About Centipede Sod
Centipede sod is perfect for those who are searching for a low-maintenance, general purpose turf. It requires little fertilizer, infrequent mowing, and will tolerate moderate shade. However, in order for this type of grass to grow well, it needs at least 6 hours of full sun.
It is used primarily for lawns, parks, golf course roughs and utility turf. Like St. Augustine grass, centipede does not tolerate heavy traffic and is not suited for athletic fields. Centipede sod is ideally suited for roadside rights-of-way and other low maintenance turf areas. However, it can become a nuisance in adjoining pasture and crop land.
Contact our team with any questions to ensure you purchase the right sod grass for your lawn.
How to Care for Centipede Sod
Centipede has been described as a “lazy man’s grass” because of its low maintenance requirements. In general, annual fertilization, regular mowing and irrigation as needed to prevent severe wilting will meet with the requirements for a satisfactory centipede grass lawn.
Soil
Centipede sod is best adapted to sandy, acid soils where annual rainfall is in excess of 40 inches. It tolerates very low soil fertility levels and thrives on moderately fertile soils.
Water
Water should be applied when grass shows signs of water stress: wilted and discolored turf. Light, frequent applications of water should be avoided since it promotes shallow rooting. Thoroughly wetting the soil 4 to 6 inches deep only when the grass shows signs of moisture stress is the proper procedure for watering centipede lawns. Sandy soils require more frequent applications of water, but the soil should be wet 6 to 8 inches deep after each irrigation.
Light
Centipede is moderately shade tolerant, but grows best in full sunlight.
Temperature
Centipede sod is extremely heat-tolerant. This is why it has become such a popular sod choice throughout the southeast. It does not have a true period of winter dormancy like other warm-season grasses. In very mild climates it can remain green all winter. However, this lack of dormancy can make it vulnerable to winter cold.
Fertilizer
Annual applications of nitrogen in the spring and fall at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000 sq. ft. are recommended. A summer application of nitrogen at ° to 1 pound per 1,000 sq. ft. is optional.
Learn more about other grass species available at RiverView Turf by visiting our grasses page or by contacting our team.