Creeping Bentgrass in the Lawn
Every year around this time of the summer I notice areas of my lawn that begin to turn brown, even though I water during dry periods. The brown grass is thin, stringy and it is like pulling thread. Should I over seed with bluegrass?
Sounds like creeping bentgrass has invaded your lawn. This is the grass used for putting greens. It prefers a low mowing height and lots of care. In properly managed bluegrass lawns (higher mowing height and less fertilization) it gets long, spindly and poorly rooted. Rake the dead grass and then overseed your lawn. Use a grass seed with a high percent of bluegrass for sunny areas and higher percent of fescue for shade. Select a mix with several different bluegrass, fescue and perennial ryegrass varieties for better pest resistance. Keep the soil surface moist until the grass seed germinates and grows. For best results overseed the bare areas in spring or late summer after the hot weather has passed. Keep removing and replacing problem areas as they appear. Removal and proper care will keep this weed under control. A thick healthy lawn will help crowd out this unwanted grass.
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