Maintaining Your Centipede Lawn

Once your lawn is established, fertilize and water only as necessary to maintain a turf tight enough to resist weed invasion and to keep the grass in healthy condition so that it is producing adequate growth for a fresh, neat appearance.

Mowing

Dull mower blades chew the grass rather then clip it, leaving it with a scarred appearance and in an unhealthy condition. Always keep your mower blades sharp. If mowing is delayed to the point that more is cut off then left on, the grass will suffer in appearance. Never mow grass when it is suffering from drought, or the lawn will become discolored and unattractive for several days. Water well a few days before mowing during the dry seasons. Cut to a height of 1 1/2" to 2".

Fertilizing

When lawns are properly fertilized, they are healthy and green and generally free of weed invasion. Knowing what to feed your lawn and when is very important. First of all, Centipede is a lime green grass. It is not and should never look dark forest green!! It is a southern grass that thrives in the heat of the south. There for, you do not need to apply a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (usually most northern grass fertilizers are very high because the growing seasons are so much shorter and the grass is of a different variety other then Cenitpede), you need to apply a fertilizer that is specifically labeled for Centipede grass that is usually found at your local garden centers. We recommend that in the fall you apply Winterizer fertilizer. It feeds the roots all winter long and builds cold hardiness. The slow release nitrogen will help it green up quicker in the spring. In the late spring, even as late as the first of June, we recommend fertilizing with a 15-0-15, that contains micro nutrients. We have been growing sod for almost 25 years and this program has never failed us.

Do's and Don'ts

Weed Control

Timing is critical when using pre-emergent weed killers. Usually early spring and fall. Pre-emergent weed control can save much time and money, but only if used properly. Know the difference between crab grass and broad leaf weeds as treatment or chemical used is often times different. Always read the label and apply accordingly. Keep all chemicals from freezing. Centipede is a very domineering grass and eventually, if kept healthy, will choke out most weeds.

Pest Control

There are 2 basic types of lawn insects: those who feed above ground on the foliage (chinch bugs) and those who feed under ground on roots (Grub worms). Insects are controlled by using liquid insecticides or dry granular form insecticide. Check with your local garden center for the best treatment.