Have you discovered a patch of creeping bentgrass in your lawn? Assuming the patch is small and isolated to a single area, conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that it isn’t a threat to your lawn.
Unfortunately, creeping bentgrass is notorious for its ability to quickly spread – all while consuming valuable nutrients, as well as moisture, from the soil.
What Is Creeping Bentgrass?
Also known as carpet bentgrass and spreading bentgrass, creeping bentgrass is a type of perennial grass in the Poaceae family.
It’s typically used for golf course turf because of its ability to withstand stress. If creeping bentgrass takes root in your lawn, it can quickly take over if left unchecked.
The good news is that you control this otherwise invasive species of grass by following a few simple tips.
Plant New Grass Seed
Planting new grass seed can help control and minimize the impact of creeping bentgrass.
Whether your lawn consists of St. Augustine, bermudagrass, buffalo grass or any other common variety, re-seeding it will encourage the growth of new grass.
The seeds will fill bare patches with new grass while simultaneously restricting the growth of creeping bentgrass and other invasive species of grass.
Remove the Roots
Another way to control creeping bentgrass is to remove its roots.
As you may know, creeping bentgrass grows in clusters. Each of these clusters is connected to a root system that extends several inches into the soil.
When you come across a cluster of creeping bentgrass, try digging or pulling it up by its root system. With the root system removed, the creeping bentgrass shouldn’t regrow.
Of course, removing the root system of each cluster is tedious, but there are other ways to control this invasive grass species.
Cut Back on the Water
Using less water on your lawn can help eradicate creeping bentgrass.
According to Texas A&M’s AggieTurf, creeping bentgrass doesn’t tolerate drought very well.
By watering your lawn less frequently, creeping bentgrass will enter a stressed state where it begins to scale back and eventually die.
Use an Herbicide
Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to control creeping bentgrass is to use an herbicide.
Herbicides containing the chemical glyphosate are particularly effective at controlling creeping bentgrass.
Available in a variety of store-bought herbicides, it’s able to kill creeping bentgrass and other invasive grass species.
Just remember to avoid using it on your healthy grass, as glyphosate may kill it as well.
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