April 28, 2006, Newsletter Issue #86: Yellow Centipede
Tip of the Week
Centipede has a lighter green color that is very different than either Bermuda or St. Augustine, both of which show a darker green hue that many homeowners yearn for. Unhappy homeowners often try to "push" Centipede to put out greener growth through the use of high Nitrogen fertilizers. Donīt do it. The grass will green up, but the lush new growth will be irresistable to lawn pests and only lead to thatch formation down the road. Instead of trying to push your grass with too much Nitrogen, try applying some Iron instead. The grass will green up very nicely, but you wonīt have the pest or drought stress problems. In my experience, 95% of the disease, insect and drought stress problems in Centipede lawns are caused by over-fertilization. Even using the wrong fertilizer can cause problems in Centipede. Whereas most grasses do well using complete fertilizers (like 16-4-8 or sometimes 12-4-8), Centipede needs only trace amounts of Phosphorous. Thus, fertilizer companies have developed a 15-0-15 analysis that contains 2% or 3% Iron. Look for it. Apply it once, maybe twice a year at 7 lbs per 1,000 square feet of turf.
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