Centipedegrass: Aerate Instead of Dethatching

For centipedegrass, annual core aeration largely eliminates the need for dethatching. The aerator pulls soil plugs that accelerate thatch decomposition by introducing microbes to the surface. Additionally, mow regularly—removing no more than one-third of the blade height per cut—to minimize thatch buildup. If thatch exceeds ½ inch, a light vertical mowing in late spring can help, but aeration is usually sufficient. Avoid aggressive dethatching, which can damage centipedegrass's shallow stolons.