Carpetgrass Fertilization and Watering

Carpetgrass Fertilization

A lawn grown from carpetgrass does not respond well to heavy or frequent fertilization. Carpetgrass should be fertilized in the spring, after the lawn has greened up, with a fertilizer that has no phosphorous and moderate amounts of nitrogen. 15-0-15 is considered the ideal type carpetgrass fertilization. Although 16-4-8 is a good alternative as well. Fertilizers with the addition of Iron are recommended. Iron supplements will contribute to a darker green color. The annual nitrogen requirements for carpetgrass are very low.  A rate 0f 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per year is ideal. Please refer to the section on fertilization for more details.

DO NOT LIME Carpetgrass unless the acidity is lower then 5.0. Carpetgrass is similar in this respect to Centipede. It prefers an acidic soil with a PH range of 5.0 to 6.0. Adding lime will raise the alkalinity and produce an environment that is not carpetgrass friendly!

Lawn Sprinkler Watering
Lawn Sprinkler

Watering

Carpetgrass is NOT drought tolerant. It does require a regular watering schedule. You should water regularly. Especially during periods of extended drought. Watering frequency should be based on the condition of the soil. If the soil is dry you should water the lawn before is becomes stressed. Water every 5 days during dry periods.

For Turf lawns the recommendation is that receive a minimum of 1-2 inches of water a week, more watering will produce a healthier, better looking lawn.