I have been as guilty as anyone in trying to “control” nature rather than “manage” nature. One of our greatest sins as an industry is judging creeping bentgrass on color and density rather than as a playable surface. I don’t believe creeping bentgrass can compete with poa annua in that arena.

If we let “creeping” bentgrass be “creeping” bentgrass as nature intended it will accept very low heights of cut providing a fast and true surface that will push out the poa. If we are too aggressive with grain removal ,cultural practices, nitrogen and generally babying our turf Poa will win.

We have converted our 90 year old push-up greens that were predominately poa to about 90% bentgrass in three years by going minimalist and without seeding. Our HOC is .080 and the bent loves it and rolls true and fast. Our chemical and fertilizer budget has been cut by 30% and we typically mow 9 greens before we empty the buckets on the triplex. Organic matter buildup has been greatly reduced along with the costs of managing it.

I don’t know why it took me 35 years to figure this out but I guess I was hooked on “pretty” turf rather than “playable” turf.

Blessings and keep up the good work.

Scott Hoffmann