The Shortest Growing Grass

Uses

• Bentgrass spreads by creeping stolons and forms a low, dense mat. This perennial cool season grass is typically used on golf course putting greens because of its short growth, thick thatch and vibrant color. Because it requires much maintenance, bentgrass is generally unsuitable for residential lawns. It requires frequent fertilizing, watering, mowing, aerating and dethatching.

Description

• Bentgrass has long, narrow, bright green or bluish-green blades that are smooth on the upper side and ridged underneath. Its vigorous root system is shallow and spreads by stolons. Though fine textured with flat leaves, bentgrass forms a thick layer of thatch just above the soil. It has a velvety texture.

Characteristics

• Because it's a cool season grass, bentgrass is particularly suited to the northeastern U.S. It thrives in cool, humid environments with cool nighttime temperatures. Areas that are too humid and warm deplete the grass and leave it susceptible to insect infestation and disease. It is used on golf courses in the southern U.S. but requires extensive maintenance.

Types

• The three types of bentgrass are colonial, creeping and velvet. Colonial bentgrass was brought to the U.S. in colonial times to replicate the lawns of Europe. It is the tallest type and has a very fine texture. Creeping bentgrass, native to Europe and Asia, is the most frequently used type. It is the most common bentgrass for putting courses because of its bright color, dense growth and short mowing tolerance. Velvet bentgrass was the earliest type of bentgrass used on golf courses. It was first used in Europe and later brought to the U.S.