Both are great grass options and are easy to care for. Have valuable content in the lawn, garden, and pest niche to share? One of Bermuda grass key qualities is its ability to recover quickly and grow vigorously. Bermuda grass is very aggressive in nature. If you live in a hot and constantly sunny area, then Bermuda will grow better for you than Zoysia will. Bermuda can be grown using seed, sprigs, or sod. We suggest using St Augustine grass, which survives well without full sun. Lawn Tips & Advice, Straight From The Experts! It can easily withstand the impact of a sports pitch. Being a warm-season grass, it has thick and sturdy roots which can withstand varying soil pH. Bermuda grass grows more aggressively than Centipede grass, and this will cause it to overtake and choke the Centipede grass. Bermuda grass is not native to the United States. The linear and hairy leaves are thin, only reaching 1/10 inch wide. Additionally, it isnt very tolerant of cold weather, so its best grown in a warmer climate. Will Centipede grass take over Bermuda? Bermuda grass also grows aggressively, often becoming difficult to contain around flowerbeds, walkways, or driveways. Bermuda grass is highly heat and drought-tolerant. While centipede grass has a lighter color and decent texture, Bermuda is coarser and darker . As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you are looking for primarily decorative grass that is not used consistently, then Centipede grass is an ideal choice. This will ensure that the roots can easily creep down into your soil. Bermuda grass and centipede grass are low-lying grass types that expand on the surface through above-ground roots (stolons). One will always outcompete the other. In fact, the need for well-draining soil is one reason centipede is prevalent in areas that have sandy or loose soil. It is invasive in nature but presents a dense, lush lawn thats very appealing to the eye. In addition, these grasses do best in sunny spots with little shade. If theres existing grass on the land, you can either remove them with the help of a sod cutter or apply herbicide. Although it doesnt enjoy cold weather, frost will not kill your Bermuda grass. That said, if youre using it to replace your current lawn grass, you may need to take some extra steps to prepare the soil. This variety of warm-season grass, also nicknamed lazy mans grass, provides a thick turf. So, to test it, you can walk across the grass. It just takes a little know-how about the differences between the two to pick the perfect grass to make your backyard something to be proud of. St. Augustine Grass, Centipede Grass / By Joe Bethel. Centipede and Bermuda grass are both warm-season grasses, but they have different tolerances for heat, drought, traffic, cold, and shade. If your yard is home to pets, children, or large amounts of foot traffic, bermuda grass may be an excellent grass for you. 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. Add actual nitrogen fertilizer to your soil during tilling for the best results. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Nevertheless, given the right conditions, Centipede grass is still a low-maintenance grass you can rely on. It spreads by stolons, grows slowly, and is not high-traffic tolerant. Centipede grass grows best in southeastern coastal areas in America, where the soil has a sandy texture and acidic pH. This grass arrived in the southern United States in the early 1900s. Additionally, it holds up well to heavy use. Sitemap | About Us | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Me | Privacy Policy. We look at similarities between the two, along with their unique attributes. So if you live in colder environments, you may need to select another species. It needs full sun and soil with good drainage. Bermuda has a slightly higher degree of cold tolerance compared to centipede grass. We are a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Benefits of Each Grass Type Bermudagrass establishes very quickly, making it ideal for homeowners wanting a quick lawn without the wait of other species. Its also low maintenance and is noted for its coarse appearance. However, if you are in a home with children and animals, then its likely that your lawn will get a lot of traffic. If your lawn is partially shaded, try to cut your grass closer to 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. Centipede Grass is low maintenance, whereas Bermuda Grass has a crazy growth rate and will need a lot of maintenance. Read More, Bermudagrass Calendar - Bermuda Lawn Maintenance for Beginners. Colder climates are not suggested for centipede grass, as extended freezing or frigid temperatures can severely damage the grass. It does not grow well in hot, dry areas and will die if not supplied with adequate moisture. There has been some error while submitting the form. Putting them in basic soil just impedes their growth or worse, if pH is much higher, it can be toxic to the plant. Looking at distinct categories of characteristics makes it easier to see the differences between Bermuda grass and centipede grass. L'herbe Zoysia est une excellente option pour de nombreux propritaires car elle peut tolrer un large ventail de types de sols. So, lets discuss the pros and cons of centipede and Bermuda grass and talk about where each type grows best. Additionally, centipede grass retains footprints when it needs more water. Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: 5 Ways They Differ, Pennington Seeds, Available here: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/all-you-need-to-know-about-bermudagrass, North Carolina State University, Available here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cynodon-dactylon/, Pennington Seeds, Available here: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/all-you-need-to-know-about-centipede-grass, iNaturalist, Available here: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/162425-Eremochloa-ophiuroides. This is why it is not a choice for people living in the northern regions of America. BEST FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix. It would still do well in partial shade, but 6 hours of full sunlight would bring the best out of it. This is due to the difference in their root system, Bermudas is thick and deep which allows it to store more water over time while Centipede is shallow and thin. Meanwhile, bermudagrass requires high maintenance. This grass can be used as turf or forage. Perennial in Zones 6 to 10. To plant plugs, place them in the ground 1 foot (0.3 m) apart, then water them. Planting centipede grass involved a fair amount of labor but once its already established, it then only needs little maintenance. Bermudagrass thrives in well-drained fertile soils of pH 6.5 to 8.0. You cant mix Bermudagrass and centipedegrass on the same lawn. It is actually listed as an invasive grass in Puerto Rico! Bermudagrass leaves are dark green, dense, and fine-textured, while centipedegrass leaves are wide, yellow-green, and coarse-textured. It is not only perfect for aesthetics, but also for raising animals. Finally, bermuda requires at least 1 inch of water per week and thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. and centipede grass (Eremochloa spp.) Centipede grass is a poor cold-tolerant grass and hence suffers from winter injury in snowy conditions. Centipedegrass undergoes winter injury. Though centipedegrass needs full sun to survive, it can still thrive in partially shaded areas. This grass is slow-growing but low maintenance, requiring half the amount of water per week as many of its competitors. What is the best grass to mix with Centipede grass? Bermudagrass is suitable for kids, dogs, and people using the lawn frequently and exerts heavy traffic. