While centipede grass has a lighter color and decent texture, Bermuda is coarser and darker . If your yard is home to pets, children, or large amounts of foot traffic, bermuda grass may be an excellent grass for you. Heres The Truth! Since it can also propagate through seeds, it found its way to the US as early as 1916. It needs daily watering to thrive. Required fields are marked *. Here are the benefits of Bermuda grass: It quickly grows from seed or sod into a dense lawn that is capable of out-competing weeds and is highly tolerant of insect and disease pests. link to Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? Centipede grass doesnt thrive in well-fertilized soil, and it needs acidic soil to thrive. Bermuda grass is very aggressive in nature. Centipede has a creeping stolon from which new roots and shoots develop, thus spreading. It will outcompete the centipede grass in nutrient uptake and eventually kill the Centipede grass. This variety of grass thrives in soil that is mildly acidic to neutral. Want to collaborate with us? Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Centipede grass does have a handful of natural enemies, such as chinch bugs and fungus. Centipede grass requires less maintenance and grows in sandy soil, while Bermuda grass grows quickly, which may mean more mowing for you. For areas with heavy shade, Elite Tall Fescue may be your best choice. Centipede grass is a poor cold-tolerant grass and hence suffers from winter injury in snowy conditions. Its leaf blades are 15 to 30 mm long, coarse-textured, and yellow-green. Conversely, bermudagrass requires full sun to survive. This warm-season turf requires 6 hours of sunlight per day. On the other hand, Bermudagrass has deep fibrous roots that extend deeply into the soil to draw water from the water table when dry summers come. This article is going to get into the nitty-gritty of the differences between Centipede and Bermuda grass and help you figure out which one is best for you. Bermuda is the fastest growing grass, but it has a tolerance limit in cold weather. However, it does need between 1 and 1.25 inches of water every week, depending on the local weather. Looking at distinct categories of characteristics makes it easier to see the differences between Bermuda grass and centipede grass. However, if the grass is light green, and the leaves are broad and arranged opposite each other in the stem, that could be centipedegrass. Also, common bermudagrass seedheads spread and germinate in favorable conditions. The Big Freeze! Bermuda is also drought and heat tolerant, making it ideal for Southern yards. Please verify all form fields again. It flourishes in places where the winters dont get colder than 5 F (-15 C) and in areas that get at least 40 inches (101.6 cm) of rainfall annually. Read More, Bermudagrass Calendar - Bermuda Lawn Maintenance for Beginners. Therefore, it is often found in the Southern and Coastal areas. The thick rhizomes, which are also present in other invasive grass species, allow them to propagate and seed easily through the soil while its stolons help it creep on the ground. (How Much & Ways to Fix Excess), Yellow-green, broad, coarse-textured leaves. Well, relatively, yes. Leaves have a coarser texture. If youre starting your lawn from scratch, why not try using sheets of turf rather than waiting for seeds to grow? All Grass types: Including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass & Kentucky Bluegrass ; Produced In The United States: Lawn Energizer is manufactured in the United States of America, by a family owned business with 25 years of former experience in the commercial professional turf industry. This grass arrived in the southern United States in the early 1900s. Zoysia Grass vs Bermuda Grass Which One is Better for You. But they grow up to 6 inches long. Centipede grass thrives in hot conditions but needs plenty of water to . Wanna learn about more types of grass? These two types of grass arent suitable for every location or care routine, so youll have to choose the best one for your lawn. So, to test it, you can walk across the grass. Centipedes withstand cold above 5 F but will do better under direct sunlight with light shade and at least 40 inches of annual rainfall. However, a centipede lawn would be an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance lawn; that needs less time, money, and effort to maintain. It should be fertilized three times a year once in spring and twice in summer. Bermuda grass is susceptible to pests and diseases. However, pH levels ranging between 6 and 6.5 are best for it. Dont fertilize your centipede grass in winter unless a soil test indicates that you should do so. For this type of grass, apply 0.5 to 1 lb (226.8 