Simple Ways To Get Thicker Centipede Grass
A lush, thick lawn is the dream for many homeowners. But sometimes, reality doesn't quite match up. If your centipede grass looks a little sparse or patchy, don't worry - you can take steps to thicken it up.
We'll look at everything from soil preparation to proper mowing technique and more. With a bit of TLC and strategic care, you can transform thin, lackluster grass into a carpet of healthy green blades.
Test and Improve Your Soil
Centipede grass thrives when the soil conditions are just right. Take the time to test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Centipede prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0-6.0. If the pH is off, add amendments like sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise it.
You also want soil with good drainage - standing water or soggy soil causes root problems. Improve drainage by adding organic material or installing drainage pipes. Nutrient-poor soil can benefit from compost or gentle fertilizer applications.
Key Soil Tips
- Test soil pH yearly and amend as needed
- Improve drainage of wet, compacted areas
- Mix in compost to increase organic matter
- Addnutrients like sulfur and lime as indicated by soil test
Proper Mowing and Lawn Care
How you mow and care for your centipede grass makes a big difference in thickness and health. Set your mower height to 1-1.5 inches - the proper height for centipede. Avoid cutting too short, as that causes weaknesses and thinning. Always use sharp mower blades to prevent tearing the grass.
Leave the grass clippings on the lawn after mowing - this recycles nutrients. Dethatch in spring or fall to prevent buildup of dead material. Annual aeration also helps nutrients and water reach the roots.
Vital Mowing and Care Tips
- Mow at 1-1.5 inch height during growing season
- Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing
- Leave clippings on lawn to provide nitrogen
- Dethatch and aerate once a year
Fertilizing for Thickness
Fertilizing is crucial for centipede grass thickness, but it's important not to overdo it. Excess nitrogen leads to foliar growth at the expense of root development. Use a soil test to determine specific needs. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early fall. During summer, make light applications of nitrogen fertilizer to spur growth and fill in bare spots.
Organic fertilizers like compost release nutrients slowly over time. Avoid "weed and feed" products - they often contain herbicide harmful to centipede. Always follow label directions when applying any lawn fertilizer.
Smart Fertilizing Tips
- Soil test to identify nutrient needs
- Apply nitrogen fertilizer during growing season
- Use slow-release organic fertilizers when possible
- Avoid over-fertilizing which causes excess growth
Water Deeply and Infrequently
Centipede grass thrives with deep, infrequent watering that encourages roots to grow down. Water early in the day and allow the soil to partially dry between watering. Measure sprinkler output to determine how long to run them. About 1-1.5 inches of water weekly is ideal for centipede during hot, dry periods.
Saturated soil deprives roots of oxygen. Install rain shut-off devices on irrigation systems to prevent overwatering during rainy spells. Adjust watering schedule for rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Effective Watering Tips
- Water early to reduce fungal disease
- Allow soil to dry between watering
- Measure sprinkler output for runtimes
- Adjust schedule for weather and season
Filling in Bare Spots
If you have dead patches or thin spots in an otherwise healthy lawn, take action to fill them in. The best method is digging out dead grass and replacing it with centipede sod or plugs. This ensures the new grass matches and blends with the existing lawn. Another option is carefully removing sod, seeding the bare spot, and keeping it consistently moist until established.
Spring and fall are ideal times for seeding or laying sod. Use preemergent herbicide to prevent weeds from germinating in bare areas before the grass has a chance to fill in.
Fixing Sparse Areas
- Dig out dead grass and fill with sod or plugs
- Seed bare spots in spring and fall
- Use preemergent herbicide to prevent weeds
- Keep newly seeded areas moist
Weed and Pest Control
Weeds compete with grass for light, water and nutrients. Identify and hand pull or spot treat weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass. Preemergent herbicides also prevent many weeds.
Insect pests like chinch bugs can damage centipede and cause thinning. Apply appropriate insecticide if pests are detected. Prevent fungal disease with proper cultural practices and treat outbreaks with fungicide.
Reduce Weeds and Pests
- Hand pull small weed outbreaks
- Use preemergent herbicide to prevent weeds
- Treat chinch bugs and other pests
- Promote air flow and reduce watering to prevent disease
Overseeding and Alternatives
During cooler months, overseed centipede grass with perennial ryegrass for added green color and thickness. The ryegrass dies out when temperatures rise in late spring. For even more dramatic thickness, consider replacing centipede grass with hybrid Bermuda varieties. Bermuda forms a lush, dense turf but requires more maintenance.
Extra Options for Thickness
- Overseed with ryegrass in fall and winter
- Switch to hybrid Bermuda for maximum density
- Upgrade irrigation system for ideal growing conditions
When to Call a Professional
Taking the DIY route with proper lawn care practices can transform an average centipede lawn into a showpiece. But sometimes it makes sense to call in the pros. If you need major grading work, drainage improvements, or lawn renovations like complete reshaping or replanting, landscape contractors have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.
Professionals can also provide services like core aeration, power dethatching, hydroseeding, and precise fertilizer application that are difficult for homeowners to complete.
Professional Services
- Major grading and drainage work
- Full lawn renovation or replacement
- Power core aeration
- Precision fertilizer and herbicide application
FAQs
How often should I dethatch my centipede grass lawn?
Dethatch centipede grass lawns every 1-2 years in early spring or fall when grass is actively growing. Remove thatch buildup to prevent disease, improve air flow, and allow water and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
What factors determine the optimal watering schedule for my centipede grass lawn?
The ideal watering frequency depends on soil type, weather conditions, grass health, and more. In general, water 1-1.5 inches per week, divide into 2-3 sessions. Water early in the day. Adjust for rainfall, higher temperatures, and other factors that influence soil moisture.
How do I know if my centipede grass lawn has too much thatch buildup?
Thatch exceeding 0.5 inch thickness can cause problems. Excess thatch feels spongy underfoot, encourages fungal disease, and prevents water and nutrient absorption. Dethatching improves conditions for healthy grass roots.
What is the best way to prevent mole crickets and grubs from damaging my centipede grass lawn?
Apply appropriate insecticide if grubs or mole crickets are detected through soil sampling. Preventative application of insecticide around early summer can also deter infestations. Maintain turf health and avoid over-fertilizing to make grass less appealing to pests.
How can I prevent excessive nitrogen or phosphorus from harming my centipede grass lawn?
Always follow soil test recommendations, and fertilize lightly - no more than 2 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft yearly for sandy soils. Use slow-release fertilizers to prevent nutrient spikes. Sweep any spilled fertilizer immediately to avoid burn spots.
Getting a lush, dense centipede lawn requires a commitment to proper care and maintenance. Test and amend your soil, fertilize carefully, mow at the correct height, and irrigate appropriately. Fill in sparse areas, control weeds and pests, and consider overseeding or alternatives like hybrid Bermuda. With informed TLC, you can achieve an enviable carpet of healthy centipede grass.
The investment of time and care will pay off in a flawless lawn you'll be proud to call your own. Your beautiful centipede grass will provide enjoyment for years while adding curb appeal and value to your landscape.