Centipede Grass – Correct pH Balance

Q: I got the soil test results back for my centipede lawn. It says my soil pH is 6.5. I know centipede likes acid soil. Do you think I need to somehow make the soil more acid?

A: Plants have a remarkable ability to adapt to soil conditions. Turf expert Clint Waltz says established centipedegrass can tolerate a higher pH just fine. But to gradually lower it, use lawn fertilizers that contain ammonium nitrate or urea. Between normal environmental conditions and these acidifying fertilizers, the pH should decline over the course of a couple of years. Remember that centipedegrass is a light feeder. Only a couple of applications of fertilizer are needed per year.