RTF® Rhizomatous Tall Fescue Sod

RTF Rhizomatous Tall Fescue Grass

Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, or RTF sod is a new development in fescue grass. RTF sod is a tall fescue grass that produces both lateral growth and vertical growth. The RTF fescue grasses unique self healing feature helps provide lawns with many benefits like less water use and no need to seed. RTF sod is the first self healing fescue that keeps a vibrant green color all year. RTF sod is perfect for almost any grass area, loves the direct sun uses less water and is safe for home use to athletics fields. RTF grass uses less water than other tall fescues saving you money and time. 

RTF Sod is a Self-Healing Fescue Grass

RTF is unique because its rhizomes grow both horizontally and vertically, providing a stronger root system that allows the RTF to self-heal rapidly. With both lateral and downward and upward growth, the RTF is fortified and growth is quicker. For example, RTF stands up better to higher foot traffic and repairs better from damage like sports activities. 

RTF Sod for Sun and Shade Conditions

Like most living plants, sod requires sunlight to survive, and RTF has been adapted for both sunny conditions and shady conditions. As discussed, RTF has a complex rhizome system and this also helps the RTF retain moisture better for full sun conditions. RTF can also tolerate shady conditions, though we do recommend any sod receive at least 6 hours of direct or filtered sun per day. 

RTF Sod is Drought and Disease-Resistant

Lawn owners are thrilled that the RTF offers improved disease resistance. Disease can be one of the most costly and time-consuming problems for a lawn owner, so RTF's disease resistance is a highly desired benefit. Fungus is a common disease that infests lawns everywhere. However, RTF is cultivated to be endophyte enhanced, which essentially means that RTF was cultivated with healthy fungi inside of it. These healthy fungi make the RTF a sod that uses water more efficiently, better stores water, and resists fungal disease better. These features of improved water usage also help the RTF provide lawn owners with drought and heat resistance. 

RTF Watering Recommendations

The first watering of your newly installed RTF sod lawn is extremely important, so be sure to water immediately after installation. Then, for the first 4 weeks water your RTF sod lawn approximately 2 - 3 times per day, or as often as needed to ensure the lawn is kept moist while the rooting system establishes. To accomplish this, watering should be done frequently and light to ensure moisture and not drench or drown your RTF sod lawn. After the 4 week establishment period, your RTF sod should be watered about 1 1/2" - 2" per week, or more if you notice the sod needs it (for example in hotter conditions the sod may wither). 

RTF Mowing Recommendations

Your RTF sod lawn can be mowed as soon as it is tall enough to mow, but be sure to not mow when the lawn is wet or moist. The recommended mowing height for RTF sod is 2" - 3" and never cut more than 1/3 of the sod blade's total height. 

RTF Sod Orders less than 500 sq ft

*Please call us at (925) 435 - 7874 if your order is less than 500 sq ft.*