Got a lawn or pasture that feels like a battleground between different grasses? You’re not alone! One common turf war is centipede grass versus bahiagrass. Both are good grasses, but they have different personalities. Sometimes, centipede can encroach on bahia’s territory. So, if you’re wondering, “Will my centipede grass take over my bahiagrass?” – this guide will explain why this happens and what you can do about it.
Understanding Centipede Grass Growth
Centipede grass, with its attractive light green hue, is generally low-maintenance. It spreads using stolons and rhizomes—underground stems and roots that shoot out sideways. This characteristic allows it to fill in bare spots effectively but also makes it potentially invasive to neighboring grasses.
Bahiagrass: A Resilient Competitor
Bahiagrass is a tough, drought-tolerant grass that spreads primarily by seed, although it does possess less aggressive rhizomes compared to centipede. This makes it a steady grower, not as quick to spread as centipede, but certainly resilient.
When Centipede Might Overtake Bahia
The real question isn’t if centipede can encroach on bahia, but when it’s likely to. Several factors influence this grassy competition:
Soil pH: The Acid Test
Centipede grass loves acidic soil (4.5-5.5 pH), while bahia prefers a less acidic environment (5.5+ pH). If your soil is naturally acidic, centipede has a significant advantage. Testing your soil’s pH and amending it to raise the pH can help level the playing field for bahia.
Nitrogen: Fueling the Competition
Bahiagrass thrives on nitrogen, while centipede prefers a more moderate intake. This difference provides an opportunity to strategically fertilize, giving bahia the boost it needs to compete. However, excessive nitrogen (more than 50 lbs per acre) can harm centipede, especially during winter.
Phosphorus and Potassium: Supporting Bahia’s Strength
Beyond nitrogen, adequate phosphorus and potassium are essential for bahiagrass to effectively compete with centipede. Insufficient levels of these nutrients weaken bahia, making it more vulnerable to encroachment. Regular soil testing can help you maintain the correct balance.
Mowing: A Strategic Advantage
Mowing height also plays a role. Scalping the lawn weakens both grasses, but centipede, being naturally low-growing, often recovers faster. Maintaining a slightly higher mowing height benefits bahiagrass, aiding its ability to compete.
Signs of Centipede Encroachment
Notice patches of lighter, lime-green grass appearing in your bahiagrass lawn? That’s likely centipede. Early detection is key for effective management.
Preventing Centipede Takeover
A healthy, thriving bahiagrass lawn is its best defense against centipede encroachment. Proper mowing, balanced fertilization, and maintaining an appropriate soil pH are crucial for bahia’s resilience.
Managing Existing Mixed Lawns
Dealing with a mixed centipede and bahiagrass lawn presents two options: coexistence or eradication. Selective herbicides like Segment (containing Sethoxydim) can control bahiagrass, while Image 70 DG can suppress its growth to give centipede an edge. However, achieving complete eradication is challenging. It’s best to consult with a local agricultural extension office or lawn care professional for tailored advice and assistance. Always carefully follow the label instructions for any herbicide application.
Overgrazing: A Factor in Pastures
Overgrazing often favors centipede grass in pastures. This is because its low growth habit allows it to tolerate grazing pressure better than bahiagrass. Implement rotational grazing practices and maintain optimal forage height to prevent centipede from taking over.
| Factor | Centipede Grass | Bahia Grass |
|---|---|---|
| pH Preference | Prefers Acidic Soil (4.5-5.5) | Prefers Less Acidic Soil (5.5+) |
| Nitrogen Needs | Less Responsive to Nitrogen Fertilizers | More Responsive to Nitrogen Fertilizers |
| Spread | Spreads Aggressively via Stolons and Rhizomes | Spreads Primarily by Seed, some Rhizomes (Less Aggressive) |
| Mowing Tolerance | Tolerates Lower Mowing Heights | Prefers Higher Mowing Heights |
| Grazing Tolerance | More Tolerant of Overgrazing due to Low Growth Habit | Less Tolerant of Overgrazing |
Will Centipede Grass Take Over Bermuda?
While centipede and bahiagrass can sometimes coexist, centipede generally struggles to compete with the aggressive growth of Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass spreads rapidly through both stolons and rhizomes, creating a dense mat that chokes out centipede. If you’re aiming for a Bermuda lawn, a full transition strategy is necessary, involving the eradication of existing centipede through herbicides, solarization, or mechanical removal, followed by soil preparation and planting Bermuda seed or laying sod. Coexistence between these two grasses is challenging, often requiring constant intervention and the use of physical barriers.
What are the Negatives of Centipede Grass?
Centipede grass has its drawbacks. It prefers full sun and struggles in shady areas. It also has poor cold tolerance, making it unsuitable for northern climates. Maintaining the ideal soil pH (4.5-6.0) is crucial, as a higher pH favors competing grasses like bahiagrass. While generally low-maintenance, centipede can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as ground pearls and large patch fungus. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can ironically weaken centipede, making it more vulnerable to winter damage and disease. In the Florida Panhandle, bahiagrass can become a significant weed problem in centipede lawns if the pH isn’t carefully managed. Specific herbicides like Manor and Blade, containing metsulfuron methyl, can help control bahiagrass.
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