Does fertilizer make grass grow leggy?

Too much nitrogen can cause rapid, weak growth that looks leggy. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the recommended application rates.

How short should I keep my Common bent?

Common bent prefers a lower mowing height, but keep it within the recommended range for your specific cultivar. Consistency is more important than the exact height.

Common bent: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the area gets.
Check your mower blade height setting.
Look for shadows cast by trees or buildings.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Possible
How to tell: The grass blades grow long, thin, and pale as they stretch toward the nearest light source. Growth will be sparse and weak compared to areas in full sun.
What to do: Trim back overhanging tree branches to allow more direct sunlight to reach the grass. If the area is permanently shaded, consider overseeding with a shade tolerant grass variety. Move any large objects that might be blocking the sun.
Improper mowing
Possible
How to tell: The grass looks tall and spindly because it is not being cut frequently enough. It may also appear uneven or ragged after mowing.
What to do: Mow your lawn more frequently to maintain a consistent height. Never remove more than one third of the grass blade at a time. Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut that does not stress the plant.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common bent

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the grass becomes so thin that weeds start taking over the bare spots. It is normal for grass to grow faster and look slightly different during the peak of the growing season.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a regular mowing schedule and ensure the grass gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Proper fertilization helps the grass grow thick and dense rather than tall and thin.

Common bent: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common bent and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does fertilizer make grass grow leggy?: Too much nitrogen can cause rapid, weak growth that looks leggy. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the recommended application rates.
How short should I keep my Common bent?: Common bent prefers a lower mowing height, but keep it within the recommended range for your specific cultivar. Consistency is more important than the exact height.

Why is my Common bent grass growing tall and thin?