Centipede vs Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine
Centipede vs Bermuda: Centipede needs 75% LESS nitrogen, grows 50% slower, tolerates shade better, but has MUCH less traffic and drought tolerance. Don't apply Bermuda care to centipede — it will die. Centipede vs Zoysia: Similar maintenance levels but centipede prefers more acidic soil. Zoysia is denser, more traffic-tolerant, and more cold-tolerant. Zoysia is better for heavier soils. Centipede vs St. Augustine: Both are stoloniferous warm-season grasses. St. Augustine has wider blades, better shade tolerance, and handles more nitrogen. Centipede handles acidic soil better and needs less maintenance. Mixed lawns: Centipede can coexist with some shade-tolerant grasses in transition areas. However, centipede's low fertilizer needs make it difficult to maintain alongside grasses that need more nitrogen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose centipede or bermuda?
Choose centipede if you want low maintenance and have acidic soil. Choose bermuda if you want a thick, aggressive lawn and can commit to regular mowing and fertilizing. Bermuda needs more sun and more care.
How does centipede compare to zoysia?
Zoysia is more traffic-tolerant and cold-hardy than centipede but requires more maintenance. Centipede needs less fertilizer and less mowing. Zoysia produces a denser turf but costs more to establish.
Is centipede or St. Augustine better for shade?
St. Augustine handles shade better than centipede, needing only 4-6 hours of sun. However, St. Augustine requires significantly more maintenance and is susceptible to different diseases. Both are poor choices for deep shade.
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