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that may or may not be applicable to your situation. So, how does Centipede and Bermuda grass differ? When not glued to the computer screen, she loves hanging out with her kids, working in her garden, and crafting crazy culinary delights. It also doesn't need to be watered every day. Centipede and Bermuda grass are two common turfs that can become stunning lawns in the right circumstances. Err towards the higher measurement if your soil is mainly sandy and loose. Bermuda grass is incredibly resilient. Lawn and Petal is your source for regularly updated, easy-to-understand information on how to obtain a weed-free lawn. 2. It also needs high fertilizer application when it is actively growing. Both Bermuda grass and Centipede grass can be considered durable since they can withstand high temperatures. Both types of grass can be suitable for your lawn but choose the one that is more suitable for your time, energy, and resources. Centipedegrass tolerates moderate traffic, while Bermuda tolerates high foot traffic. A beautiful, lush green lawn is a source of pride for homeowners. All you have to do is stake them in the ground and allow them to measure the rain. The main difference between centipede grass and St Augustine is that the Centipede grass is slightly smaller and has pointed ends. Boise, ID 83702 US. Stolons are like shoots or ground-covering vines that branch out, sending short roots down along the way which is why its called centipede grass. Warm-season grasses generally have a specific period of dormancy, i.e., during the winter. It is native to subtropical and tropical regions around the globe. Ive broken down their key distinguishing features and unique perks below so you can make an informed choice thats best for you. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) are warm-weather grasses that do not tolerate the cold. The optimum soil temperature for this grass is 80oF. It can withstand high levels of heat and even drought conditions. We recommend Centipede grass if you like a low-maintenance lawn that will look pretty and live in a warm climate. Due to this, centipede grass is ideal for lawns that are low-maintenance and receive little to no traffic. Centipedegrass thrives when the soil temperature is 70oF. Unless it is completely removed, which is difficult, Bermuda grass will keep coming back. It can overrun other plants on the lawn which is why it is important to keep an eye on it. It is common in parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Bermuda Vs Centipede Grass | Whats The Difference? 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. Watering depends on the turf used and climatic conditions such as temperature, light intensity, humidity, and winds. Apart from some hairs, Bermuda grass leaves are relatively smooth. It is not only drought and heat-tolerant, but it can also withstand heavy traffic. So, let's weigh out the pros and cons: Centipede Grass Pros Even then, its crucial not to add actual nitrogen to your grass in the winter since it could kill your grass completely (source). Centipede grass is also significantly less drought tolerant than most other grasses, so you may have to pay extra attention to it in dry weather. This is one slightly distinct characteristic of Bermuda grass. While you may want to mow, fertilize, or water Bermuda often, Centipede doesnt need the same maintenance practices. You might have seen some of your neighbours use Bermuda grass on their lawn and got mesmerized. In order to save money, time, and effort, it can survive with little to no fertilizer application. It needs a slightly acidic growing medium to develop, cannot handle high traffic, and is hardy in zones 7-10. So, if you regularly get snow and frost in your area, centipede grass is probably not the best option for you. However, it does need between 1 and 1.25 inches of water every week, depending on the local weather. Bermudagrass needs 25 to 100 inches of water annually. No, in fact, quite the opposite. Centipede grass also copes better than Bermuda when the weather is cold, wet, or frosty. These signs of water stress can show as the fading of the color of grass or it appearing wilted. The turf grows and spreads fast, needing mowing after 5-7 days. Theres a lot of choices out there. It can survive with little or no fertilizer application, reducing costs, time, and effort. Check to see if it is low growing too. Types of Weed Killers How to Choose the Right One. Whichever you choose, what you need to do first is to till the soil. But while Bermuda grass and centipede grass share a few commonalities, they have a lot of differences. Which begs the question: Bermuda vs centipede grass? It is perennial in Zones 6-10 but will grow year-round in warmer climates. Best Pre-emergent Herbicides for Dandelions, Zoysia Grass The Perfect Grass for Florida. These two require full sunlight for active growth but in cases where shade is inevitable, Centipede grass is more tolerant. Centipede grass is characterized by a rough texture which makes it quite durable and tough, even under harsh climate conditions. Bermuda grass requires more attention than centipede. Neither of these grasses is suited for cold temperatures or shade. Spectracide vs Roundup Which is the Best Weed Killer? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. link to Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? If youre unsure of how to determine when your grass needs water, there are several methods you can use. These typically grow in warm regions and are most active in hot climates. We also have other mowing tips for you to try. Its also capable of recovering quickly in case of damage. Centipede grass can be planted in various ways: via seed, sod, or plugs. This is by applying soil pH-lowering additives. Centipedegrass is common in golf courses, lawns, and parks. This grass species is extremely high-maintenance and requires a lot of . Bermuda grass is incredibly resilient under traffic, and it grows in almost any type of dirt. After reducing the mowing height, inspect the grass. It tolerates heavy foot traffic and quickly recovers if injured. Then, you can start your centipede grass. 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