Zoysia Grass vs Centipede Grass
Two grasses that look similar but need very different care programs. Getting this right matters more than most homeowners realize.
Overview
What This Comparison Covers
Zoysia and centipede are both warm-season grasses common in Middle Georgia, and they share enough visual similarities that homeowners sometimes confuse them. Both tolerate some shade, both grow more slowly than bermuda, and both produce a dense turf when healthy. But their care requirements are different enough that treating one like the other will cause problems. Zoysia builds thatch fast and handles moderate fertilizer. Centipede is sensitive to over-fertilizing and many herbicides. This comparison helps you understand which grass you have and how to care for it correctly.
Head to head
Side-by-Side Comparison
Zoysia Grass
Pros
Good shade tolerance — handles 4+ hours of sun
Dense, carpet-like turf that resists weed invasion
Softer texture that is comfortable to walk on barefoot
Moderate fertilizer needs — responds well to 2-3 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year
Handles moderate foot traffic reasonably well
Cons
- Builds thatch very quickly — annual dethatching is often necessary
- Slow to establish and slow to recover from damage
- Susceptible to large patch disease in Middle Georgia (fall and spring)
- Longer dormancy period — last to green up, first to go dormant
- Higher overall maintenance than centipede due to thatch management
Best for:
Yards with partial shade from mature trees where you want a dense, attractive lawn and are willing to manage thatch buildup.
Centipede Grass
Pros
Very low maintenance — needs the least fertilizer of any warm-season grass
Naturally prefers the acidic soil common in Middle Georgia
Low mowing frequency — slower growth means less work
Good pest resistance compared to zoysia
No significant thatch problems under normal conditions
Cons
- Very sensitive to over-fertilization — yellows with excess nitrogen
- Poor traffic tolerance — delicate blades cannot handle heavy use
- Sensitive to many common herbicides (especially products safe for zoysia)
- Slow to recover from any damage
- Can thin out in heavy shade despite moderate shade tolerance
Best for:
Low-traffic yards where minimal maintenance is the priority. Homeowners who want a decent-looking lawn without investing significant time or money.
Factor by factor
Detailed Comparison
Factor
Zoysia Grass
Centipede Grass
Nitrogen Needs
Zoysia Grass
Moderate (2-3 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year)
Centipede Grass
Light (1-2 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year)
Nitrogen Needs
Moderate (2-3 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year)
Light (1-2 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year)
Thatch Buildup
Zoysia Grass
Heavy — annual dethatching recommended
Centipede Grass
Minimal under normal maintenance
Thatch Buildup
Heavy — annual dethatching recommended
Minimal under normal maintenance
Herbicide Sensitivity
Zoysia Grass
Moderate — some restrictions but fewer than centipede
Centipede Grass
High — many common products cause damage
Herbicide Sensitivity
Moderate — some restrictions but fewer than centipede
High — many common products cause damage
Shade Tolerance
Zoysia Grass
Good (4+ hours of sun)
Centipede Grass
Moderate (full sun to light shade)
Shade Tolerance
Good (4+ hours of sun)
Moderate (full sun to light shade)
Disease Risk
Zoysia Grass
Large patch is the primary concern
Centipede Grass
Less disease-prone overall
Disease Risk
Large patch is the primary concern
Less disease-prone overall
Traffic Tolerance
Zoysia Grass
Moderate — handles normal use
Centipede Grass
Poor — best for light use
Traffic Tolerance
Moderate — handles normal use
Poor — best for light use
Recovery from Damage
Zoysia Grass
Slow but will eventually fill in
Centipede Grass
Very slow — may need reseeding or plugging
Recovery from Damage
Slow but will eventually fill in
Very slow — may need reseeding or plugging
Overall Maintenance Cost
Zoysia Grass
Moderate (fertilizer + thatch management)
Centipede Grass
Low (minimal inputs needed)
Overall Maintenance Cost
Moderate (fertilizer + thatch management)
Low (minimal inputs needed)
The verdict
Bottom Line Verdict
Zoysia produces a thicker, more attractive turf than centipede, but it demands more maintenance — especially thatch management and disease prevention. Centipede is the better choice if you genuinely want a low-maintenance lawn and your yard does not get heavy foot traffic. In Middle Georgia, the deciding factors are usually shade conditions and how much effort you want to invest. If you have moderate shade and want a beautiful lawn you will actively maintain, go with zoysia. If you want the lawn to mostly take care of itself, centipede is the smarter pick.
Why Attaboy
What Attaboy Does Differently
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell zoysia and centipede apart?
Zoysia has a slightly wider blade with a rougher texture and grows in a dense, carpet-like mat. Centipede has a lighter green color with narrow, pointed leaf tips and a more open growth pattern. The easiest test is to feel them — zoysia feels thicker and stiffer, while centipede feels softer and thinner. If you are still not sure, a lawn care professional can identify your grass type in seconds.
Can I convert from centipede to zoysia or vice versa?
Converting is possible but takes significant effort. Going from centipede to zoysia usually involves killing the existing lawn with a non-selective herbicide and sodding or plugging the new grass. Zoysia will not simply overtake centipede because it grows too slowly. The reverse is even harder because zoysia is difficult to fully eliminate. Consider whether the conversion is worth the cost before starting.
Why does my zoysia get large patch but my neighbor centipede does not?
Large patch (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) preferentially attacks zoysia over centipede. Zoysia thatch buildup creates the warm, moist environment the fungus thrives in. Centipede builds less thatch and is naturally less susceptible. If your zoysia gets large patch regularly, focus on thatch reduction, reducing fall nitrogen, and improving drainage.
Which grass handles drought better?
Both have moderate drought tolerance, but centipede uses less water overall because it grows more slowly and needs less nitrogen (which drives water demand). Zoysia handles drought well once established but may need supplemental irrigation during extended dry spells to maintain density. In a Middle Georgia summer with normal rainfall, both perform adequately.
Should I fertilize zoysia and centipede on the same schedule?
No. Zoysia benefits from 2-3 nitrogen applications between April and August. Centipede should receive only 1-2 very light applications in the same window. Over-fertilizing centipede causes iron chlorosis and actually weakens the lawn. If you have both grasses in your yard, a professional can adjust rates for each area.
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