Bermuda and centipede grass are two types of easy-to-grow grass. These easy-growing grasses are used in lawns. Bermuda grass overtakes centipede bushes if the growth is left unchecked. You can destroy centipede grass. But Bermuda grass may continue to grow.
Bermuda Grasses Information
Bermuda grass is a common warm-season grass. It is known for handling drought and high temperatures. Other than that, it can handle heavy traffic. It also recovers fast. These plants increase during the warmer seasons. This is because they form at a quicker time. They are shorter than most other grasses.
This grass species needs a lot of drainage. They also need total sun exposure. Also, they need healthy fertilizers to keep them alive.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is a warm-season grass. It becomes bright green grass. Also, it has delicate leaves when it grows longer. It’s the best alternative for lawns. Centipede grass requires little fertilizer and water. Also, this plant can handle mild cover. (Learn How To Transplant Virginia Creeper)
But centipede grass needs 6 hours of sunshine for the best protection. Like Bermuda grasses, it is not okay for heavy use. It also cannot handle high temperatures.
Is it possible to combine Bermuda and Centipede grass?
Both Bermuda Grass and Centipede grass are warm-season grasses. These grasses thrive in the same environment. It’s good that Bermudagrass will grow in a garden with centipedes. You’ll think it’s a beautiful match. You might even believe you can mix the two types of grass.
But, reality does not appear to be as simple as we believe. Bermuda feeds on nitrogen. So, it does not do well with a low fertilizer schedule.
Then, fertilizer harms centipede grass. So, that’s why these grasses do not mix well.
The reasons why Bermuda and Centipede grass don’t mix
Bermuda grass and Centipede grass are warm-season grasses that grow in the same lawn environment. So, a yard supporting Centipede grass can also sustain various Bermuda grass species!
But you can’t mix these two. You can combine these grasses with cool-season grass. This may appear to be a marriage made in heaven. It leads you to think that You may mix the two grass species.
But the reality is different. This is why:
- Centipede grass and Bermuda grass have different fertilizer needs. So, what is excellent for one is harmful to the other.
- If you combine the two types of grass, your lawn will look off. It will look patchy. In the sun, you will find dark green Bermuda grass. Then, in the shade, you’ll discover yellow-green Centipede grass.
How Do You Change Bermuda Grass for Centipede Grass?
Mow Low
Mow the lawn to 1–1.5 inches in height. Please do this before throwing it with Centipede grass seeds. This will remove a significant percentage of the current grass. This allows more air and sunshine to reach the soil. (Learn How Long it Takes For Grass to Grow)
Dethatch your Centipede grass.
You can do this by renting a power rake or dethatcher. You can buy one from your local hardware shop.
Aerate your grass using a core aerator.
Do this part right. You need to aerate the part of your lawn. There are aerators available in your hardware stores.
Throw Compost on your Lawn
You have to spread a 1/8–1/4 inch layer of compost. Spread the grass over the parts of your lawn where Bermuda grass is. That region will be overseeded.
Bermuda Seeds
Now it’s time to sprinkle in your Bermuda grass seed. You can do this with a broadcast spreader.
Keep your seeds safe.
Cover the seeds with the compost you applied in step 4. Do this with your garden rake. (Read Will Bermuda Grass Choke Out Weeds)
Kill Centipede Grass Without Damaging Your Bermuda Grass
Changing from a Centipede lawn to Bermuda grass can be tricky. This final step is essential. To see the results of seeding, repeat the steps. Then, wait 1–2 months. To avoid harming your Bermuda Grass, you must be careful with how you dethatch.
Now, you can destroy your Centipede grass. You can change your lawn into a Bermuda paradise! You can do so if the Bermuda grass seed is doing okay. Here’s how to do it:
- Spray your lawn with chemicals. These chemicals will kill weeds and Centipede grass. But, they will not kill Bermuda grass.
- Repeat the chemical spray every 30 days. Do this until the Centipede grass is dead. Only the Bermuda grass should remain by then.
What is the best way to replace Centipede grass with Bermuda grass?
It’s better to plan on changing back to Bermuda grass. But you have to manage a centipede lawn in Bermuda while planning. This method works for replacing Centipede grass with Bermuda grass. You can do this without removing any soil. This way, it lets you know whether your Bermuda seed is okay. You need to know this information before you decide to get rid of it.
Can Bermuda grass replace Centipede grass?
Yes. When Bermuda grass seedlings begin to form, they spread. Then, they start hurting the Centipede grass. Bermuda grass is raised through the runner. These runners grow above ground. There is also a runner that grows below ground. They take over the roots.
Centipede grass grows at a slow pace. Bermuda grass will replace centipede grass in a yard. The Bermuda grass grows if this yard is made of grass or turf species.
Many homeowners scatter centipede grass seeds. They do this to combat Bermuda grass that grows. You may make use of this invasion by providing Bermuda grass. Then, you can move from Centipede grass to Bermuda.
Is it better to have Bermuda or Centipede grass?
Bermuda or Centipede grass will thrive nicely on your lawn. But, it depends on the environment. It’s an excellent way to identify the ideal grass for your yard. You can do this by checking the pH in your soil.
Take note that centipedes want a pH of 5 or 6. At the same time, Bermuda grass prefers a pH of 6 to 7. Bermuda grass spreads fast. They can fill a space with grasses that can be sprayed. This will encourage Bermuda grass seed to grow.
When is the right time to apply Bermuda seed to Centipede Grass?
Summer is the best time for Bermuda grass to grow. So, spread Bermuda seeds from late spring to late summer. In early summer, maintain the centipede lawn on Bermuda grass. They grow faster than tall fescue seeds.
The seeds will grow at the highest quality. Also, they will increase for the most extended lifespan when you use this method. You must spread centipede grass seeds over your yard. (Read Overseeding St Augustine With Bermuda)
Centipede Grass Overseeding using Bermuda Seed
If your centipede grass lawn looks patchy, you need to oversee it. Doing so will help it fill in faster. But, it fills in on its own over time. Centipede grass does this by spreading runners.
Follow these methods to overseed your Centipede lawn with Bermuda grass:
- Mow your grass to a height of 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm).
- Pull the Centipede grass out of the way.
- Use a core aerator to aerate the lawn.
- Apply a layer of compost to the property.
- Use a bag rate to spread your Bermuda grass seed.
- Protect the Bermuda seed. Use a rake to compost over it.
- Water your grass often. Do this over the first few weeks. Doing so will keep the roots wet.
- Fertilize your grass with lawn fertilizer.
- Check the effects of your overseeding. Wait for 1–2 months after seeding.
- If Bermuda grass grows, sprinkle the lawn with a weed killer. You will kill the Centipede grass. This will leave your property with Bermuda grass.
Bringing things to a close
These two grass species do not bring good news when grown together. These two grasses fight for dominance. But Bermuda grass will overtake centipede grass. A good solution is to look for a nice mix of seeds. (Learn How To Remove Pine Needles From Mulch)
These seeds should be perfect for one of them. It is better knowledge about Bermuda and Centipede grass. You need this knowledge to make a beautiful, thick lawn turf or a Bermuda lawn. Also, it would be best if you planted these grasses correctly. Congratulations!