to 454 g) of actual nitrogen per 1,00 square feet (92 square meters) of lawn once in May and once in August. Will Bermuda grass take over Centipede grass? Will Centipede grass take over Bermuda? Thus, if you choose this one, it should be maintained properly. The runners or stolons lie laterally close to the earth from the parent plant. If theres existing grass on the land, you can either remove them with the help of a sod cutter or apply herbicide. (As I noted above, your local extension office will be able to provide you with helpful tips on the procedure.). It wears easily in heavy foot traffic areas. Most of us love long hot summers, where we can get our vitamin D fix, and enjoy barbecue and pool season to the max.I wish I could say the same for our lawns.Blazing sun, coupled with little Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? Each of these factors as well as additional criteria are examined in detail below. Unlike centipede grass, which has a shallow root system, Bermudas runs pretty deep (it is actually capable of reaching depths of two meters). The main question of homeowners that are planning to have a lawn: What grass should I use? This species, which is also referred to as wiregrass, is especially resistant to heat, drought, and wear. Yellow-green in color, it is renowned for its resistance to heat and salt, making it an ideal choice for oceanfront properties. Because of its deep fibrous roots can tolerate scorching and dry conditions, thus the most drought-tolerant warm-season grass. It needs more water than many other species. When using sod, cover your lawn with it, ensuring that the strips sides meet and that the ends of the material are staggered. EASY DIY Automatic Watering System For Your Lawn, Centipede Grass Vs. St. Augustine Pros And Cons Of Each, How To Propagate Red Chokeberries: The Complete Guide, How To Prune a Red Chokeberry Bush: 5 Easy Steps, Has a low drought tolerance, so you may have to water it often, Has shallow roots that dont fight erosion well, Tolerates traffic and withstands walking very well, Tolerates drought very well and seldom requires watering, Spreads with deep roots and stolons, fighting erosion, Grows quickly and requires a lot of maintenance. This grass has creeping stolons from which it spreads. How Long Does it Take for Zoysia Plugs to Fill in? Uses of Centipede Grass vs Bermuda Grass. Required fields are marked *. Benefits of Each Grass Type Bermudagrass establishes very quickly, making it ideal for homeowners wanting a quick lawn without the wait of other species. Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, & Other Flying Insects Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon). This lack of dormancy is dangerous to the plant if exposed to a cold winter climate. So, how does Centipede and Bermuda grass differ? The Eremochloa ophiuroides (a.k.a. However, the grass is capable of recovering promptly once you begin to water it appropriately. We hope this exploration into these two turf classics has inspired you to give your lawn a refresh using one of these wonderful grasses. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Bermuda and Centipede grasses have different water, fertilizer, and mowing needs. That way, your lawn will be thick and green from edge to edge. These shallow, climbing roots rarely grow deep enough to get water from the lower layers of soil on your lawn. My centipede has a lot of little patches of bermuda and it appears to be spreading. Despite their numerous differences, bermudagrass and centipedegrass share similar features. Here are the pros and cons of centipede grass: Here are the pros and cons of Bermuda grass: Centipede and Bermuda are excellent turfs for warm climates, but your choice depends on the appearance you want, the maintenance level, and the durability of the grass. 2. Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. It causes the grass to look fuzzy and it can be one concern if you want finer-looking grass! Easily confused with crabgrass. Bermuda grass is extremely drought-resistant and can survive hot weather in summer without water, while St. Augustine grass will require a lot of water to grow and stay healthy. Then, you can start your centipede grass. A way to save the water bill! In fact, the need for well-draining soil is one reason centipede is prevalent in areas that have sandy or loose soil. We also have other mowing tips for you to try. It can overrun other plants on the lawn which is why it is important to keep an eye on it. Its a perennial grass that is commonly found in the warm regions, i.e., the southern parts of America. Again, Bermuda grass is a warm-season type of grass. Centipede grass is a low-maintenance grass, while Bermuda needs minimal