Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Few lawn problems frustrate homeowners as much as creeping bentgrass. It looks soft and velvety at first, but once those pale stolons start weaving through your lawn, it creates patchy, spongy mats that stand out against normal turf. In my own backyard, I’ve battled creeping bentgrass several times, and I’ve learned often the hard way that choosing the best herbicide for creeping bentgrass requires care, timing, and a clear plan for repair afterward.
If you’re a home gardener, the biggest challenge is this: there’s no selective herbicide for most common lawn types. That means the best products either kill everything in the treated patch or require precise spot treatment.
Below you’ll find practical, experience-based guidance you can apply immediately.
Why Herbicides Are Tricky for Bentgrass
Creeping bentgrass is a cool‑season turf species, so many “lawn-safe” herbicides won’t harm it at all. When beginners ask why their treatment didn’t work, it’s usually because:
- The product only targets broadleaf weeds
- The active ingredient is too turf‑safe
- The grass wasn’t actively growing (wrong season)
- They didn’t follow with proper reseeding
In real yards, herbicides are only one part of the fix you also need to repair the thin area left behind.
What You’ll Need Actually
- A non-selective herbicide (safe when applied carefully)
- Hand sprayer with a fine nozzle for spot treatments
- Protective gloves
- Cardboard or plastic sheet for shielding nearby grass
- Rake for removing dead thatch
- Grass seed to match your existing lawn
- Compost or enriched topsoil for patch repair
- Watering can with gentle spray
Organic gardeners can use alternatives like vinegar-based weed control, but these usually require multiple applications.
The Best Herbicides for Creeping Bentgrass (Home-Lawn Safe Options)
1. Glyphosate (Non-Selective Spot Treatment)
Best for: Small patches, edging, isolated outbreaks.
This is the most reliable herbicide for creeping bentgrass in a home setting. I’ve used it several times, and when applied carefully, it kills the bentgrass down to the crown without damaging the surrounding lawn.
How it works:
- Systemic absorbed through leaves and stolons
- Moves into the root system
- Visible results in 7–14 days
Pros:
- Very effective
- Ideal for small, defined patches
- Easy to control drift with cardboard shields
Cons:
- Kills anything it touches
- Requires reseeding after removal
2. Fluazifop-p-butyl (Grass-Killer for Non-Turf Areas)
Best for: Bentgrass invading garden beds or groundcovers, not lawns.
Fluazifop is a selective grass killer, but it is not safe for turf. It’s helpful only if bentgrass has escaped into ornamental beds. I use it around my berry patch where hand-pulling is tedious.
3. Mesotrione (Tenacity) Partial Suppression Only
Best for: Homeowners trying to thin bentgrass before overseeding.
This does not fully kill creeping bentgrass, but it:
- Bleaches the foliage
- Weakens stolons
- Helps new grass outcompete it
Mesotrione is safest when used:
- During overseeding in early fall
- When patches are small or newly noticed
It’s not a stand‑alone solution, but I use it when I want suppression, not total kill-off.
4. Organic Option: 20% Vinegar Herbicide
Best for: Gardeners avoiding synthetics.
This burns the foliage but rarely kills the crown. You’ll need:
- Multiple applications
- Bright, hot sunlight
- Follow-up patch maintenance
I’ve only had partial success with it useful only on very young patches.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Safe, Effective Treatment
1. Choose the Right Day
- Treat when temperatures are 60–80°F
- Avoid windy days
- Treat when grass is dry (better absorption)
2. Protect Surrounding Lawn
I always place a piece of cardboard behind the patch. It prevents drift and keeps the edge crisp.
3. Apply a Non-Selective Herbicide
Spray lightly don’t soak the ground. Bentgrass absorbs quickly because of its thin blades.
4. Wait 7–14 Days
You’ll see yellowing first, then browning.
If the center dies but stolon edges remain green, retreat the perimeter.
5. Remove Dead Material
Gently rake up the spongy mat. This helps new grass root properly.
6. Reseed Immediately
Use the same seed type as the surrounding lawn. Blend a little compost with seed for better germination.
7. Water Lightly for 10–14 Days
Just enough moisture to keep seed damp, not soggy.
Professional Tips & Best Practices
- Treat bentgrass in late summer or early fall for best kill and recovery.
- Avoid spraying during heat waves lawn repair becomes harder.
- Always reseed bare patches attract more bentgrass.
- Don’t mow for at least 7–10 days after treatment.
- For larger patches, consider sod removal instead of chemicals.
FAQ
What is the best herbicide for creeping bentgrass in a typical lawn?
Glyphosate for spot treatment. It’s non-selective but highly effective when applied carefully.
Will Tenacity (mesotrione) kill creeping bentgrass completely?
No. It weakens and bleaches it but usually requires repeat treatments or follow-up removal.
Can I kill creeping bentgrass without killing my whole lawn?
Only with careful spot treatment or manual removal. No selective turf herbicide fully eliminates it.
How long after spraying bentgrass should I reseed?
7–14 days, or once the patch is clearly dead and dry.
Does creeping bentgrass come back after herbicide?
If any stolon fragments remain, yes. That’s why I always remove dead material and overseed promptly.
When NOT to Use Herbicides
Avoid spraying herbicides if:
- You have large connecting patches removal may be easier
- Your lawn is heat-stressed or drought-stressed
- Rain is expected within 24 hours
- Pets or kids cannot be kept off the area until dry
In new lawns (less than 60 days old), avoid herbicides altogether.
Alternative Methods
Manual Removal
Great for small gardens or organic lawns. Pros: No chemicals Cons: Bentgrass stolons break easily may regrow
Solarization (clear plastic for 4–6 weeks)
Extremely effective in summer, but kills everything in the area.
Sod Cutting
Cleanest method for large infestations, especially in backyards.
Conclusion
The best herbicide for creeping bentgrass in a home lawn is a carefully applied non-selective herbicide like glyphosate, followed by immediate reseeding. For suppression, Tenacity (mesotrione) can help during overseeding, but won’t eliminate bentgrass on its own.
Creeping bentgrass requires patience, good timing, and thoughtful lawn repair. Once you understand how it behaves and how to safely control it you can keep your lawn healthy, uniform, and resilient without repeated battles season after season.