TechNotes Tips - Centipedegrass Archive

Centipedegrass is a popular lawn grass for low maintenance situations. It tolerates low rates of nitrogen. Its slow growth requires less frequent mowing than other popular warm season turfgrasses. Problems with centipedegrass are normally associated with over fertilizing with nitrogen and mowing the turf high. Too much nitrogen results in a dark green color that does not appear natural for this turfgrass species. Iron deficiencies can occur under these conditions. High rates of nitrogen in combination with a high mowing height, results in thatch. If the thatch layer becomes significant, stolons from centipedegrass tend to grow through the thatch and lose contact with the soil surface. Stolons that are growing in the thatch are prone to winter injury.