creeping bent grass (Agrostis palustris NO MOW) plant — close-up photo
Moderate to grow

creeping bent grass

Agrostis palustris NO MOW

Overview

Creeping bent grass (Agrostis palustris NO MOW) offers a unique and stylish low-maintenance lawn. It grows in a dense, tightly knit structure and is ideal for shady spots, having an astonishingly low water requirement. It is a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners, as it does not require mowing and is rarely bothered by weeds. Colorful shade loving wildflowers can be added to the mix for a beautiful aesthetic effect. It will spread slowly, so homeowners can enjoy a low-maintenance lawn that will last decades without having to spend too much time on lawn care.

Care Guide

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Watering

Creeping bent grass (Agrostis palustris NO MOW) should be watered deeply and infrequently. Watering should be done in the morning and should be done every 5-7 days, as needed. If there has been less than 1 inch of rainfall during the week, supplemental watering should take place. Do not water more than 1/2 inch of water per application. Ensure that all the water is soaked in by the soil before watering again. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as this will damage the grass.

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Light

Creeping bent grass (Agrostis palustris NO MOW) is a shade-tolerant species which thrives in areas with moderate temperatures and light. It requires 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally during the morning hours. Sunlight during the afternoon and evening can cause the grass to become damaged from high heat and intensity. This species is sensitive to light so paying attention to the amount and timing of the sun is essential for its growth and maintenance. In areas with harsh summers or intense heat, it’s best to provide the grass with only 4 hours of morning sunlight and the rest of the day in partial shade.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 3-6.

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Pruning

Creeping bent grass (Agrostis palustris NO MOW) requires very little pruning. In mild climates, it can stay green year-round without regular pruning. In areas with cold winters, the grass will go dormant in the winter and perks back up with the warm seasons. Very minimal pruning is necessary in this situation, and can be done any time during the season. As long as the grass is kept mowed short, unwanted grasses or weeds will have difficulty growing and competiting with it. Creeping bent grass can be pruned back to approximately 1-2 inches in early fall to help improve its color and density heading into winter.

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Propagation

Seed Propagation, Stolon, Crown Division

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