Creeping Bentgrass (Weedy Invasions) (Agrostis stolonifera): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Mesotrione (Tenacity) at 5 fl oz/A applied 3 times at 2-week intervals provides selective elimination of Bentgrass in Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Very fine, soft, blue-green puffy patches that lie flat under mowing
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Extensive surface stolons creating a thatch-heavy spongy carpet
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Distinct tall membranous ligule with rounded to pointed tip
How do you get rid of Creeping Bentgrass in home lawns?
Mesotrione (Tenacity) at 5 fl oz/A applied 3 times at 2-week intervals provides selective elimination of Bentgrass in Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue.
Mesotrione selectively bleaches out Bentgrass while leaving desired cool-season turf unharmed. Tenacity can even be used at seeding when overseeding with turf-type tall fescue.
When to apply Tenacity to kill Bentgrass?
Begin applications in late August to early September so overseeding of desirable grass seed can occur immediately following treatment.
Fall treatments allow optimal cool-season turf recovery in the bare patches left behind by decaying bentgrass mats.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Creeping Bentgrass (Weedy Invasions)
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Creeping Bentgrass (Weedy Invasions), including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity EPA Reg. 100-1267 |
Mesotrione 40% Group 27 (HPPD Inhibitor) |
55°F – 85°F Rainfast: 6h |
Always apply with Non-Ionic Surfactant (NIS) at 1 tsp (5 mL) per gallon of water for post-emergent applications. Causes temporary white bleaching on susceptible weeds and turf tips. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Creeping Bentgrass (Weedy Invasions) Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Creeping Bentgrass (Weedy Invasions) from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Nimblewill | Creeping Bentgrass has soft, longer leaves with a conspicuous tall ligule, whereas Nimblewill has short, stiff, lance-shaped leaves and wiry stems. |