Centipede grass, often referred to as the “lazy man’s grass,” is a top choice for homeowners who want a lush, green lawn without the fuss. Known for its slow-growing nature, centipede grass thrives in warm, acidic soils, particularly in regions like the coastal plains. It’s the kind of turfgrass that requires very little — just a bit of full sun, the right soil type, and a mower that’s not overworked. If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect lawn without the constant upkeep, centipede grass might just be your best bet.
But here’s the catch: while centipede grass is low-maintenance once established, it does need some initial care to spread effectively. Whether you’re starting a new lawn or just looking to fill in some bare spots, spreading centipede grass can be simple with the right approach.
Once this warm-season grass has been established in your yard, it won’t need much attention. Until then, using a professional lawn care service to fertilize your centipede grass is the best way to keep it healthy and growing. The reviews team has conducted extensive research, evaluating service plans, costs, customer reviews, and more to help you find the best professional lawn care company to care for your grass.
The reviews team’s recommendation for the best professional lawn care service is TruGreen. To receive a free estimate for fertilization and other lawn care services, call TruGreen at 877-386-6512 or fill out an easy form.
- Similar in appearance to St. Augustine grass, centipede grass is a coarse, light-green grass that spreads across your lawn via stems referred to as “runners.”
- There are several landscaping tasks you should do when first attempting to grow a healthy centipede grass lawn.
- The grass will grow slowly over the first year or two, but if you remain patient and ensure that the soil has the proper pH for centipede grass, the grass will spread quickly by the third year.
In this article, I’ll share the specific needs of centipede grass, and its pros and cons to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance yard for years to come.
Centipede Grass Basics
Similar in appearance to St. Augustine grass, centipede grass is a coarse, light-green grass that spreads across your lawn via stems called runners. The runners sprout new grass blades and roots that anchor the grass to the ground. As the centipede grass spreads, the lawn thickens until you have a green, easy-to-maintain lawn.
Understanding the specific needs of centipede grass, like its shade tolerance and susceptibility to brown patches, can make all the difference. Applying the right amount of nitrogen fertilizer, getting about an inch of water each week, and avoiding overuse of weed killer will help your centipede grass maintain its vibrant green color.
Pros and Cons of Centipede Grass
Lawn owners in the Southeast favor centipede grass for its high heat tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
Here are some interesting facts about centipede grass:
- Prefers low-phosphorus, sandy soils
- Grows slowly, so it doesn’t require frequent mowing
- Can grow in areas of light shade
- Is drought-resistant and heat-resistant
Centipede grass does have very specific soil and climate requirements that limit its application in other areas of the country.
- It’s sensitive to alkaline soil
- It doesn’t do well in colder climates
- Heavy foot traffic can cause damage to the lawn
- Allowing it to grow too high can harm your lawn
Due to its soil and climate requirements, centipede grass thrives in the Southern Coastal Plains, the Carolinas, the Texas Gulf Coast, and areas with warm winters. The soil in these areas is also conducive to the growth of centipede grass, whereas the soil in the Southwest is too alkaline to support the health of centipede grass lawns.
Steps for Spreading Centipede Grass
Low maintenance doesn’t equal no maintenance, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to make centipede grass spread. There are several lawn maintenance tasks you should do when first attempting to grow a healthy centipede grass lawn:
Mowing
Although centipede grass grows rather slowly, it still requires mowing at times. Keep the grass level at 1 to 1.5 inches. If the grass is allowed to grow taller than that, it can suffer deterioration. Be sure the lawnmower blades are sharp, or they could tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly.
Weeding
You may need to weed if you haven’t spent time properly caring for your lawn care for a while. Apply an herbicide in early spring to prevent new weed growth, and then again as needed to control and prevent weeds. There are herbicides designed especially for centipede grass.
Watering
Many areas of the coastal plains receive enough rainfall during the spring and summer to keep centipede grass healthy, but you may need to water during dry winter months. Water your lawn if you begin to notice signs of dehydration, such as the grass blades starting to curl and change color.
Dethatching
Thatch harms your lawn by creating a barrier between the grass and the soil. The grassroots grow into the thatch rather than reaching the soil. Since thatch dries out faster than soil, it can negatively impact the lawn’s health. Thatch also blocks fertilizers and pesticides from reaching the soil.
Centipede grass produces thatch, a mix of shed stems, roots, and other lawn debris. Over-fertilizing, excessive watering, or allowing the grass to grow too tall can lead to excessive thatch.
To prevent and reduce thatch, apply a top dressing of organic matter to help break it down. Use a dethatching rake for small lawns, or opt for dethatching machines for larger lawns. However, these tasks are often best handled by professional lawn care companies
Aerating
Core aeration is also a strong preventive measure to control thatch. Aeration allows water and air to reach the roots and maintain the health of your lawn. Using a large core aeration machine typically requires some training, so professionals often handle this task for the best results.
Fertilizing
Proper fertilization is important for the healthy growth of centipede grass. You should conduct a soil test before you apply fertilizer to be sure you purchase and apply the right kind. Once centipede grass is established, it only requires a light application of fertilizer once a year. I recommend a slow-release fertilizer because it’ll reduce the chances of over-fertilization.
The ideal soil pH for centipede grass is 5.5. A soil pH of 6.0 or higher can be detrimental to centipede grass. You can apply sulfur to lower alkalinity and provide better soil conditions for centipede grass. It can take some time for soil changes to occur, so you may have to be patient if you need a large adjustment.
