Centipede Grass

Overview

Centipede grass has earned its nickname "the lazy man's grass" because it demands so little attention compared to other lawn options. This warm-season grass originated in China and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. It has become a favorite throughout the Southeast for homeowners who want an attractive lawn without the constant upkeep.

With its distinctive apple-green color and coarse-textured blades, Centipede creates a dense, uniform lawn that naturally crowds out many weeds. It grows slowly through stolons (above-ground runners), which means less mowing for you. The trade-off is that it takes longer to fill in bare spots compared to aggressive spreaders like Bermuda.

Centipede thrives in the acidic soils common throughout Georgia and adapts well to Metro Atlanta's climate. It tolerates heat and humidity well, though it will go dormant and turn straw-colored during winter months.

Best For

• Homeowners who want minimal lawn maintenance
• Full sun to light shade locations
• Sandy or acidic soils (common in Georgia)
• Moderate-traffic areas — not ideal for sports or heavy play
• Budget-conscious homeowners (lower fertilizer and mowing costs)

Key Features

• Shade Tolerance: Low to Moderate — needs at least 6 hours of sun, tolerates light shade
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate — survives dry spells but looks best with regular water
• Traffic Tolerance: Low to Moderate — not ideal for heavy foot traffic
• Growth Rate: Slow — less mowing, but slower to fill in bare areas
• Appearance: Medium-textured, apple-green to lime-green color
• Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches

Pros & Cons

Care & Maintenance

Centipede is forgiving of neglect, making it perfect for busy homeowners. Over-fertilizing is actually one of the biggest mistakes people make with this grass — too much nitrogen causes thatch buildup and can lead to decline.

• Mowing Height: Maintain at 1.5" to 2" — avoid cutting too short
• Watering: Water when the grass shows signs of stress (bluish tint, footprints that don't spring back)
• Fertilization: Low input — 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually is plenty
• pH: Prefers acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0) — avoid lime unless soil test recommends it

Watch for "Centipede Decline," a condition where the grass thins out over time. This usually results from over-fertilization, improper pH, or poor drainage. Keep things simple, and Centipede will reward you with years of low-effort beauty.

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