Can I mow it shorter to fix the legginess?

No, mowing too short will stress the grass and make the thin patches look even worse. Keep your mower blade at 3 to 4 inches to maintain health.

Will this grass bloom?

Kentucky bluegrass does produce seed heads in late spring, which can look like tall stalks. This is a natural part of its life cycle and not a sign of poor health.

Kentucky bluegrass: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sunlight the area receives daily.
Check if nearby trees have grown enough to block the sun.
Review your recent fertilizer application schedule.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The grass blades grow tall and spindly as they stretch toward the light. You will notice the turf density thinning out in shaded spots.
What to do: Prune back tree branches to allow more light to reach the ground. If the area is permanently shaded, consider overseeding with a shade tolerant grass variety.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The grass grows very fast and soft, making it look floppy and weak. This rapid growth often leads to a thin, stretched appearance.
What to do: Reduce your fertilizer application rate for the next season. Stick to a balanced fertilizer and avoid high nitrogen formulas in the late spring.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kentucky bluegrass

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 thinning leads to bare patches where weeds can take over. Some thinning is normal during the hottest parts of summer when the grass goes dormant.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your lawn receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and avoid over fertilizing.

Kentucky bluegrass: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kentucky bluegrass 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

Can I mow it shorter to fix the legginess?: No, mowing too short will stress the grass and make the thin patches look even worse. Keep your mower blade at 3 to 4 inches to maintain health.
Will this grass bloom?: Kentucky bluegrass does produce seed heads in late spring, which can look like tall stalks. This is a natural part of its life cycle and not a sign of poor health.

Why is my Kentucky bluegrass looking thin and leggy?