Bentgrass - Ask Extension
I have noticed areas of Bentgrass in my lawn that are spreading. What specific products do you recommend I use to treat these areas and contain the g...
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Bentgrass #929622
Asked April 25, 2026, 4:31 PM EDT
I have noticed areas of Bentgrass in my lawn that are spreading. What specific products do you recommend I use to treat these areas and contain the grass from spreading? How should they be applied?
If it is better to remove the impacted areas and lay new soil, how do I treat the soil to insure the bentgrass won't return thru the new sod.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) can be a rogue weed in lawns, that spreads by stolons. One control method is multiple applications (spraying) at two week intervals of the active ingredient mesotrione (Tenacity), a selective herbicide, as described in links below:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/creeping-bentgrass?language_id=
https://listings.lib.msu.edu/iowat/2006/22-BentRemoval.pdf
https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf/research/annual-reports/2008/kaminski6.pdf
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/coarec/publications/07_creeping_bentgrass_tolerance_Mesotrione.pdf
https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/26a34e1b-25de-4590-9264-68cbc0724263/content
Be sure to read the label and follow instructions. The label is the law.
Be sure to spray at least 6" beyond each visible creeping bentgrass patch to kill the stolons spreading into your existing lawn. I'm not sure of the wait period for mesotrione before seeding or sodding, check the label.
I'd try the mesotrione before removing the impacted areas and putting in sod. If you decide to remove the IA, I'd let them sit for 2 weeks or more to see if anything starts growing and consider an application of glyphosate, if needed, before sodding.
I would also recommend doing a soil test to determine the soil fertility this spring if you haven't done one in 2 years. Knowing the type and fertility (pH, macro-nutrient levels, CEC, etc.) of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong/thick turf that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs and look great without wasting material or $. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer Soil test results will identify any fertility concerns that you can work to correct to improve turf health (it’s a well spent $26). Your report will provide recommendations to correct any deficiencies found, fertilizer type and a fertilization schedule (rate and timing) based on your preferred maintenance level (high, moderate or low).
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/creeping-bentgrass?language_id=
https://listings.lib.msu.edu/iowat/2006/22-BentRemoval.pdf
https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf/research/annual-reports/2008/kaminski6.pdf
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/coarec/publications/07_creeping_bentgrass_tolerance_Mesotrione.pdf
https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/26a34e1b-25de-4590-9264-68cbc0724263/content
Be sure to read the label and follow instructions. The label is the law.
Be sure to spray at least 6" beyond each visible creeping bentgrass patch to kill the stolons spreading into your existing lawn. I'm not sure of the wait period for mesotrione before seeding or sodding, check the label.
I'd try the mesotrione before removing the impacted areas and putting in sod. If you decide to remove the IA, I'd let them sit for 2 weeks or more to see if anything starts growing and consider an application of glyphosate, if needed, before sodding.
I would also recommend doing a soil test to determine the soil fertility this spring if you haven't done one in 2 years. Knowing the type and fertility (pH, macro-nutrient levels, CEC, etc.) of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong/thick turf that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs and look great without wasting material or $. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer Soil test results will identify any fertility concerns that you can work to correct to improve turf health (it’s a well spent $26). Your report will provide recommendations to correct any deficiencies found, fertilizer type and a fertilization schedule (rate and timing) based on your preferred maintenance level (high, moderate or low).
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
