Centipede Grass Maintenance

In the active growing season, centipede needs about 1 inch of water a week from natural rainfall or irrigation. If you apply any granular fertilizer or control product, you will need to water it in. This is a sufficient amount of water for the week.

For optimal results, feed your lawn during the spring season by applying Lawnifi Foundation, a granular fertilizer, or the Lawnifi Spring Fertilizer Box.

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass from plaguing your lawn and garden.

Apply a broad-spectrum insecticide to prevent spring insects from appearing or to control any current spring insects like spittlebugs or white grubs.

Apply a systemic fungicide at a preventive rate to keep disease from taking hold of your lawn.

Centipede should be kept at a mowing height of 1.5–2 inches. When mowing, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.

Centipede only needs about one inch of water weekly. Water for longer periods of time, less frequently, and in the early morning hours. Take rainfall into consideration.

For optimal results, feed your lawn monthly during the summer season by applying the Lawnifi’s Summer Fertilizer Box or apply Lawnifi Foundation once every three months.

It is not recommended that you apply an herbicide at this time because when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the herbicide will damage the grass.

Check for and control any white grubs. Other insects to look out for include mole crickets and spittlebugs.

Disease outbreaks in centipede are uncommon at this time. Treat with a broad-spectrum fungicide like Heritage if needed.

During the fall, mowing will occur less often—keeping your centipede grass slightly higher that the regular 1.5–2 inch height will encourage deeper root growth for winter.

Water less as temperatures drop—too much water will lead to disease.  Water to prevent drought stress while grass is actively growing and after the beginning stages of dormancy to prevent dehydration.

For optimal results, feed your lawn monthly during the fall season by applying the Lawnifi’s Fall Fertilizer Box or apply Lawnifi Foundation once every three months.

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to control winter annual and perennial weeds like chickweed, henbit, Poa annua, or purple deadnettle. Apply post-emergent herbicides only when weeds are present. Since centipede is sensitive to certain herbicides (2,4-D and MSMA), use a product with Atrazine.

Check for and control any white grubs. Treat with an insecticide if needed.

It is recommended you apply a fungicide at preventative rates as this will help the grass enter colder months in a healthier condition. Centipede can sometimes be prone to large patch during the fall season.