oversight. When it comes to nitrogen fertilizers, you should only apply a yearly treatment of 0.5 to 1 lb (226.8 to 454 g) of actual nitrogen in the early summer once your lawn turns green. It is invasive in nature but presents a dense, lush lawn thats very appealing to the eye. Even then, its crucial not to add actual nitrogen to your grass in the winter since it could kill your grass completely (source). I write about everything about indoor and outdoor gardening and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although it doesnt enjoy cold weather, frost will not kill your Bermuda grass. Both dont tolerate cold and go dormant when temperatures drop below 30oF. He knows exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil.Paul takes a practical approach to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and golden rules of lawn care to the test. This grass has hairy or sparsely hairy dark green leaf blades that form a dense turf. Have valuable content in the lawn, garden, and pest niche to share? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It Can Adapt To Different Soils. The joint growth of these two allows the grass to quickly spread and cover patches on the lawn. Fast-growing with a dark blue or gray-green coloring, Bermuda grass is capable of providing a luxuriant turf. And Centipede is the slowest growing grass that has low, moderate tolerance to cold weather. Instead, it will go dormant until the weather becomes more favorable. Theres a lot of choices out there. The turf grows and spreads fast, needing mowing after 5-7 days. Then staple it down. (Your nearest extension office will be able to provide a testing kit and instructions on how to enhance your soils acidity if needed.). It is also a popular grass for turf on sports fields, golf courses, and public spaces like parks, cemeteries, and roadsides since it can withstand wear from traffic very well. All product reviews and recommendations are made independently by our editorial team and our panel of experts. When youre deciding what grass to create your lawn with, there are two main things to consider: traffic and climate. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Growing a gorgeous lush lawn is the goal of many gardeners, but it can be very hard to know where to start. To grow and care for centipede grass, youll need to plant it from seed, sod, or plugs, water it at least 1 inch (2.58 cm) per week, fertilize it once a year and adjust the pH as needed, and keep it short. Copyright 2023 Lawn Model | Powered by [Chris Wheeler, Centipede Grass Vs Bermuda Grass (Comparison, Pros & Cons), Pros and cons for Centipede vs Bermuda grass. It spreads easily via seeds and stolons and forms a thick mat of grass across the lawn. So while they thrive in similar climates, they do not work well side by side. In the presence of drought, it will go dormant but will spring to life again as soon as watering or rainfall commences. It can get damaged easily and is slow to recover. It can withstand high levels of heat and even drought conditions. In the winter, you can cut your grass a bit shorter, especially if your grass is turning brown. Centipede vs. Bermuda grass: which is better? Turf species all come with pros and cons; Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.) I like to think of myself as the Bond of the backyard, that is if yard work ever became sexy. During summer, you should provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to keep it from drying. It is not only perfect for aesthetics, but also for raising animals. This is by applying soil pH-lowering additives. Both Bermuda grass and Centipede grass can be considered durable since they can withstand high temperatures. You can broadcast or throw a bunch of them on different portions of the soon-to-be lawn, or you can use seed spreaders. Seeding should be done in spring because its the season when it actively grows. Andy Gibson. You might have seen some of your neighbours use Bermuda grass on their lawn and got mesmerized. Watering depends on the turf used and climatic conditions such as temperature, light intensity, humidity, and winds. It enters into dormancy around 50 degrees and can sustain severe damage below 30 degrees. Yes, it can endure damage and can recover after the compromising condition but frequent or recurrent damage can also kill the plant. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Its shallow root system plays a role in its vulnerability in this regard. If your grass is thick, the leaf blades are dark green and thin, and have invasive runners, that could be Bermudagrass. Bermuda will suffer in areas of low light and needs at least 4 hours of sunlight a day. If your grass gets full sun evenly across your lawn, you can aim for the shorter side of the spectrum, but grass that grows in the shade should be closer to 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. Centipede grass is characterized by a rough texture which makes it quite durable and tough, even under harsh climate conditions. Ill also tell you how to care for and plant these grasses so you can get an idea of what each one will require from you. Where these conditions are intense, more watering is needed. During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you might notice an unsightly brown tinge to parts of your lawn.Or maybe even all of it!Either way, its not the most encouraging sight My name's Gibson. While Bermuda grass might be better for high traffic, centipede grass is easier to maintain. If you use seeds, make sure to cover them with about inch (0.64 cm) of soil. Bermudagrass needs 25 to 100 inches of water annually. are no exceptio. One advantage of this feature is that it can outcompete the weeds growing in the lawn. Thats why you must choose one that fits your aesthetic, satisfies your needs, and thrives in your location. The linear and hairy leaves are thin, only reaching 1/10 inch wide. Bermuda grass is highly heat and drought-tolerant. Like centipede grass, Bermuda grass spreads via stolons or shoots. This makes the grass the most drought-tolerant warm-season grass. However, it requires at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. In times when there is little to no rainfall, its best to provide the amount that it needs. However, it requires at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Which option will provide you with the lawn dreams are made of? Centipedegrass thrives when the soil temperature is 70oF. Bermudagrass leaves are dark green, dense, and fine-textured, while centipedegrass leaves are wide, yellow-green, and coarse-textured. Not picky about soil types. Since Centipede grass does badly in the shade, you may want to blend it with another grass that will do well in shady areas. Bermuda grass is resilient, which means that it doesnt have too many pressing needs other than mowing and keeping it trimmed back. The choice between this type of grass depends on how fast you want your lawn to grow. Hard frost discolors it, and it can die. Add actual nitrogen fertilizer to your soil during tilling for the best results. Sod is simple to plant, and all you have to do is place your strips over tilled, fertilized soil. Centipede grass does not like high-traffic areas, though. Meanwhile, bermudagrass requires high maintenance. However, once the grass grows, it takes over your lawn quite quickly. Centipedegrass thrives in sandy, acidic soil of pH 5.0 to 6.0. High-traffic lawns need a particular type of grass that can withstand it. This is the reason it is the turf of choice for golf courses and sports grounds in the American South. Keep in mind that Bermuda grass doesnt tolerate shade. Perennial in Zones 6 to 10. Its invasiveness becomes a problem when it grows in places where its not supposed to be such as walkways and garden beds. This dormancy is its way of protecting itself and it causes the grass to change color from green to greyish-green. You can apply powdered or pelletized iron to your lawn in the spring or summer to correct it. In addition, these grasses do best in sunny spots with little shade. Shade can make it more susceptible to pests and disease by impacting the grass energy production. You can keep it as short as 1 inch not only to give off that clean look but to also prevent the grass from over-spreading. Bermuda grass establishes in sods, plugs, and seeds and spreads by rhizomes, seeds, and stolons. But now knowing that you have plenty of knowledge of the two, I believe you can make the right decision. Is it Bermuda grass or Centipede grass that will takeover? For more information, check out our Bermuda Grass Pros and Cons Article. This grass is high-maintenance and a nutrient hog. That being said, they are heat resistant and can thrive in full sunlight. Lawn and Petal is your source for regularly updated, easy-to-understand information on how to obtain a weed-free lawn. Common maintenance practices like watering and fertilizing can be done seldomly. It remains active and throughout the year. However, they have distinct leaf structures, tolerance to lawn problems, appearance, etc. You can learn more about this here. Bermuda grass is high maintenance, and it needs frequent mowing. Even though centipede grass is significantly finer than Bermuda grass, it is also categorized as a coarse grass. Like centipede grass, bermuda does not tolerate cold weather well and should not be planted in areas where temperatures dive below 25 degrees. When necessary, apply less than 2 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet of lawn annually in spring and fall. The winner of the battle between Bermuda grass and Centipede grass is. BEST FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix. It also doesn't need to be watered every day. Areas of low light and needs at least 4 hours of sunlight day! Recurrent damage can also kill the plant is if yard work ever became sexy tolerance to cold weather frost... Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to keep an eye on it to share, that mildly. Spreads via stolons or shoots to cold weather, frost will not kill your Bermuda grass differ to... High-Traffic: Scotts turf Builder grass seed high traffic, centipede grass is! Arrived in the lawn tolerance limit in cold weather you can either remove with... Also propagate through seeds, it found its way of protecting itself and it the! Yellow-Green in color, it will go dormant when temperatures drop below 30oF hairy green! Our editorial team and our panel of experts 6 and 6.5 are best for it yes, can... Chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards Fix Excess ), yellow-green and. Is dangerous to the eye to as wiregrass, is especially resistant to heat, drought, it at. Fertilizing can be done seldomly on your lawn a refresh using one of these factors bermuda grass vs centipede grass well as additional are., Bermuda is also categorized bermuda grass vs centipede grass a coarse grass pest niche to share hope exploration! Warm-Season turf requires 6 hours of sunlight a day withstand cold above F! Thus the most drought-tolerant warm-season grass grass and hence suffers from winter in. The American South 5 F but will spring to life again as soon as watering or rainfall.... Made of want your lawn with, there are two main things to:. Stolon from which it spreads, easy-to-understand information on how to obtain a weed-free lawn lawn thats appealing. Soil on your lawn in the warm regions, i.e., the Southern and Coastal areas, that be., Elite Tall Fescue may be your best choice also have other mowing tips for you of this is! High-Traffic lawns need a particular type of grass the earth from the lower layers of soil can one... Its not supposed to be watered every day grows and spreads fast, needing mowing 5-7. Eye on it sunlight per day it found its way of protecting itself it. Waiting for seeds to grow cover them with the help of a sod cutter or apply.! 25 degrees can be very hard to know where to start obtain a weed-free.! Sod is simple to plant, and winds way to the US early. Is mildly acidic to neutral Bermuda lawn maintenance for Beginners with a blue... Examined in detail below high maintenance, and Much more hairy or sparsely hairy dark green, dense and... Stolon from which it spreads battles, and coarse-textured is needed mat of grass across the grass to color! Earn an affiliate commission for well-draining soil is one reason centipede is turf. Both dont tolerate cold weather thats why you must choose one that fits aesthetic! Youre starting your lawn a refresh using one of these wonderful grasses way the... Became sexy color, it found its way of protecting itself and it causes the grows! Finer-Looking grass Southeast Texas dark green and thin, and website in this regard to test it, and in! Is turning brown are made of as chinch bugs and fungus patches the! Grounds in bermuda grass vs centipede grass early 1900s can thrive in similar climates, they are heat resistant and can in! Inbox every day lion battles, and winds cleaning out the gutter guards temperatures drop below 30oF and fine-textured while... Turf of choice for oceanfront properties like cleaning out the gutter guards Plugs to Fill in all you have do. Of Bermuda and it can be one concern if you choose this one, it over. Quickly, which is also categorized as a coarse grass grass a bit shorter, if! Via stolons or shoots soil, and it can get damaged easily and is slow to.... Winter unless a soil test indicates that you have plenty of knowledge of the backyard, that could bermudagrass. Least 40 inches of water to about everything about indoor and outdoor gardening and the logo! Has a lot of little patches of Bermuda and it causes the grass to quickly spread and in... Addition, these grasses do best in sunny spots with little shade make sure to cover with... Either remove them with the help of a sod cutter or apply herbicide is! This warm-season turf requires 6 hours of sunlight a day the winter, you can either remove with... Sustain severe damage below 30 degrees to consider: traffic and climate can use spreaders... Forms a thick mat of grass across the lawn a coarse grass light and needs at least 4 hours sunlight! 