Bent Grass Lawn Turf

Geographic Zones: Bentgrass is most adapted to cool season areas with a generally moist climate and fertile soil, such as the northeastern U.S.

Water Requirements: Due to its shallow root system, Bentgrass requires light but frequent watering in order to thrive.

Fertilizer Requirements: The fertilization demands of Bentgrass can be very high, depending on the soil and climate conditions. Especially when first establishing the groundcover, proper fertilization is a must.

When to Plant: In general, it is advisable to plant this lawn type in the early to late fall. This is so that it has enough time to establish a good root system before the summer heat begins.

Recommended Mowing Height: Depending on the variety of grass you are using, the recommended mowing height is different. If you have Colonial Bentgrass, then you want to keep the height at about 1/2-1 inch. If, on the other hand, you are using the Creeping type, then is it suggested you keep the height at ½ inch or less.

Light Requirements: Even though high temperatures can bother this grass, light is not a particularly troubling issue. It can as well in direct sunlight as it can in high shade situations. It has a shade tolerance of somewhere around 50-60%.

Best Places to Use: Bentgrass is most commonly used in sports fields and golf courses, especially in the southern regions where the higher heat and lower moisture levels make this already demanding grass that much harder to maintain. In the cooler, moister northern regions, however, it is also sometimes used in landscaping and lawns.

Common Diseases: Pythium, especially when first being established.

Common Pests: Black turfgrass ataneius, fiery skipper, lawn moths, sod webworms, and the hairy chinch bug, to name a few. Overall, this grass type is very susceptible to pest infestation.

Soil pH: 6.0 - 6.5 is the optimal pH level for the soil you wish this grass to grow in.

Special Benefits:

• Provides a dense groundcover that can be mowed to a very low height
• Has some salt tolerance for use along coastlines

Special Problems:

• Bentgrass is very prone to damage by insects and diseases
• Require adequate air circulation to grow properly, which includes regular aeration
• Top dressings are frequently needed to achieve the best results
• Watering and soil quality must be closely monitored
• Bentgrass is slow to return from damage
• Creates thatch which must be removed regularly to help prevent diseases