RTF Fescue | Todd Valley Farms (2024)

FAQs

Does rtf fescue work? ›

RTF performed better than any other cool-season grass – during the hottest months of the year! RTF also performed better than Kentucky and Texas bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and other tall fescues highly ranked by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program. No water, no problem.

For Fescue, it is best to use a slow-release formula with a 3-1-2 ratio. An example would be a 12-4-8 fertilizer. It is important to use slow-release fertilizers whenever possible.

8-10 lbs. Seeds/lb. Mowing Recommendation: 2.5-3.0 in.

Under ideal conditions, germination should take place within 10-14 days. pH levels in the soil should range between 6.5 and 8.0. RTF prefers a sandy loam soil that is well drained but will grow in just about any soil type to which it's introduced.

Quality grass seed labels include guidance on optimal seeding rates to maximize your results. Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.

Water Instructions: 1 ½” – 2” every other week, or more frequently if wilting. Water instructions based on no rain, wind, excessive heat and/or drought. Also, do not let the grasses wilt in the establishment phases. If wilting occurs then more watering is necessary.

Whereas proper fertilization typically provides the lawn with nutrients that help it to grow greener and thicker (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), too much of a fertilizer product can actually harm or even kill your turf.

Overseed

Overseeding is simply sowing grass seed into existing grass to make thin lawns thick—or keep them from getting thin. New grass fills in between what's already there, creating a thicker, lusher feel and look. Routine overseeding is the pro secret to a great lawn.

Turf Saver^® RTF^® is the most advanced and unique tall fescue blend available, providing the benefits of rhizomes not found in any other varieties.

If the current soil is prepared in the right manner topsoil does not have to be delivered. The grass seed will sprout and grow.

How many pounds of fescue do you plant per acre? ›

Tall Fescue is easy to establish due to its rapid germination and good seedling vigor. It may be planted by any common method such as grass seeders, hydroseeding, and broadcasting. For forage or pastures, seeding rates are 15-20 pounds/acre if drilled and 20-25 pounds/acre if broadcast. The seeding depth is 1/2 inch.

Conditions are too wet or dry

Like any seed, grass seed needs to be in contact with moisture to germinate. Water activates the enzymes within the seed encouraging them to release energy and create enough pressure for a shoot to burst through the seed coating.

Water and Protect the Grass

After seeding and fertilizing, you'll want to keep the top inch of soil moist until the seeds start to germinate (aka sprout). This means misting the area once a day, maybe twice if it's unusually hot out there—but don't let the area get soggy.

Water is necessary for seeds to germinate, but too much water can hinder germination. While watering newly planted grass seed is good for growth, overwatering will drown the new seeds, making them float to the surface instead of taking root in the soil. This is why excessive spring rains can delay germination.

Very low maintenance. It does not require much fertilizer and does not need excessive amounts of water. A high mowing cut is recommended. Red fescue has a high tolerance for cold temperatures and shade, moderate tolerance for drought and wear, and low tolerance for heat.

Post-emergent herbicide in Established Tall Fescue lawns: Weather permitting, you can apply post-emergent liquid herbicides like Quincept and 3-Way Max for weeds you can see now in established Tall Fescue lawns. These post-emergents work best above 65° so on this spring roller-coster, wait for the warmest days.

Unlike grasses that spread by horizontal above- and below-ground stems, tall fescue is a bunch-type grass. It grows in clumps and spreads primarily through vertical shoots called "tillers," which grow from the base of the grass plant itself.

Hard Fescue is the "toughest" of all the fescues in that it is the most drought resistant, shade tolerant, and disease resistant than the other species. It is a clump type grass that can be grown in very adverse conditions as well as extremely shady areas, typically in the Northern regions and in higher elevations.