Fertilizer calculations are especially important during the early stages of centipede grass growth. The size of your lawn and the current soil pH are also important factors in these calculations. It can be a difficult task to achieve the proper balance without ample experience in lawn care, which is why hiring a professional may be the best plan.
Seeing Results
Growing a centipede grass lawn demands patience, but the results are worth it. In the first year or two, you might not see rapid growth. Centipede grass tends to spread slowly during this time. However, if you’re patient and keep the soil’s pH at the right level, the grass will pick up pace. By the third year, you should notice it spreading more quickly and establishing a lush green carpet.
For the best results, seed your lawn between April and July. This timing ensures the weather is warm enough for the seeds to germinate. Keep an eye on your lawn during this period, as germination typically occurs within two to four weeks under optimal conditions. With the right care and a bit of patience, your centipede grass will eventually thrive and create a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn.
Using Professional Lawn Care Services
Establishing a centipede grass lawn can be challenging, but the results are well worth the effort. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional lawn care company to handle the initial soil preparation and ongoing maintenance. This promotes healthy centipede grass growth.
With a professional lawn care company managing your lawn, you won’t have to worry about applying the right amount of fertilizer or choosing the correct type. Lawn care specialists make sure your soil and lawn get the proper treatments and care throughout the seasons. This saves you significant time, effort, and money.
Buying all the fertilizer, lawn care products, and equipment yourself can get expensive. These materials are often included in the cost of a lawn care service plan, which can make it well worth the cost.
Professional Lawn Care Services Cost
There are several factors that will contribute to the cost of professional lawn care services. These include:
- Types of services: Some companies offer comprehensive service plans; others offer à la carte services based on the individual needs of your lawn.
- The company: Some companies may be more expensive than others, but opting for a cheaper company may mean sacrificing experience and professionalism.
- The area you live in: Prices vary according to the region due to climate conditions that cause your lawn to require more or less maintenance.
- Size of your lawn: Larger lawns require more maintenance and treatments.
- Health of your lawn: A lawn in bad shape will require extra services and treatment to restore its health.
Top Pick: TruGreen
The reviews team has conducted thorough research of professional lawn care companies to determine the best option for homeowners. Considering service plan offerings, lawn care and maintenance costs, customer reviews, and our comprehensive overview of TruGreen, the team has chosen TruGreen as the top choice.
TruGreen’s Offerings
TruGreen offers several service plans that include lawn treatments such as lawn fertilizing, soil aeration, weed control, and more:
| TruNatural | TruComplete | TruHealth | TruMaintenance | TruBasic |
| • Visit every 4–6 weeks • Organic fertilizer • Optional weed control | • Visit every 4–6 weeks • Fertilizer • Aeration • Weed control • insect control • Soil amendment | • Visit every 4–6 weeks • Fertilizer • Weed control • Insect control • Soil amendment | • Visit every 4–6 weeks • Fertilizer • Weed control | • Visit every 4–6 weeks • Fertilizer • Weed control |
TruGreen also has the TruGreen Healthy Lawn Guarantee® for all full-program customers. This guarantee promises that its lawn care specialists will return to your property as often as needed to make sure all treatments are effective.
The company will adjust the pH level of your soil using lime, sulfur, and other micronutrients. The goal is to achieve the perfect balance for centipede grass as well as maximize the effectiveness of other treatments.
TruGreen uses a slow-release formula to apply just the right amount of nutrients to encourage healthy lawn growth and maintain your soil pH. The lawn care company provides services at various points throughout the year. Fertilizer is adjusted according to the seasons to maintain optimal grass growth conditions.
TruGreen Locations
TruGreen has locations nationwide, except for Alaska and Hawaii. There are multiple locations in each of the other 48 states, making it easy to find a TruGreen service location near you.
To schedule an appointment or request a free estimate for TruGreen lawn care services, contact a lawn care specialist at 877-386-6512 or fill out the easy form.
Final Thoughts on How To Spread Centipede Grass
Getting your centipede grass to spread can test your patience, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re not seeing rapid growth in the first year or two, don’t sweat it. Centipede grass takes its time, but as long as you keep the soil’s pH balanced and give it the right care, you’ll notice it picking up speed by the third year. Regular watering, mowing, and weeding will help create that lush, green lawn.
Many homeowners find that hiring a professional lawn care service makes all the difference. I recommend consulting a lawn care company to take the stress out of your lawn care. These experts handle everything from soil preparation to ongoing maintenance, ensuring your centipede grass gets exactly what it needs. They’ll manage the fertilizer, check the soil, and take care of any issues that pop up, saving you time and hassle. With their help, your lawn will get the right treatments throughout the seasons, letting you sit back and enjoy the green.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for centipede grass to grow?
Seed germination should take two to four weeks, and then, depending upon the size of your lawn, it can take several years for centipede grass to spread. Centipede grass grows slowly, especially during the first year or two. Then it will spread rather quickly as it becomes more established.
How do you revive centipede grass?
It depends on what has damaged the centipede grass. Cold, disease, lawn pests, foot traffic, thatch, high soil pH, and overwatering are all culprits that could damage your lawn. Consult with a lawn care professional to determine the problem and the best solution.
How do you encourage centipede grass to spread?
Encouraging centipede grass to spread requires proper maintenance. This includes mowing, dethatching, maintaining an optimal soil pH of 5.5, and proper fertilizing and watering. The right type and amount of fertilizer is especially important to maintain centipede grass health and encourage growth and spreading.
Can you walk on centipede grass?
Centipede grass can thrive in conditions that are detrimental to other grasses but can’t stand up to medium and heavy foot traffic. Avoid walking on centipede grass lawns when possible. Heavy riding mowers can also damage centipede grass.
