Q: I have parts of my centipede lawn that are light-colored. I have done a Clemson University soil sample and the soil pH is 6.8. What do you think caused this discoloration?

A: I think the problem is that soil pH is too high. Centipedegrass does best in soil that has a pH 5.5 – 6.0. Your soil pH of 6.8 makes the grass unable to absorb nutrients, particularly iron. This causes various discolorations of grass blades.

Lowering the pH is done in a couple of ways, depending on the makeup of your soil.

Contact your local Extension office to learn how to lower soil pH correctly.