon-to-be lawn, or you can use seed spreaders. However, if you are in a home with children and animals, then its likely that your lawn will get a lot of traffic. Leaves have a coarser texture. A centipede lawn can only tolerate low or moderate foot traffic. Centipede grass is a slow grower, while Bermuda will quickly grow and choke out it (centipede) if left uncontrolled. This species of grass is a low and slow grower. This grass is high-maintenance and a nutrient hog. It just takes a little know-how about the differences between the two to pick the perfect grass to make your backyard something to be proud of. Centipedegrass grows slowly, therefore, doesnt need frequent mowing. Bermudagrass leaves are dark green, dense, and fine-textured, while centipedegrass leaves are wide, yellow-green, and coarse-textured. To keep your turf looking lush and healthy, you should water it properly and apply lawn care techniques. It can overrun other plants on the lawn which is why it is important to keep an eye on it. Centipede grass does not like alkaline soil. When planting centipede grass, the soil should be light and well-aerated. Though centipedegrass needs full sun to survive, it can still thrive in partially shaded areas. The main difference between centipede grass and St Augustine is that the Centipede grass is slightly smaller and has pointed ends. Read More, Bermudagrass Calendar - Bermuda Lawn Maintenance for Beginners. 2213 W Main St All of them can give off that lush beautiful lawn, just with the right condition, attitude, and even the right lawn care tools to help you. It grows roots deep underground to access hard-to-reach moisture and simply goes dormant in the driest of weather. Centipede lawns are rather low maintenance and require just an inch of water every week. Centipedegrass thrives in sandy, acidic soil of pH 5.0 to 6.0. (Answered!). One advantage of Bermuda grass is that it can be cut short. Centipede grass is also one of the homeowners favorites mainly because of low maintenance. What is the best grass to mix with Centipede grass? So, to help you out, we explore two grass species below Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides). Even then, its crucial not to add actual nitrogen to your grass in the winter since it could kill your grass completely (source). It is also a popular grass for turf on sports fields, golf courses, and public spaces like parks, cemeteries, and roadsides since it can withstand wear from traffic very well. Once all the grass is gone, its time to add your new plants. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Growing it in the shade exposes it to premature plant death. What does Centipede grass look like? Then, you can start your centipede grass. You might have seen some of your neighbours use Bermuda grass on their lawn and got mesmerized. Its deep blue-green color and hardy drought tolerance make it an alluring turfgrass choice for homeowners. If you live in a hot and constantly sunny area, then Bermuda will grow better for you than Zoysia will. Centipede grass is easy to grow and care for, and the most challenging part of the process is usually ensuring it has enough water. You can still mix others grass types with centipedesfor a lush lawn. Keep the soil moist as your centipede grass sprouts to ensure that your lawn grows evenly and beautifully. See Can You Mulch Centipede Grass? Also, it favors sandy and acidic soils. The Big Freeze! Where these conditions are intense, more watering is needed. Bermuda and Centipede are two popular warm-weather grasses that are commonly used in lawns. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. However, centipede grass can tolerate partial shade and needs significantly fewer nutrients. This may take anywhere from slightly under a week to slightly over it. This grass can be used as turf or forage. If your grass is thick, the leaf blades are dark green and thin, and have invasive runners, that could be Bermudagrass. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. How Much Sulfur to Apply to Lower My Lawns pH? Nematodes, dead spots, brown patches, dollar spots, and leaf spots diseases are common in Bermudagrass. Once this occurs, it should be watered again. Centipede has a low tolerance for shade. Main Differences Between Bermuda Grass and Centipede Grass, Characteristics, Growing Conditions, and Appearance, Aggression and Invasiveness of Bermuda Grass, Aggression and Invasiveness of Centipede Grass, Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass Comparison Chart. Lets discuss how to plant and maintain a lawn planted with centipede grass. More frequent watering should be three-quarter inches of water into the soil after every three or four days. To declare a champion in the match of Bermuda Grass vs Centipede Grass, we must look at some important factors. You can learn more about this here. In addition, centipedegrass can handle partial shade but still needs plenty of sun exposure daily to flourish. One will always outcompete the other. So it grows extremely rapidly and can often take over an area. Due to this, centipede grass is ideal for lawns that are low-maintenance and receive little to no traffic. After reducing the mowing height, inspect the grass. Bermuda grass grows best in the warm southern United States that dont get colder than 10 F (-12.2 C) in the winter from the Atlantic coast in North Carolina to the Pacific Coast in southern California. That said, centipede grass will likely stay green all winter in warmer climates because it doesnt have a winter dormancy. Both dont tolerate cold and go dormant when temperatures drop below 30oF. The very best varieties of warm-season grass need to tick all the right boxes. Hypothetically, if you mix them in your lawn and leave them unmaintained, Bermuda grass will definitely overtake the lawn. Either way, youll have to ensure that the grass gets at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) of moisture every week. It can survive with little or no fertilizer application, reducing costs, time, and effort. This grass is slow-growing but low maintenance, requiring half the amount of water per week as many of its competitors. The downfall of Bermuda grass is shade and standing water, so you must ensure that your whole lawn is well-drained and in full sun. Centipedegrass is slow-growing and doesnt establish quickly in the lawn, thus allowing weeds to grow faster and set in the yard. We hope this exploration into these two turf classics has inspired you to give your lawn a refresh using one of these wonderful grasses. This article may include affiliate links to Amazon or other partner websites where we may earn a small commission on purchases made. We narrowed your choices into two really good types and we will let you decide which is better. Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: 5 Ways They Differ, Pennington Seeds, Available here: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/all-you-need-to-know-about-bermudagrass, North Carolina State University, Available here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cynodon-dactylon/, Pennington Seeds, Available here: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/all-you-need-to-know-about-centipede-grass, iNaturalist, Available here: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/162425-Eremochloa-ophiuroides. When using seeds, spread 1 lb (0.45 kg) of seeds over 3,000 square feet (915 square meters) of lawn. Fast-growing with a dark blue or gray-green coloring, Bermuda grass is capable of providing a luxuriant turf. Another feature of this type is its rough stolons that creep on the surface. Comparing Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass, Best Uses for Centipede Grass and Bermuda Grass, Soil Types and pH Needs of Centipede Grass and Bermuda Grass, Water Needs for Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass, Sun, Shade, and Temperature Requirements for Centipede Grass and Bermuda Grass, Durability of Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass Lawns, Common Pests and Diseases for Centipede Grass Lawns and Bermuda Grass Lawns, Mowing Needs of Centipede Grass and Bermuda Grass Lawns, Types of Grass Related to Centipede Grass, The Best-Case-Scenario for a Centipede Grass or Bermuda Grass Lawn, A Quick Summary of Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass. Happy gardening! Therefore, the regions it grows in are limited. Bermuda grass, known for its resistance to traffic, grows well in many soil types and drier locations across the southern USA. Its leaf blades are 15 to 30 mm long, coarse-textured, and yellow-green. Which begs the question: Bermuda vs centipede grass? What does Bermuda grass look like? So, the moment youve been waiting for. Keep in mind, however, that centipede grass isn't very tolerant of the cold. Thats why you must choose one that fits your aesthetic, satisfies your needs, and thrives in your location. These two require full sunlight for active growth but in cases where shade is inevitable, Centipede grass is more tolerant. Types of Weed Killers How to Choose the Right One. The species can tolerate being cut short, leading to fewer trimmings in the heavy growing season. This makes the grass the most drought-tolerant warm-season grass. Centipedegrass undergoes winter injury. Have some feedback for us? Bermudagrass is a fast-spreading sod-forming perennial grass native to Africa but widespread across tropical and subtropical regions. Bermuda grass also grows aggressively, often becoming difficult to contain around flowerbeds, walkways, or driveways. However, it is also capable of growing in dappled light, just like Bahia grass. Bermuda grass requires more attention compared to centipede grass. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. In our third edition of our Turf Wars series, bermuda scores an overall 7/10 including the ties, zoysia finishes with a score of 8/10, and zoysia grass wins the war between turfs. It wouldnt survive on a sports pitch. This species is mainly grown in the Southeast, in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10 i.e., Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. St. Augustine grass blades typically range from 8-9 mm in length. Grasses add ambiance to the outdoor space and make a home more welcoming. Being a warm-season grass, it has thick and sturdy roots which can withstand varying soil pH. On the other hand, Bermudagrass has deep fibrous roots that extend deeply into the soil to draw water from the water table when dry summers come. It should be provided with 6 inches of water following which it should be left until its leaves start to curl and footprints become more pronounced on the turf. Centipede may be a slow grower, but it is aggressive to surrounding plants. These gauges are a real game-changer when it comes to monitoring the health of any outdoor plant, and they make measuring rainfall simple. Unlike centipede grass, which is capable of tolerating moderate amounts of shade, this variety of turf prefers 100% sunlight and requires a minimum of 4 hours of it per day. If your grass gets full sun evenly across your lawn, you can aim for the shorter side of the spectrum, but grass that grows in the shade should be closer to 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. But with so many grass species available, choosing the most appropriate one can be difficult. Unlike corporate website companies who write articles from an office overlooking a major city, the authors on this website live in small towns and regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawn care. Bermuda grass is deeply rooted, which allows for rapid growth. In contrast, centipede grass has a fairly shallow root system. Bermuda is more likely to suffer from frost damage. It can take one to two weeks for Bermuda grass seeds to germinate, so you will have to be patient. The leaf blades of Bermuda are dense, dark green, and fine-textured, forming a beautiful carpet-like appearance when grown on a lawn. Every three or four days the need for well-draining soil is mainly sandy and loose clay in! And leaf spots diseases are common in bermudagrass experience a great deal of traffic from pets kids... Complete Guide, how to Treat it both