Removing Creeping Bentgrass from my lawn. - Ask Extension
I live in Gaylord, Michigan and have huge patches of Creeping Bentgrass in my lawn that was established 32 years ago. I would like to treat with a her...
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Removing Creeping Bentgrass from my lawn. #866494
Asked April 30, 2024, 3:07 PM EDT
I live in Gaylord, Michigan and have huge patches of Creeping Bentgrass in my lawn that was established 32 years ago. I would like to treat with a herbicide but I have a well for water and don't know what to use that will not affect my drinking water? Any info would be appreciated.
Otsego County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
To address Creeping Bentgrass in your lawn, a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate is often recommended. This type of herbicide will kill the patches of bentgrass, but it will also affect any other plants it comes into contact with. After treatment, areas can be re-seeded seven days following the application of glyphosate.
Selective Chemical Removal - Until recently, none were available. Mesotrione is the only labeled active ingredient for the selective control of bentgrass in other cool-season grasses. (Tenacity's Active Ingredient is Mesotrione) As with other selective grass controls, it requires multiple applications per season. The most effective control is achieved from 3-4 applications applied 14- to 21-days apart. Read the product label carefully for any environmental hazard warnings and follow the instructions.
Another thought and option – If possible - Selective removal of patches may be accomplished by solarizing the affected area. Clear plastic can be fixed over the affected area for five-to-seven days. The resultant smothering and radiation (heat) will kill all turf under the plastic. The area can be immediately re-seeded. Check out this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/creeping-bentgrass
However, when it comes to the safety of your well water, it’s crucial to consider the potential for herbicides to leach into groundwater or be carried away by runoff. Glyphosate, for instance, is biodegradable and breaks down in sunlight, but once it enters a water system, it does not break down as quickly, which can be a concern for well water contamination.
To minimize the risk of affecting your drinking water:
Read the product label carefully for any environmental hazard warnings and follow the instructions.
Consider the soil type, depth of the groundwater, and weather conditions as they can influence the movement of chemicals into the groundwater.
Ensure that the application site is not near the well head, and the slope of the land does not direct runoff towards the well.
Plants and vegetation can help reduce the risk by slowing down water movement across the surface.
It’s also a good idea to check with local resources for more information on drinking water wells and groundwater, as some states offer free well testing. Always prioritize the safety of your drinking water when treating your lawn with herbicides. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional or your local extension service can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and location.
I hope this helps!
To address Creeping Bentgrass in your lawn, a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate is often recommended. This type of herbicide will kill the patches of bentgrass, but it will also affect any other plants it comes into contact with. After treatment, areas can be re-seeded seven days following the application of glyphosate.
Selective Chemical Removal - Until recently, none were available. Mesotrione is the only labeled active ingredient for the selective control of bentgrass in other cool-season grasses. (Tenacity's Active Ingredient is Mesotrione) As with other selective grass controls, it requires multiple applications per season. The most effective control is achieved from 3-4 applications applied 14- to 21-days apart. Read the product label carefully for any environmental hazard warnings and follow the instructions.
Another thought and option – If possible - Selective removal of patches may be accomplished by solarizing the affected area. Clear plastic can be fixed over the affected area for five-to-seven days. The resultant smothering and radiation (heat) will kill all turf under the plastic. The area can be immediately re-seeded. Check out this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/creeping-bentgrass
However, when it comes to the safety of your well water, it’s crucial to consider the potential for herbicides to leach into groundwater or be carried away by runoff. Glyphosate, for instance, is biodegradable and breaks down in sunlight, but once it enters a water system, it does not break down as quickly, which can be a concern for well water contamination.
To minimize the risk of affecting your drinking water:
Read the product label carefully for any environmental hazard warnings and follow the instructions.
Consider the soil type, depth of the groundwater, and weather conditions as they can influence the movement of chemicals into the groundwater.
Ensure that the application site is not near the well head, and the slope of the land does not direct runoff towards the well.
Plants and vegetation can help reduce the risk by slowing down water movement across the surface.
It’s also a good idea to check with local resources for more information on drinking water wells and groundwater, as some states offer free well testing. Always prioritize the safety of your drinking water when treating your lawn with herbicides. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional or your local extension service can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and location.
I hope this helps!
I have one more question for you. I have a certain type of grass that starts out green and now this time of year it turns brown and appears to die off. I think it's perennial ryegrass. I have big patches of it and it has a straight thick stalk to it. What can I do about this problem? Thanks
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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 5:56 AM
To: Mark Holland <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Removing Creeping Bentgrass from my lawn. (#0136415)
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 5:56 AM
To: Mark Holland <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Removing Creeping Bentgrass from my lawn. (#0136415)
Hello Mark,
Mel isn’t available right now to answer questions.
Would you mind opening a new question for your issue with the brown grass? Also, please include a couple pictures, one of it in the lawn and one of a few stems pulled out with roots, and laid out flat on a plain background so the expert can see the nature of the stems, leaves and a seed head if available.
Another reason we need separate questions for each issue is, we keep a “count” by question number of how many questions in each area we receive. This helps our management understand the importance of our services and supports the funding for them.
I appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to helping you with your future garden questions!
Mel isn’t available right now to answer questions.
Would you mind opening a new question for your issue with the brown grass? Also, please include a couple pictures, one of it in the lawn and one of a few stems pulled out with roots, and laid out flat on a plain background so the expert can see the nature of the stems, leaves and a seed head if available.
Another reason we need separate questions for each issue is, we keep a “count” by question number of how many questions in each area we receive. This helps our management understand the importance of our services and supports the funding for them.
I appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to helping you with your future garden questions!
Regards
Laura S.
Ask Extension Administrator
