Native Bentgrass Lawn Sod

Agrostis pallens, San Diego Bentgrass, Thingrass, California bentgrass etc. FULL SUN - PART SHADE

Agrostis pallens is a true California Native Grass. Bentgrass occurs naturally in almost all densely inhabited areas of the state. That doesn't mean it grows like a weed - it still needs a little help to get started, especially where soil conditions are not ideal. It stays green most of the year with some exceptions.* Experiencing golden patches in summer or in hot climates with heat waves. 

This native meadow grass works great for regularly mowed areas or those you want to leave long and natural.

It was originally engineered as a golf course turf and rough replacement. You can maintain Native Bentgrass at a mow height of anywhere from 3-12." Just ensure you do cut it back (with a string trim) at least twice a year in spring and fall or it will loose its greenery. Never trim by more than 1/3 of its total height or you may cause scalping.  

*In hot inland summer climates grass can go into summer dormancy in high heat. Occasional deep waterings are still required to ensure it survives.  

- 50% more Drought Tolerant than Conventional Lawn Sod

- Perfect for Partial or Full Mowing

- Foot Traffic, Sport and Dog-Friendly

- Full Sun - Part-Shade Tolerant

Agrostis pallens is a slow-growing grass lawn that's a little less tough than bermuda and conventional lawn grasses, naturally developing a light patchiness in warm seasons when regularly mowed. But it is more resilient to California's climate extremes and more supportive of its environmental health. Once Bentgrass has reached its mature root depth (1-2 years) it can recover from extreme droughts even after weeks of restricted irrigating. It also requires little to no supplemental water in winter. 

When left long, Native Bentgrass becomes a charming mix of greens and golds after its first few years. When mown close it will brown out in sections in high summer heat if watering is reduced. Bentgrass natraully greens up when weather cools. 

Watering Schedule

Water thoroughly within 30-60 minutes of laying out sod. First 10-20 days: Water 2-4x daily (depending on season) until the corners of the sod resist pulling when you try to lift them. After your sod passes this "pull test" by fully rooting to the ground on all sides you can begin to walk on it lightly and cut back watering to 1x every day or every other day depending on the season. After 45-60 days: Water at %50 of conventional sod rates for your climate zone. If summer temps go consistently over 90 degrees F in the first 4-5 months return to 2-3x day watering as needed (irrigating as much as possible in the morning) occassionally allowing to dry out for one full day in between. 

Mowing Schedule

Mow on a regular biweekly schedule to 3-6" as desired (4-6" height is best for water savings). Or let it grow to its natural 12-16" height for the first year. Then start biannual trimmings the second spring to keep the grass from browning fully and turning towards its natural spreading cycle of growing from new runners. If you want to keep it long like a meadow and do no trimming, over-seeding every 3-5 years is recommended for best verdancy.