Compare Sod Types
Centipede vs. Kentucky Bluegrass Sod

Price

Which costs more, Centipede or Kentucky Bluegrass 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.

Kentucky Bluegrass on the other hand, is a more moderately priced at $0.52 per square foot (on average). This comes out to around $262.50 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.

Similarly, Kentucky Bluegrass does best with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, but some shade-tolerant varieties can withstand light shade without significant thinning.

Appearance

Which one looks better? You decide.

When choosing between sods like Centipede (pictured lefttop) and Kentucky Bluegrass (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.

Kentucky Bluegrass comes in with a lush, blue-green color and fine texture, forming a dense turf that's not only a treat for the eyes but also kind to your feet.

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, Kentucky Bluegrass has moderate drought tolerance; it can struggle in extreme dryness but will go dormant and can recover with adequate 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, Centipede is the better option between Centipede and Kentucky Bluegrass.

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.

Kentucky Bluegrass generally grows better in cool or moderate climates. When it comes to laying sod, the ideal range for Kentucky Bluegrass 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 Kentucky Bluegrass 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.

On the other hand, Kentucky Bluegrass is quite traffic-tolerant, resiliently springing back and self-repairing, making it great for homes that enjoy an active outdoor space.

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

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.

Kentucky Bluegrass takes its time to establish, but its ability to self-repair through underground stems called rhizomes makes it a lush, durable lawn option for cooler climates.

Net, net - if you're looking for a grass that establishes quickly, they are pretty similar in this respect, so feel free to go with either one!

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.

Kentucky Bluegrass can be prone to pests like billbugs and diseases like rust, requiring attentive maintenance to identify and treat issues early.

TLDR - if you're looking for a grass that wards off pests and disease, they are pretty similar in this respect, so feel free to go with either one!

Which Is Best?

Which sod is better, Centipede or Kentucky Bluegrass?

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, 7 for Kentucky Bluegrass
• Shade Tolerance: 5 for Centipede, 4 for Kentucky Bluegrass
• Drought Tolerance: 6 for Centipede, 5 for Kentucky Bluegrass
• Traffic Tolerance: 4 for Centipede, 7 for Kentucky Bluegrass
• Establishment Rate: 5 for Centipede, 5 for Kentucky Bluegrass
• Pest & Disease Resistance: 6 for Centipede, 6 for Kentucky Bluegrass

Drumroll please...

All in all, Kentucky Bluegrass comes out on top with a score of 34/60 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.