The debate between fescue and centipede has been going on since the two were first introduced to American soil, but it’s high time that we settle the score once and for all.
Both types of grass are capable of creating attractive and lush green lawns, but which one will win out in your backyard?
Before you decide which type of grass to put in your yard, here’s some information about fescue vs centipede grass.
What Is Centipede Grass?
Centipede grass is actually a type of fescue and it’s excellent for water drainage. If you have a lot of rain in your area, or areas with lots of rainfall, then centipede grass is probably a better choice for you.
It does well even when there are high amounts of foot traffic on your lawn because it has very thin blades that can still easily take in water and nutrients. The downside to centipede grass is that it doesn’t do well if there isn’t much sun exposure.
So if you live in an area where there isn’t much sunlight, then you might want to consider other types of grass.
What Is Fescue Grass?
Common types of fescue grass include hard fescue, which is a popular choice for lawns in many parts of North America. It has relatively thin blades and can be used in both sunny and shady locations.
Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue, and sheep’s fescue are all varieties that are sometimes used for lawns. They require only moderate amounts of water and nutrients to stay healthy, although some types do better with more frequent watering and feeding than others.
One drawback of fescue grass is its tendency to turn brown during droughts or when it doesn’t receive enough fertilizer.
What Are The Advantages Of Centipede Grass?
One advantage of centipede grass is that it contains rhizomes, which are tough and fibrous roots, spreading out from its base. The rhizomes help to stabilize soil and protect against erosion.
They also prevent weed growth, which is a huge boon for homeowners who want to maintain their lawns’ beauty. Centipede grass also doesn’t have runners, so it can be planted more densely than fescue or rye grasses without harming its integrity as a lawn.
What Are The Advantages Of Fescue Grass?
First and foremost, let’s talk about what makes fescue grass so great. First of all, it’s a very low-maintenance grass that requires little to no irrigation.
Many types of fescue thrive on just 1 inch of water every week (which means less time out in the hot sun for you), making it ideal for those who have busy schedules and aren’t able to tend to their lawn every day.
Additionally, fescue is known for its hardiness; even if your dog decides to go number two right in the middle of your yard, chances are good that your fescue will survive! Plus, many varieties of fescue are native to North America and require less fertilizer than other species.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Centipede?
One major disadvantage of centipede grass is that it’s prone to thatch buildup. Thatch is formed by dead and decomposing grass blades. It looks like a brownish mat and prevents water, air, and fertilizer from reaching your lawn’s root system.
In general, centipedegrass is also difficult to establish because it needs more heat than most other cool-season turfgrasses during its germination period.
How Does Fescue Differ From Centipede?
At first glance, fescue and centipede grass look nearly identical. But both of these great varieties differ in their growth habits, maintenance needs, and hardiness. Choosing one over another ultimately depends on your lawn’s characteristics and your personal preferences.
Before you choose a type of grass for your lawn, however, it’s important to understand what sets them apart. In general, fescue is less heat-tolerant than centipede; it also grows more slowly and requires more water.
On the other hand, fescue has a longer lifespan than centipede (about 10 years versus seven) and can handle colder temperatures better.
Finally, unlike centipede grass, which is made up of many small blades that grow together into one plant-fescue is made up of individual blades that grow from rhizomes (underground stems).
Overall Winner Between Centipede Grass and Fescue Grass?
The overall winner between these two types of grass depends on several factors, including your location and what you plan to use your lawn for. In general, however, centipedegrass is a better option than fescue grass.
Centipedegrass tends to be more durable and has a deeper root system that makes it more drought-resistant, making it ideal for warmer climates. Fescue grass thrives in cooler temperatures but can become weak when exposed to heat or cold weather conditions.
While both varieties are generally easy to maintain with proper care, some homeowners may find that one variety fits their needs better than another depending on where they live.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn, consider centipede grass. It’s an excellent option for cooler climates and stays green all year long.
But if your yard gets a lot of foot traffic or needs to stand up to hot temperatures and scorching sun-or you just want something a little more visually interesting-fescue is worth consideration.
