Compare Sod Types
Centipede vs. Fine Fescue Sod

Price

Which costs more, Centipede or Fine Fescue sod?

Between these two, Centipede is typically on the pricier side with an average cost per square foot of $0.73. On a per pallet basis, which is usually how sod is sold, this comes out to roughly $362.50 per pallet.

Fine Fescue on the other hand, is a more moderately priced at $0.60 per square foot (on average). This comes out to around $300.00 per pallet.

Editor's note: It's important to remember that both of these are averages based on data from around the country so cost can vary depending on your location. Keep in mind this doesn't include other fees like delivery or installation.

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Sun & Shade

Which grass grows better in the shade?

Centipede Grass requires about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight but can handle light shade, surviving with slightly less sun if needed.

On the other hand, Fine Fescue stands out for shade tolerance, needing as little as 3 to 4 hours of direct sun each day and flourishing even in heavily shaded lawn areas.

Appearance

Which one looks better? You decide.

When choosing between sods like Centipede (pictured lefttop) and Fine Fescue (pictured rightbottom), personal preference plays a significant role, but understanding the nuances of each type's appearance can guide your decision. Here's what to consider:

Centipede Grass, with its unique light green shade and soft leaves, creates a laid-back, low-growing lawn that feels easy underfoot and is fuss-free to maintain.

Fine Fescue is all about the delicate look and feel; its fine blades knit together for a soft, green pasture that's easy on the eyes and gentle for your soles.

Drought Tolerance

Which one needs more water?

Centipede Grass offers above average but not great drought tolerance, often bouncing back from dry conditions once regular watering is resumed.

Similarly, Fine Fescue is one of the more drought tolerant among cool-season grasses, able to survive dry conditions with minimal watering.

Takeaway: If you're located in a somewhat dry and arid geographic region and are looking for a grass that can handle drought-like conditions, Fine Fescue is the better option between Centipede and Fine Fescue.

Grow Zones

Cold or warm weather - which do they prefer?

Centipede is well-suited for growth in warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for laying Centipede sod is between 70°F and 85°F.

Fine Fescue generally grows better in cool or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Fine Fescue is between 60°F and 75°F. If you choose to lay outside of the ideal range, you can still have success, but it may take a longer time to esablish and require a bit more maintenance.

As you may have noticed, Centipede and Fine Fescue have somewhat different climatic preferences for optimal growth! Let's move on...

Lawn Traffic Tolerance

Which sod handles heavy foot traffic better?

Centipede Grass has moderate foot traffic tolerance and is best for lower-use areas, but it can handle occasional gatherings and games in the yard.

Similarly, Fine Fescue has lower traffic tolerance and is best for ornamental areas or yards that don’t see intense games and heavy footfall.

Takeaway: If you're looking for a grass that can handle heavy foot traffic, Centipede is the better option between Centipede and Fine Fescue.

Establishment Rate

Which grass grows faster?

Centipede grass is a slow-growing, low-fertility requirement grass that gradually establishes to form a low-maintenance, dense carpet ideal for acidic soils in warm climates.

Fine Fescue is slow to establish but eventually forms a low-growing, fine-textured turf that's shade-tolerant and suited for cooler climates or less trafficked areas.

Net, net - if you're looking for a grass that establishes quickly, Fine Fescue is the way to go.

Pest & Disease Resistance

Which handles pests better?

Centipede Grass has moderate resistance to pests and some fungal diseases, but it can be susceptible to nematodes and needs care to prevent issues.

Fine Fescue, while resistant to most common pests, can sometimes be troubled by red thread and other fungal diseases, particularly in damp conditions. Overall, it's a solid choice if you're worried about pests.

TLDR - if you're looking for a grass that wards off pests and disease, Fine Fescue edges out the competition.

Which Is Best?

Which sod is better, Centipede or Fine Fescue?

Alright it's time to count the scores up.

Most blogs or articles are going to give you a wishy washy "it's up to you" speil. That is definitely true. You'll need to choose based on your geographic conditions and what you like most looks-wise.

That being said, if we just compare the scores based on the following measures. Higher is better in this case.

• Average Cost: 4 for Centipede, 6 for Fine Fescue
• Shade Tolerance: 5 for Centipede, 9 for Fine Fescue
• Drought Tolerance: 6 for Centipede, 7 for Fine Fescue
• Traffic Tolerance: 4 for Centipede, 3 for Fine Fescue
• Establishment Rate: 5 for Centipede, 6 for Fine Fescue
• Pest & Disease Resistance: 6 for Centipede, 7 for Fine Fescue

Drumroll please...

All in all, Fine Fescue comes out on top with a score of 38/60 versus 30/60 for Centipede.

Thanks for reading! If you have any feedback or corrections for us, please email our editor at editor@sodcalculator.com.