Getting (re)acquainted with: Bentgrass

A LARGE GENUS with over 100 species, only about four species of bent are used for turfgrass in the United States. It is usually found in cooler climates and preferred for its ability to handle foot and cart traffic better than most species. None of the four bentgrass species used in the U.S. have been historically well-adapted to Southern climates, but this has been changing, as courses in that region learn to use it successfully, especially for greens, by closely managing the environment, Bent can survive in the South with an intensive maintenance program which, in extreme humidity, can involve syringing (applying a light spray of water), the use of above-ground cooling fans, and/or subsurface aeration.

Attributes

Velvet Bent
• High-shoot density that provides excellent coverage
• Good tolerance to drought, shade, disease and wear
• Requires little nitrogen fertility
• Quick germination (about five days)
• Good coverage resists Poa annua infestation
• Well-suited to different mowing heights, so offers versatile use for tees, fairways and greens

Creeping Bent
• Dense coverage
• Can be mowed extremely short
• Beautiful deep green, year-round color
• Good disease tolerance

Colonial Bent
• Good density/coverage, color, cold tolerance, and tolerance to heavy traffic

Drawbacks

• Relatively high-maintenance turf requiring frequent mowing and watering, especially when used in the South
• Can be susceptible to thatch, dollar spot and anthracnose if mismanaged
Grass Index
Bentgrass |
Bermudagrass |
Carpetgrass |
Fine Fescue |
Kentucky Bluegrass |
Kikuyugrass |
Paspalum |
Perennial Ryegrass |
Zoysiagrass