Will my grass recover after it curls?

Yes, if you provide water promptly, the blades should uncurl as they rehydrate. If the grass stays curled for too long, it may brown and require time to regrow.

Should I fertilize when the leaves are curling?

No, avoid fertilizing stressed turf. Wait until the grass is fully hydrated and healthy before applying any nutrients.

Creeping bentgrass: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture at a depth of 2 inches.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest hours of the day.
Inspect the turf for signs of fungal patches.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: The grass blades fold inward to conserve moisture during the hottest parts of the day. You will notice the turf losing its vibrant green color and taking on a dull, grayish tint.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to every 1 to 3 days. Ensure you are watering deeply enough to keep the top 2 to 4 inches of soil consistently damp.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The curling happens specifically during peak afternoon sun when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The grass may look wilted even if the soil feels moist to the touch.
What to do: Apply a light syringing of water in the early afternoon to cool the leaf surface. Avoid heavy midday watering which can encourage fungal diseases.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping bentgrass

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

Be concerned if the grass remains curled even after the sun goes down or after you have watered. If the blades turn brown and brittle, the turf may be entering dormancy or dying.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent irrigation schedule that keeps the soil surface damp but not waterlogged. Proper mowing heights help shade the soil and reduce moisture loss.

Creeping bentgrass: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping bentgrass 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

Will my grass recover after it curls?: Yes, if you provide water promptly, the blades should uncurl as they rehydrate. If the grass stays curled for too long, it may brown and require time to regrow.
Should I fertilize when the leaves are curling?: No, avoid fertilizing stressed turf. Wait until the grass is fully hydrated and healthy before applying any nutrients.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my creeping bentgrass leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your creeping bentgrass?