In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that St. Augustine grass (SA) can indeed take over centipede grass, but certain conditions need to be met for it to be successful.
One important factor to consider is the soil pH. Centipede grass thrives in acidic soil, while St. Augustine grass prefers a more neutral pH. If the soil is very acidic, the St. Augustine grass may struggle to establish and grow, just like any other grass except for Centipede. However, if the soil pH is within the high 5 to 6 range, then the St. Augustine grass can potentially take over with the right maintenance practices.
To encourage the growth of St. Augustine grass and allow it to outcompete centipede grass, you would first need to fertilize the area. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the St. Augustine grass to establish and grow vigorously. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for St. Augustine grass and follow the application instructions.
Additionally, practicing regular maintenance for St. Augustine grass is crucial. This includes mowing the grass at the correct height, typically around 3-4 inches, and removing any weeds or unwanted vegetation that may compete with the grass. Regular watering, but not overwatering, is also important to keep the grass healthy and encourage its growth.
However, it’s important to note that the success of St. Augustine grass taking over centipede grass also depends on other factors such as sunlight exposure, soil moisture, and overall lawn care practices. If the centipede grass is well-established and healthy, it may still be challenging for St. Augustine grass to completely overtake it.
In my personal experience, I have seen instances where St. Augustine grass was able to gradually replace centipede grass in certain areas of a lawn. This typically occurred when the soil pH was within the desired range and proper maintenance practices were followed. However, it’s important to monitor the progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the health and vitality of the grass.
To summarize, while St. Augustine grass can potentially take over centipede grass, it requires favorable soil pH conditions and proper maintenance practices such as fertilization and regular care. It’s important to consider the specific conditions of your lawn and monitor the progress to determine the best approach for achieving the desired outcome.
