Centipede and St. Augustine: To Mix or Not to Mix?

You have adjacent sections of centipede and St. Augustine with a bare patch between them. Should you let them merge or keep them separate?

Considerations

• Appearance: Different textures, colors, and growth rates can create a patchwork look.
• Maintenance: Centipede prefers low fertility, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.0); St. Augustine tolerates higher fertility and pH 6.0–7.0. Fertilizing for one may harm the other.
• Weed Control: Herbicide labels often differ; a product safe for one may injure the other.

Recommendation

If the transition zone is small, sod it with whichever grass dominates the surrounding area. For larger areas, choose one grass for the whole lawn to simplify care. Your County Extension Office can provide a side-by-side comparison chart for your region.