Choosing the right grass for your lawn often comes down to a comparison of two popular warm-season varieties: st augustine grass vs centipede. Your final decision between St. Augustine and centipede grass depends heavily on your climate, soil, and tolerance for maintenance.
Both grasses offer a lush, green carpet but have very different personalities. One demands more attention and resources, while the other is famously low-fuss. Getting this choice wrong can lead to years of unnecessary work and expense.
This guide breaks down every critical factor. We will look at climate needs, appearance, maintenance schedules, costs, and pest resistance. By the end, you’ll know exactly which grass is the champion for your specific yard.
St Augustine Grass Vs Centipede
This head-to-head comparison covers the fundamental characteristics of each grass type. Understanding these basics is the first step to making an informed choice that you won’t regret later.
Origin And General Characteristics
St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a robust, coarse-textured grass native to the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean regions. It spreads aggressively via above-ground runners called stolons, creating a thick, dense turf that feels spongy underfoot. It’s known for its rapid growth and good shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is often called “the lazy man’s grass.” It originated in China and Southeast Asia and is prized for its exceptional low maintenance requirements. It spreads using stolons as well, but its growth habit is generally slower and less aggressive than St. Augustine. It has a medium texture and a lighter green color.
Visual Appearance And Texture
The look and feel of your lawn matter. Here’s how these two grasses compare side-by-side.
St. Augustine Grass Appearance
- Blade Width: Broad, coarse blades.
- Color: Deep, blue-green color.
- Growth Habit: Forms a very dense, carpet-like turf with visible, thick stolons.
- Feel: Feels somewhat coarse but creates a thick, cushiony lawn.
Centipede Grass Appearance
- Blade Width: Medium-textured, narrower than St. Augustine.
- Color: Light apple-green to yellow-green, which is a signature trait.
- Growth Habit: Less dense, grows in a somewhat prostrate (low) manner.
- Feel: Softer underfoot than its coarse appearance might suggest.
Climate And Geographic Suitability
Your local weather is the most important factor. Planting a grass outside its preferred zone is a recipe for failure.
St. Augustine grass thrives in truly warm, humid coastal climates. It is best suited for USDA zones 8 through 10, particularly along the Gulf Coast and the southern Atlantic Coast. It has good salt tolerance, making it a top choice for lawns near the ocean. It does not tolerate cold weather well; extended frosts or freezes can severely damage or kill it.
Centipede grass has a slightly wider cold tolerance but a narrower soil tolerance. It performs excellently in the humid Southeast, from the Carolinas down through Florida and west to Texas (USDA zones 7-10). It is more cold-tolerant than St. Augustine and can survive brief dips into colder temperatures, but it still requires long, hot summers. It has poor salt tolerance.
Soil Preferences And PH Tolerance
Soil type and acidity can make or break your lawn’s health, especially for centipede.
St. Augustine grass is adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as drainage is decent. It prefers a soil pH between 5.0 and 8.5, giving you considerable flexibility. Its vigor helps it overcome less-than-ideal soil conditions.
Centipede grass is notoriously picky about soil. It demands well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. It performs poorly in alkaline soils (high pH). It also has a low fertility requirement and is sensitive to over-fertilization, especially with phosphorus. If your soil is not naturally acidic, St. Augustine is likely the better bet.
Shade Tolerance Comparison
If your yard has trees or structures that cast shade, this factor is critical.
St. Augustine grass is one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses available. It can survive in areas receiving as little as 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight per day. While it still prefers full sun, its ability to handle partial shade is a major advantage for many homeowners.
Centipede grass requires full sun to light partial shade. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In moderate to heavy shade, it will thin out, become weak, and be overtaken by weeds or moss. For shady yards, St. Augustine is the clear winner.
Drought Tolerance And Water Needs
Water restrictions and conservation are realities in many areas. Here’s how each grass handles dry spells.
St. Augustine grass has a moderate drought tolerance. It has a relatively shallow root system and will go dormant (turn brown) quickly during extended dry periods without irrigation. To maintain its green color, it typically needs about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or sprinklers. It recovers well from dormancy once water is restored.
