
Problem: Bentgrass (Lawns)

Problem Info
Patches of soft, matted grass develop in the lawn. Sometimes the grass looks dead, with long, straggly stems. In the spring, it greens up more slowly than the surrounding grass. Bentgrass needs to be cut short (1/4 to 1/2 inch tall), as it is on golf course putting greens, to be attractive. The invasive nature of bentgrass makes it a weed in bluegrass and ryegrass lawns, which are cut 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall. Bentgrass will crowd out other grasses.
Analysis
Agrostis species Several kinds of bentgrass exist, most commonly grown on golf course putting greens, where the grass is cut very short (from 1/4 to 1/2 inch tall). Bentgrass needs to be cut short to be attractive. The invasive nature of bentgrass makes it a weed in bluegrass and ryegrass lawns, which are cut 11/2 to 2 inches tall. At this height, bentgrass becomes matted and straggly. Bentgrass is very invasive and will crowd out other grasses. It is introduced into a lawn in several ways: through seeds in the soil, lawn equipment, or seed mixtures and sod, or from nearby unmowed areas.
Solution Advice
Omit a regular mowing before treating to allow for enough leaf tissue to absorb the herbicide.