Mowing Height Recommendations and Managing Volunteer Creeping Bentgrass

General Mowing Heights

• Cool-season grasses: 2.5–3.5 inches (raise to 3" in summer for water conservation).
• Warm-season grasses: lower (1.5–2 inches).

Creeping Bentgrass in Lawns

• Volunteer bent appears in low, wet areas.
• Cornell ID confirms; Agway called it "swamp grass" (different: tall, wide-leaved).
• Bent prefers shade/moisture but **thrives in full sun if soil stays wet**.
• At 3-inch mowing, it forms dense, putting-green-like patches.

Management

• Improve drainage to discourage bent.
• Raise mowing height for desirable grass competition.
• Consider it a weed; spot-treat with glyphosate if undesirable.

Conclusion

Mow cool-season grasses 2.5–3.5". Volunteer bentgrass exploits wet microsites; drainage and mowing favor desired turf.