Eliminating Centipedegrass from Tall Fescue: Spot Treatment and Persistence

Centipedegrass invading tall fescue in Charlotte, NC requires non-selective herbicide (glyphosate) spot treatment since no selective herbicide removes one grass from another. Persistence over 2–3 seasons eliminates it.

Why Selective Control Doesn't Exist

• Both are grasses (monocots); similar physiology.
• No herbicide distinguishes centipede from tall fescue at safe rates.
• Sethoxydim/fluazifop kill both (they're grass herbicides).
• Atrazine hurts tall fescue more than centipede.

Spot Treatment Protocol

1. Identify patches: Mark with flags in winter (centipede brown, fescue green) or summer (texture/color difference).
2. Glyphosate 2% solution: 2.5 oz 41% concentrate/gal water + surfactant.
3. Shielded application: Cardboard cone or wiper; target centipede only.
4. Wait 10–14 days: Confirm kill (brown, no regrowth).
5. Reseed tall fescue: 6–8 lbs/1,000 sq ft in patches; topdress ¼" compost.
6. Water daily until established.

Timing for Charlotte

• Best: Late August–early October (kill centipede, reseed fescue in optimal window).
• Acceptable: March–April (kill centipede as it greens up, reseed fescue).
• Avoid: May–July (heat stress on new fescue).

Long-Term Prevention

• Maintain tall fescue density: Mow 3.5–4"; fertilize fall; aerate/overseed annually.
• Clean equipment: Mower decks spread stolons/seeds.
• Monitor edges: Centipede creeps from borders; treat immediately.

Reality

Complete eradication takes 2–3 years of vigilance. Each season gets easier. Tall fescue's bunch habit makes it vulnerable to creeping grasses—density is your only defense.