How to Prevent Creeping Bentgrass From Taking Over Your Lawn
Got a little patch of creeping bentgrass making itself at home in your lawn? At first, it might appear harmless, but in no time, that small patch could rapidly spread, engulfing your valuable grass and draining all the nutrients and moisture from the soil. If left unchecked, this invasive grass can completely change the character of your yard, turning your lush lawn into a patchy, overrun mess. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be to deal with this unruly guest.
But don’t panic! The positive news is that, with a little effort, you can tame this wild invader and keep it from spreading. In this post, I’ll share some practical, hands-on strategies that I’ve used (and swear by) to fight creeping bentgrass. From planting fresh grass seed to using a little herbicide magic, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get your lawn back on track!
What Exactly is Creeping Bentgrass?
Before we delve into the specifics of managing creeping bentgrass, let’s delve deeper into its nature. Creeping bentgrass, also known as carpet bentgrass or spreading bentgrass, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It’s not the type of grass you typically want in your lawn, though. It’s actually a favorite for golf courses because it’s tough as nails and can handle all kinds of stress.
Creeping bentgrass grows in dense mats, and its creeping nature means that it spreads quickly, often without you even noticing until it’s taken over a chunk of your lawn. The grass can crowd out your desirable lawn varieties, like bermudagrass, buffalo grass, or St. Augustine, by aggressively competing for space, moisture, and nutrients. Left unchecked, it can be a nightmare.
Why Is Creeping Bentgrass So Problematic?
Creeping bentgrass doesn’t just make your lawn look like a chaotic mess—it also steals the nutrients and moisture your other plants need to thrive. As it spreads, it creates thick mats that block sunlight and can lead to bare patches in the areas where your good grass used to grow.
On top of that, creeping bentgrass is a perennial, so it keeps coming back year after year. If you let it go unchecked, it won’t just keep spreading—it’ll also keep pushing out the healthier, more desirable grass varieties. Think of it as that one party guest who just refuses to leave. If you don’t take action, it will be the only guest left at the party, and you’ll be left with a lawn that’s more “weed jungle” than “garden oasis.”
Step 1: Plant New Grass Seed
One of the best ways to fight back against creeping bentgrass is by planting new grass seed. I know it might seem counterintuitive—why add more grass when there’s already a problem with grass, right? But hear me out: planting fresh grass seed encourages new growth and helps fill in bare patches. This makes it harder for creeping bentgrass to establish itself in the first place.
When you reseed your lawn, you’re not just making it look better—you’re also creating competition for the creeping bentgrass. New grass varieties, such as bermudagrass or St. Augustine, will fill in the gaps and outcompete the invader for water and nutrients. This makes it tougher for the bentgrass to spread.
To do this, choose grass varieties that are suited to your climate and soil type. If you’re unsure about which seed is best for your area, consider talking to a local gardening center or landscaper for recommendations. They’ll know exactly what thrives in your neck of the woods.
Step 2: Get Down to the Roots
If you’ve got a small patch of creeping bentgrass, the best way to deal with it is to get your hands dirty—literally. Creeping bentgrass grows in clusters, and each of these clusters has a root system that can stretch deep into the soil. When I see a cluster, I go straight for the roots. The idea is simple: if you remove the root system, the grass won’t come back.
Grab a shovel or garden fork and gently dig around the base of the grass to expose the roots. Pull up the entire root system, making sure you get as much of the root as possible. It’s tedious work, but it’s one of the most effective ways to take out the problem at its source. If you leave any part of the root, it can regrow—and you’ll be back at square one.
If you’ve got a lot of patches to tackle, it might take a little more elbow grease, but trust me, it’s worth it. A good deep dig will give you the upper hand.
Step 3: Reduce Watering to Stress the Bentgrass
Creeping bentgrass isn’t exactly the toughest when it comes to drought conditions. It’s a grass that thrives in moist environments, but if you start cutting back on the water, you’ll make things much harder for it. In my experience, reducing the watering frequency has been a game-changer.
By cutting back on water, you stress the bentgrass, forcing it into a state where it begins to die off. It won’t be able to survive as easily without consistent moisture. Make sure to water your lawn less often, and water deeply when you do—this will help your other grass varieties stay healthy while the creeping bentgrass starts to wither. You don’t want to underwater your whole lawn, just target areas where the creeping bentgrass is present.
Step 4: Use Herbicides Wisely
When all else fails, sometimes you need to pull out the big guns—herbicides. Glyphosate-based herbicides are often a go-to for killing creeping bentgrass. These herbicides are effective at wiping out invasive grasses, and they can help keep creeping bentgrass in check. But—and this is a big but—you need to be careful because there are pros and cons of using herbicides. Glyphosate isn’t selective, so it can kill the grass you want to keep too.
When using herbicide, I make sure to apply it directly onto the creeping bentgrass, avoiding any contact with my desired grass. Some people use a paintbrush or sponge to carefully apply the herbicide to the affected areas, reducing the risk of it spreading to the surrounding grass.
Also, keep in mind that herbicide should only be a last resort. You should try other methods—like reseeding and pulling out the roots—before resorting to chemicals.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant and Be Patient
Preventing creeping bentgrass from taking over your lawn isn’t a one-and-done task. It requires patience, consistency, and a little bit of elbow grease. You need to be proactive and tackle it from multiple angles. Whether by planting new grass seed, removing the roots, adjusting your watering habits, or using herbicide when necessary—you’ll be well on your way to reclaiming your lawn.
Don’t let creeping bentgrass ruin all your hard work. Stay vigilant, keep a close eye on your lawn, and take action early to prevent it from spreading. With a little care and attention, you can keep your lawn looking lush and vibrant. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you beat the bentgrass at its own game!
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Plant New Grass Seed | Encourages new growth, fills in patches | Takes time, may not eliminate existing bentgrass |
| Remove the Roots | Directly removes the problem at the source | Tedious, requires effort |
| Cut Back on Water | Stresses bentgrass, easy to do | May not be effective for large areas |
| Use Herbicide | Fast, effective for large areas | Can kill desired grass, requires careful application |
By following these steps, you can keep creeping bentgrass from making your lawn its home and restore balance to your outdoor space. Happy gardening!