Centipede grass has good drought tolerance once established. Its root system is deeper than St. Augustine’s, allowing it to access moisture from deeper in the soil profile. It can survive longer periods without water and will also go dormant in severe drought. Its overall water requirement is slightly lower than St. Augustine’s, making it a bit more water-efficient.
Growth Rate And Establishment
How fast do you want a full lawn? The growth rate affects establishment method and cost.
St. Augustine grass grows very rapidly, especially in the peak of summer. It is almost always established from sod, plugs, or sprigs (not seed). Sod provides an instant lawn, while plugs can fill in an area in a single growing season with proper care. This fast growth also means more frequent mowing.
Centipede grass has a slow to moderate growth rate. It can be established from seed, which is a major cost advantage, as well as from sod or plugs. Seeding will take a full season to produce a dense lawn. Its slower growth means less frequent mowing, which is a key part of its low-maintenance reputation.
Wear And Tear Resistance
Consider how you use your lawn. Do you have kids, pets, or frequent gatherings?
St. Augustine grass has a moderate tolerance for foot traffic. Its thick, spongy turf can handle some activity, but it will not hold up as well as grasses like Bermuda. Heavy, concentrated traffic can wear it down and damage the stolons, creating bare spots that need time to recover.
Centipede grass has poor to moderate wear tolerance. It is not recommended for high-traffic areas like sports fields or play yards. It recovers slowly from damage because of its slow growth rate. For a purely ornamental lawn that sees little activity, it’s fine. For an active family yard, St. Augustine is the more durable choice.
Common Pests And Diseases
Every grass has its weaknesses. Knowing the potential problems helps you plan for prevention and treatment.
St. Augustine Grass Problems
- Chinch Bugs: The most destructive pest, causing yellow then brown patches in full sun.
- St. Augustine Decline (SAD): A viral disease for which there is no cure; resistant varieties like ‘Floratam’ are essential in affected areas.
- Brown Patch & Gray Leaf Spot: Fungal diseases common in hot, humid weather.
- Grubs: Can damage the root system.
Centipede Grass Problems
- Ground Pearl: A scale insect that is very difficult to control and can cause severe thinning.
- Centipede Decline: Not a disease, but a condition caused by improper care (over-fertilizing, high soil pH, overwatering).
- Nematodes: Microscopic worms that attack roots, particularly in sandy soils.
- Fairy Ring: A fungal issue causing circular patterns in the lawn.
Maintenance Requirements Overview
This is where the personalities of these grasses truly diverge. Your willingness to perform these tasks should guide your decision.
Mowing Needs
St. Augustine grass should be mowed at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches using a sharp blade. Mowing too short scalps the grass, damaging the stolons and inviting weeds. Due to its fast growth, it may need mowing every 5-7 days during peak season.
Centipede grass should be mowed at 1.5 to 2 inches. It’s crucial not to cut it too high. Its slow growth means you may only need to mow every 10-14 days, a significant time savings. Always use a sharp blade to avoid tearing the grass tips, which can cause a condition called “centipede burn,” where the tips turn yellow.
Fertilization Schedule
St. Augustine grass is a moderate to heavy feeder. It typically requires 2-4 applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizer per growing season, starting in late spring after green-up and ending in early fall. A balanced fertilizer is often recommended.
Centipede grass is an extremely light feeder. It often thrives on what nature provides. If you do fertilize, one light application in late spring or early summer with a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-free fertilizer (like 15-0-15) is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing is the most common mistake made with this grass, leading to thatch buildup and increased disease susceptibility.
Watering Requirements
As mentioned, St. Augustine needs about 1 inch of water per week. Deep, infrequent watering is best to encourage deeper roots. Water early in the morning to reduce fungal disease risk.
Centipede grass needs about 1 inch of water per week as well, but its deeper roots often allow it to stretch longer between waterings. It is very sensitive to overwatering, which can promote disease. Let the soil dry somewhat between watering sessions.
Thatch And Aeration
St. Augustine grass can develop a thatch layer (a mat of dead stems and roots) due to its vigorous growth. Occasional dethatching or core aeration every 1-3 years may be necessary to maintain water and nutrient flow.