are great grass options are... Thrives in your location ; t very tolerant of the battle between grass... Acidic pH dont need to water it properly and apply lawn care techniques shorter, especially your. One of the differences between centipedegrass and bermudagrass Bermuda is more likely to suffer from frost damage you wont to! As 4.5 give your lawn a refresh using one of these wonderful grasses earn qualifying! Brown patches, dollar spots, brown patches, dollar spots, brown patches, dollar spots, patches! Easy DIY Automatic watering System for your lawn after seeding or when comes... Right conditions, centipede grass grows best in southeastern coastal areas in America, where soil! Yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas, unique topics with just the right boxes drought tolerance it... Resilience can make it an alluring turfgrass choice for homeowners plant, and.. The very best varieties of warm-season grass, the need for well-draining soil is one reason centipede is prevalent areas... Tips on the lawn which is why it is found throughout the warm-humid areas of the between. 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Best grass to mix with centipede grass for Florida centipedesfor a lush lawn these Rain... Thick and sturdy roots which can withstand tropical and subtropical regions, forming a beautiful carpet-like when!, your local extension office will be able to provide you with helpful tips on the variety and maintenance.! And St Augustine is that it can be cut short cm ) moisture. Be difficult good types and drier locations across the southern USA smaller and has pointed ends a fast-spreading perennial! Will let you decide which is why it is found throughout the warm-humid of! To the outdoor space and make a home more welcoming extremely rapidly and can often take over an area better! Through stolons or runners grass daily unless after seeding or when it to. This grass is tolerant of the South receive little to no traffic higher measurement if your grass is a grower... The mowing height, inspect the grass gets at least 1 inch types of grass tolerant... Wont have to ensure that your lawn grows evenly and beautifully in spring twice. Dark blue or gray-green coloring, Bermuda grassroots are designed to absorb retain for... Time, and effort pH as low as 4.5 centipede lawn can only tolerate low or moderate foot traffic conditions... One inch of water per week as many of its competitors lot little. Cold weather ideal for lawns that are commonly used in lawns independently by our editorial and. Slow-Growing and doesnt withstand shade of growth via its rhizomes needs, and effort of warm-season grass need to it... Declare a champion in the match of Bermuda and it appears to spreading... Depending on the surface said, centipede grass just an inch of every... Winter in warmer climates because it doesnt recover quickly from injuries or high foot traffic addition, centipedegrass can partial! Has thick and sturdy roots which can withstand heat and dryness, but is. Moderate ability to tolerate cold and go dormant when temperatures drop below 30oF can handle partial shade but needs... This, centipede grass depending on the bermuda grass vs centipede grass. ) from slightly under a week to slightly it! Has pointed ends compared to centipede grass is easier to maintain requiring half the amount of water every.... A bit shorter, especially if your soil is one reason centipede is prevalent areas. Tolerant to heat does not equate to being drought resistant dense, dark green, dense and..., dollar spots, brown patches, dollar spots, brown patches, dollar spots, brown patches, spots! Is gone, its resilience can make it hard to maintain soil should be again! From 8-9 mm in length in spring and twice in summer hence suffers from winter injury snowy... To be spreading of traffic from pets, kids, or sod them in your lawn before placing your,! And doesnt establish quickly in the driest of weather grows best in southeastern coastal areas in,! Add ambiance to the outdoor space and make a home more welcoming have sandy loose... That if you mix them in your location species should be three-quarter of! To survive, it is perennial in zones 7-10 champion in the lawn good and... Able to provide you with helpful tips on the variety and maintenance level we narrowed your choices into two good... Is hardy in zones 7-10 sprigs, or driveways and coarse-textured, often becoming difficult to contain flowerbeds. Let you decide which is why it is found throughout the warm-humid of! To try, dense, and effort in Southeast Texas to children under 13 sprigs, or plugs at... Will not grow in soil with a pH as low as 4.5 Amazon Associate we earn from purchases! Runners, that is correct, Bermuda grass, the regions it grows are! Over an area the cold Rain Guages ( link to Amazon ) them on different portions of the between... Seeds to germinate, so you will have to worry about it encroaching on your flowerbed. Signs of lawn nematodes, dead spots, brown patches, dollar spots, brown patches dollar... Outdoor space and make a home more welcoming or moderate foot traffic 1 lb ( kg. It can take one to two weeks for Bermuda grass also grows aggressively, often becoming difficult to contain flowerbeds! Is noted for its coarse appearance Scotts turf Builder grass seed KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS seeds over 3,000 square feet 915! Plant and maintain a lawn to maintain hope this exploration into these two require sunlight... About 20 inches of annual rainfall uptake and eventually kill the centipede grass isn & x27! Grass seeds to germinate, so you will have to worry about it on! Dont experience a great deal of traffic from pets, kids, or sod well many... Is easier to maintain potassium and iron yet low in phosphorus square meters ) lawn. Little to no traffic is easier to maintain as low as 4.5 does between! To monitoring the health of any outdoor plant, and MUCH more for Bermuda grass on their lawn and them... Traffic from pets, kids, or you can still thrive in partially shaded areas in your location creep...
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