Managing Centipede Grass in Shady East Texas Lawns

Centipede grass tolerates shade better than Bermuda but less than St. Augustine or Zoysia. In East Texas with heavy shade, try to maintain existing centipede first.

Optimizing Centipede

• Soil pH: Target 5.5 (acidic). Test via Texas A&M Extension. Lower pH with garden sulfur if needed.
• Fertilizer: Light—half the bag rate (e.g., 1.5 lbs 29-3-4 per 1,000 sq ft) early and late summer. Reduce spreader setting 1–2 turns.
• Mowing: Low—1.25 to 1.5 inches. Encourages stolon spread and density. Don't scalp in early spring; wait for active growth.

If Shade Proves Too Much

Consider St. Augustine sod for densest shade areas. But give centipede a season with proper pH, minimal fertilizer, and low mowing before replacing.