Centipede grass is prone to thatch buildup, especially if over-fertilized. However, due to its slow growth and sensitivity, mechanical dethatching can severely damage it. For centipede, cultural practices like proper mowing and light fertilization are the best ways to manage thatch. Aeration should be done with caution.
Cost Analysis: Installation And Upkeep
Your budget affects both the initial investment and the long-term cost of owning your lawn.
St. Augustine grass is expensive to install because it must be planted as sod, plugs, or sprigs. Sod provides an instant lawn but is the most costly option. The long-term maintenance costs are also higher due to increased fertilizer, water, and potential pest control needs.
Centipede grass is very inexpensive to install if you use seed. Even sod is generally cheaper than St. Augustine sod. The long-term upkeep costs are notably lower due to minimal fertilizer requirements, less frequent mowing, and reduced water needs. This makes it a very economical choice over the lifespan of the lawn.
Making The Final Decision: Which Grass Is Right For You?
Use this simple checklist to guide your final choice based on your specific conditions.
Choose St. Augustine Grass if:
- You live in a warm, humid coastal climate (zones 8-10).
- Your lawn has partial to moderate shade.
- Your soil pH is neutral to alkaline.
- You want a dense, dark green lawn quickly.
- You are willing to commit to higher maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, watering).
- You need better salt tolerance.
Choose Centipede Grass if:
- You live in the humid Southeast (zones 7-10).
- Your lawn receives full sun all day.
- You have well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0).
- You want the lowest maintenance lawn possible.
- You have a limited budget for installation and upkeep.
- You prefer a lighter green lawn and don’t mind a slower growth rate.
Step-By-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve chosen your grass, proper planting sets the stage for success.
Planting St. Augustine Grass
- Timing: Plant in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are consistently warm.
- Soil Prep: Remove all weeds and debris. Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches and grade it level.
- Amendments: Add organic matter if soil is poor, and apply a starter fertilizer according to soil test recommendations.
- Installation: Lay sod tightly together, staggering the joints like bricks. Keep plugs or sprigs moist.
- Watering: Water new sod daily for the first 7-10 days, then gradually reduce frequency to encourage deep rooting.
Planting Centipede Grass
- Timing: Seed in late spring to early summer when soil temps reach 70°F.
- Soil Prep: Ensure soil is acidic (pH 5.0-6.0). Amend with sulfur if needed based on a soil test. Rake to create a fine seedbed.
- Seeding/Sodding: Sow seed evenly at the recommended rate and rake lightly to cover. If using sod, install as you would for St. Augustine.
- Watering: Keep the seedbed constantly moist (light watering 2-3 times daily) until germination, which takes 14-28 days. Then reduce to deeper, less frequent watering.
- First Mow: Mow when the grass reaches about 3 inches tall, reducing it to the recommended 1.5-2 inch height.
FAQ: St. Augustine And Centipede Grass
Can you mix St. Augustine and centipede grass?
It is not recommended to mix them intentionally. They have vastly different maintenance needs (mowing height, fertilizer, water). One will eventually outcompete the other, leading to an uneven, patchy lawn. St. Augustine, being more aggressive, will usually take over.
Which is more shade tolerant, St. Augustine or centipede?
St. Augustine grass is significantly more shade tolerant than centipede grass. Centipede requires full sun for best results, while St. Augustine can persist in areas with just a few hours of filtered sunlight.
What is the difference between centipede grass and St. Augustine grass in terms of cold hardiness?
Centipede grass has better cold tolerance than St. Augustine. It can survive in USDA zone 7, where winters are cooler, while St. Augustine is best suited for zones 8-10 and can be severely damaged by hard freezes.
Is centipede grass cheaper than St. Augustine?
Yes, centipede grass is generally cheaper both to install (especially from seed) and to maintain long-term due to its low fertilizer and reduced mowing requirements.
How can I tell if I have St. Augustine or centipede grass?
Look at the blade color and width. St. Augustine has wide, coarse blades in a dark blue-green. Centipede has narrower, medium-textured blades in a distinct light apple-green color. Also, check the stolons; St. Augustine’s are thick and coarse, while centipede’s are more slender.