If you live in the South, you know the importance of choosing the right warm-weather grass for your lawn. Both Bermuda and Centipede grass are popular options, but which one is best for you?
This article compares and contrasts Centipede grass vs. Bermuda grass, looking at factors like maintenance, appearance, and how well they handle different climates.
We’ll also touch on where these grasses originated and what they’re typically used for to help you decide which grass is the perfect fit for your yard.
Where did they come from?
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is native to subtropical and tropical areas all over the world. It’s been growing in the United States since around 1807.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass started out in Southeast Asia and China. People began planting it in the Southern United States in the early 1900s.
Appearance and Texture
Bermuda grass and centipede grass differ in blade width, density, and color.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass has a fine texture, with blades around 1/10 inch wide and up to 6 inches long. The grass is usually a bright green, although you can find different varieties.
Bermuda grass grows into a dense, tightly woven mat.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass has a coarser feel than Bermuda grass. The blades can grow to about 5 inches long, and they’re usually a lighter shade of green than Bermuda grass.
This type of grass grows more slowly and less densely than Bermuda grass.
Growing Requirements and Maintenance
So, you’re leaning toward Bermuda or centipede for your lawn? Here’s a breakdown of what each grass needs to thrive:
Sunlight and Soil
Bermuda grass is a sun-worshipper, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to really flourish. It’s pretty adaptable when it comes to soil, but it definitely prefers well-drained conditions.
Centipede grass is a little more flexible; it can handle partial shade, doing okay with 4-6 hours of sun. It likes acidic, well-drained soil and isn’t a big fan of alkaline conditions.
Watering and Fertilization
Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant once it’s established, but it’ll appreciate regular watering when things get dry. Because it grows so quickly, it needs more frequent fertilizing to stay healthy.
Centipede grass isn’t quite as drought-resistant as Bermuda, so it needs consistent watering. On the flip side, it doesn’t need as much fertilizer. Too much, in fact, can lead to thatch buildup and cause the grass to decline.
Mowing
If you choose Bermuda, get ready to mow frequently! To keep it looking dense and attractive, you’ll need to mow it to a height of 1-2 inches.
Centipede grass is a bit more laid-back. You can mow it less often, keeping it at a height of 1.5-2.5 inches.
Usage and traffic tolerance
Are you planning to host a lot of backyard barbecues, badminton games, and touch football? If so, you’ll want to consider how well each type of grass stands up to foot traffic.
Bermuda grass
Bermuda grass is the winner here. Because it stands up to heavy use, it’s often used for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.
Centipede grass
Centipede grass doesn’t tolerate a lot of foot traffic. It’s best for lawns that aren’t used very often and probably shouldn’t be planted in high-activity areas.
Pros and Cons
Each type of grass has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick look:
Bermuda Grass
- Pros: It stands up well to foot traffic, handles drought conditions like a champ, and grows quickly, repairing itself as it goes.
- Cons: It needs a lot of upkeep, can spread where you don’t want it, and requires frequent fertilizing.
Centipede Grass
- Pros: It’s low maintenance, tolerates shade, and doesn’t need much fertilizer.
- Cons: It doesn’t hold up well to traffic, isn’t as drought-tolerant as Bermuda, and can develop iron chlorosis (yellowing) in alkaline soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the negatives of centipede grass?
While centipede grass is relatively low-maintenance, it’s not without its drawbacks. It’s susceptible to iron chlorosis in alkaline soils, leading to yellowing. It also has poor cold tolerance and can be damaged by excessive thatch buildup. Over-fertilizing can weaken it, making it prone to disease and weed infestations.
Which grass is better, centipede or bermuda?
There’s no universally “better” grass. The choice depends on your specific needs and climate. Bermuda thrives in full sun and tolerates heavy traffic, making it ideal for active families. Centipede is better suited to acidic soils with low fertility and requires less mowing but is less wear-tolerant.
Can I mix bermuda and centipede grass?
Mixing bermuda and centipede grass is generally not recommended. Bermuda is much more aggressive and will eventually choke out the centipede grass. They also have very different needs when it comes to watering and fertilization, making it difficult to care for a mixed lawn.
How to tell Bermuda grass from centipede grass?
Bermuda grass has a finer texture than centipede grass. Bermuda has sharp pointed leaf blades, and Centipede grass has rounded leaf tips. Bermuda also spreads more aggressively via rhizomes and stolons, creating a dense, tight-knit turf, while centipede has a more open growth habit.
To Conclude
So, Bermuda grass and centipede grass each have characteristics that make them well-suited to different lawns. When deciding which one is right for you, it’s important to think about how much time you want to spend on lawn care, how much foot traffic your yard gets, and what the weather is like where you live.
Bermuda grass is a great choice for sunny, high-traffic areas where you want a tough, resilient lawn. Centipede grass is ideal for low-maintenance lawns with minimal foot traffic and some shade.
Ultimately, the best grass for your lawn depends on your individual needs and preferences. Take the time to consider all the factors, and you’ll be sure to make the right choice.