Bentgrass (Agrostis) is a fine bladed cool season grass crop that is native to Asia and Europe. Its genus has over 100 species but typically only 4 are used in the US. This plant is best suited to New England and Pacific Northwestern climate.
Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) is a perennial cool season bentgrass which is typically used only in golf greens and tees. This plant forms a very dense and smooth mat which is ideal for these applications. Some traits of this plant are that it spreads via stolons, it has very vigorous, shallow roots, long narrow leaves where the blades are smooth on the upper side and ridged on the underside. Being that this plant is best suited for the cool season this plant requires quite high maintenance in southern climates. This maintenance consists of cooling of the plant in the morning typically with the use of water mist or fans. Southern heat is also very hard on this plant because the high temperature days and warm nights deplete the carbohydrate reserves of the plant and therefore becomes susceptible to stresses such as drought, compaction, and parasites. Due to the high maintenance of this grass in the south, it is typically only used there on greens where it can be closely monitored and taken care of.
Establishing Bentgrass can be a difficult chore when growing from seed. The seeds germinate in as long as up to two weeks. During this time water management and fertilization must be very closely monitored. Fertilization must be frequent during the first months after seeding, such as every 10 days until cover develops. Being that this grass is so difficult to grow from seed, most golf courses will keep a sod nursery to use where Bentgrass is needed. This nursery will then allow time for the grass to have established roots before it is put onto the golf course and put under additional stress. If no nursery is kept, Bentgrass sod can be ordered from various sod companies. When seeding new grass it is vital to mow lightly being sure to make turns off of the seeded area to protect the new plants. Due to the high maintenance of this grass it is primarily intended for sports uses, and is never recommended for a home lawn or pasture.
Long term maintenance of Bentgrass consists of mowing the grass (usually <3/16"), fertilizing, application of fungicides to prevent the increasing problem of fungi, and pesticides to keep harmful insects at a minimum. This grass also requires closely monitored watering and a recommended yearly aerification (loosening of the soil).
