Eliminating Bent Grass

[saint194]

I have a 1 acre lawn (suburban Boston) that is 50%+ Bent Grass.....

I'm able to keep it looking "ok" by keeping it cut long (4"+) and constant watering during the mid-late summer. Even then the course/matted nature of the grass and short roots make for a less then desirable lawn given all the effort.

I'd think that a total overhaul would be a major amount of work & expense. By overhaul I mean spraying everything with RoundUp - using a turf cutter to remove the dead grass/turf - then re-grade and start with fresh seed/fertalizer. Ugh.

Does anyone have an alternative? (yes, aside from just living with it ).

Could I "beat out" the Bent grass if I aerated and used a split seeder in the Spring and Fall next season?

Any thoughts/comments would be very much appreciated.

Steve

[(Wi)]

What are your alturnative choices in grass? Other than what you have now?

There are: Zoysia, Burmuda, Fescue, Cenipede, St. Augustine, etc.

each has its limitation only on how it is used!

[Knowledgeum]

You could spend a few days tilling the old grass under and reseeding. Sure, some of he bent grass may come back but it will eventually be killed off.

[haul0348]

I agree with the tilling and overseeding with a good mix grass the short root grass/aka bent grass will die out if you establish a more deep root variety. 31 fescue, orchard,etc.

[Knowledgeum]

I also think 31 Fescue would work well in this situation. Nice suggestion!