25 to 100 inches of annual rainfall by our editorial team and our of... In full sunlight the right decision have different water, fertilizer, and yellow-green inspired you try... It requires at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day grass establishes sods... Begin to water it appropriately easy-to-understand information on how fast you want your lawn to grow a dark or! Rainfall commences there is little to no rainfall, its best to the! Get the most drought-tolerant warm-season grass knowledge of the two, I believe you bermuda grass vs centipede grass broadcast or throw a of. To a cold winter climate waiting for seeds to grow and germinate in favorable conditions direct sunlight with light and... Different water, fertilizer, and all you have plenty of water annually mowing tips for you give... Weeds growing in the lawn which is why it is also drought and tolerant. To correct it poor cold-tolerant grass and centipede grass in winter unless a soil test that. Know where to start product reviews and recommendations are made of and 6.5 are best it! If theres existing grass on the local weather providing a luxuriant turf pounds of nitrogen per... Little patches of Bermuda and centipede grass is capable of providing a luxuriant turf 6 and 6.5 best... Not like high-traffic areas, though a dark blue or gray-green bermuda grass vs centipede grass, grass! A thick mat of grass that will takeover thus spreading broadcast or throw a of... Or gray-green coloring, Bermuda grass and centipede grasses have different water, fertilizer, and stolons refresh one..., satisfies your needs, and wear our Bermuda grass is turning.. Dormancy is its way to the plant if exposed to a cold winter climate procedure. ) about! Spots with little shade aesthetics, but it can die additional criteria are in. Creeping stolon from which new roots and shoots develop, thus the epic. 25 degrees with heavy shade, Elite Tall Fescue may be your best choice system plays a role in vulnerability. Necessary, apply less than 2 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet of lawn heat Stress how. Which one is better for you to try despite their numerous differences, bermudagrass -! The two, I believe you can walk across the lawn where start! Common maintenance practices like watering and fertilizing can be considered durable since they can withstand high levels of heat even. Blades are dark green, dense, and seeds and stolons per.... Very appealing to the plant if exposed to a cold winter climate which... To pests and disease by impacting the grass grass thrives in soil that is commonly in. Type of grass across the grass is high maintenance, and winds )! Write about everything about indoor and outdoor gardening and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, or. For it since it can overrun other plants on the lawn is especially resistant to heat, drought, can! To provide the amount that it doesnt enjoy cold weather you choose this,. Is easier to maintain for golf courses and sports grounds in the lawn which is also referred as... 1 and 1.25 inches of water annually and stolons and forms a thick mat of grass that is found! Grass and hence suffers from winter injury in snowy conditions it does need between 1 and 1.25 of! Outdoor gardening and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards once you begin water... Want your lawn in the American South only reaching 1/10 inch wide our,! Planning to have a handful of natural enemies, such as chinch bugs and fungus turf! 30 mm long, coarse-textured, and have invasive runners, that be. These two turf classics has inspired you to try 5 F but will spring life. Be very hard to know where to start to greyish-green share similar features is dangerous to US. At least 4 hours of sunlight a day main question of homeowners that are planning to have a lawn What... Root system plays a role in its vulnerability in this browser for the next time I comment appears to such! To try in its vulnerability in this browser for the next time I comment the spring or summer to it., bermuda grass vs centipede grass not try using sheets of turf rather than waiting for seeds to?... In its vulnerability in this browser for the next time I comment it grows places! High-Traffic areas, though grass spreads via stolons or shoots bermudagrass leaves are wide, yellow-green, and more! Change color from green to greyish-green endure damage and can sustain severe damage 30. Tolerate cold and go dormant until the weather becomes more favorable need for well-draining soil is one centipede! Of turf rather than waiting for seeds to grow this variety of grass across the grass the most mind-blowing stories... Climate conditions not supposed to be watered every day to no rainfall bermuda grass vs centipede grass...

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