CENTIPEDE

PROFESSIONAL TURF
MANAGEMENT

BACKGROUND

Centipede was first introduced into the United States in the early 1900’s. Originally from southern China, centipede has adapted well to the state of South Carolina. Centipede is one of the few turf grasses, which perform well on acidic and infertile soils. Until a few years ago, about the only environmental condition Centipede could not tolerate in South Carolina were the cold winters of the Piedmont and Upstate.

If broadleaf weeds are a problem, Confront Mini Granules may be used at anytime during the program.

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UPDATE

Many homeowners have complained of delayed spring green-up or even dead spots within their lawns. For the past four years, Clemson University has researched the effect of fertilization on centipede lawns. Although the research is ongoing, they have linked this phenomenon to over fertilization. Centipede grass grows best when no more than 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per growing season is applied to the lawn. The 20-0-25 EXPO will provide 1 pound of nitrogen in a form which will continue to feed the lawn for up to 10 weeks as well as slow release potassium to help the lawn become more drought tolerant.

MOWING

Centipede should be mowed at a height of 1 ½ to 3 inches. Always remember that the more stress a plant is under, the higher the lawn should be mowed. Frequency of mowing will also vary depending on the growth of the grass. Most centipede lawns should be mowed every 7 to 10 days. During drought conditions, it would be best to mow the lawn once every two weeks. As with any other lawn, a consistent mowing interval will improve the quality of the lawn.

WATERING

Centipede lawns require 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week during the growing season. Irrigation of the lawn should be performed in the early morning hours of the morning just before daylight. This practice will avoid any rapid evaporation of water before it reaches the lawn; yet allow the leaf tissue to dry quickly after the sun rises. Do not water your lawn every morning for short intervals. This process will only encourage shallow root growth. Instead, water your lawn for long periods two to three times a week.

AERATION

Aeration has two purposes. The first is to simply loosen the soil. The second is to prune the roots. Core aeration is the recommended method and should be performed every 2 years on a typical home lawn during the growing season. If your lawn receives heavy foot traffic, it would be advisable to aerate every year. Aeration should be performed during the growing season of the turf.

CHEMICALS / FERTILIZATION

The most important part of managing a centipede lawn is providing fertilizer and preventing disease, insects and weeds. Below is a fertility program which will provide the essential elements your lawn requires to grow healthy.

For spreader settings or any other fertilizer information please contact your local outlet or go to
lebsea.com.

CENTIPEDE PROGRAM

Feb. 21st - Mar. 15th
5-5-20 .38% Barricade
(5# per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Prevents summer weeds such as crabgrass.

May 15th - May 21st
20-0-25 EXPO 1%Fe
(5# per 1,000 sq. ft.)
All the nitrogen the lawn needs.

May 21st - June 7th
Talstar SOP .073%
(4# per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Prevents insects such as spittle bugs.

July 1st - Aug. 1st
Perk Stress Relief
(4-5# per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Produces green color w/out flushing top growth late in the season.

Oct. 1st - Oct. 21st
5-5-20 .38% Barricade
(5# per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Prevents winter weeds such as Poa annua.

SOIL
A practical understanding of your soil is essential in managing your lawn. Soil pH is perhaps the most crucial element. Most turf grasses perform best when the soil pH falls between 6.3 and 7.0. We recommend that a soil test be performed annually to check the pH values as well as other nutrient levels within the soil profile. Any Carolina Fresh Farms Turf Center will be happy to send your soil samples to a soil testing laboratory.

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

0-0-15 Confront 3Mini Granular
Used at anytime for broadleaf weed control, excellent to spot treat individual weeds in lawn

8-4-24 .38% Eagle
Systemic fungicide used to cure or prevent many diseases in turf, especially useful for control of brown patch, dollar spot and spring dead spot.

Perk Stress Relief
Used at any time during the growing season when deep green color is desired without unnecessary top growth.

Talstar SOP .073%
Insecticide with many uses, controls chinch bugs, fall armyworms, fire ants and many other insects

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES

Pre-emergent herbicides are essential in providing a weed free lawn. Barricade and Team Pro are two such chemicals. Of these two products, Barricade is the better product, offering an extended period of control when compared to Team Pro.

Never apply these products to a lawn, which is not well established!