The Complete Guide to RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf: Your Lush Lawn Solution

Why Choose RTF Tall Fescue for Your Lawn? 

Are you looking for a grass variety that offers lush, green beauty? RTF Tall Fescue, also known as Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, is a premium cool-season grass that provides a rich, deep green colour and a soft, luxurious texture, making it an excellent choice for a showpiece yard. This variety requires more watering than other options, particularly in warmer weather, and should be installed with irrigation. With adequate watering and care, you’ll be rewarded with a lush green lawn all year round. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about RTF Tall Fescue, including its benefits, installation tips, and maintenance practices. Click the links below to jump directly to the question:

Why Choose RTF Tall Fescue? An Ideal Cool-Climate Grass 

RTF Tall Fescue is the ideal choice for a soft, luxurious lawn that thrives in cooler climates.

RTF Tall Fescue is a visually stunning grass variety, but it requires high maintenance, including irrigation installation and meticulous care.

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Why is RTF Tall Fescue the Best Choice for Cool Climates?

RTF Tall Fescue is specially designed to thrive in cooler climates, providing a thick and lush lawn. Here are the standout features that make it the perfect choice for your garden:

• Shade Tolerant: RTF is a cool climate variety making it ideal for shaded areas and front lawns. However keep in mind that it will still require a minimum of 3-hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Self-Repairing Capabilities: Thanks to its rhizomatous root system, RTF Tall Fescue can fill in bare spots naturally, reducing the need for overseeding and ensuring a consistently dense and uniform lawn.
• Lush Green Lawn Year-Round: With proper watering and care, this variety can maintain a vibrant green lawn throughout the year.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: RTF Tall Fescue has good pest and disease resistance.
• Gentle Underfoot: The soft, medium-textured leaves of RTF Tall Fescue offer a pleasant and gentle feel, making it ideal for home lawns and recreational areas.
• Showpiece Variety: This turf is a true standout, providing a lush, luxurious appearance that’s perfect for those wanting an impressive, vibrant lawn.

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How Does RTF Tall Fescue Feel Underfoot?

RTF Tall Fescue is designed with comfort in mind, offering a luxurious and soft texture that enhances your lawn's usability and aesthetic appeal:

• Soft, Medium-Textured Leaf: Provides a comfortable surface for walking and playing, perfect for barefoot activities.
• Lush, Thick Growth: Creates a cushioning effect, ideal for home lawns where children and pets play.
• Barefoot-Friendly: Ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, making it perfect for recreational areas.

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How Do You Maintain RTF Tall Fescue?

RTF Tall Fescue is a high maintenance variety, requiring regular fertilising, mowing, and watering to keep your lawn lush and healthy throughout the year. Learn about the best practices for fertilising, mowing, watering, and weed control to ensure your RTF Tall Fescue lawn stays vibrant and resilient.

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How Do You Mow RTF Tall Fescue?

• Mowing Frequency:
• Regular mowing improves the quality and appearance of the lawn.
• Mow at a height of 30-45mm to maintain density and health.
• Less frequent mowing is required in winter.
• Mowing Tips:
• Ensure mower blades are sharp to achieve a clean cut of the soft RTF leaf.
• Avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent damage to the lawn.

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How Often Should You Water RTF Tall Fescue?

• Initial Establishment:
• Water the new turf within 30 minutes of installation, providing at least 25mm of water.
• In the first two weeks, water 3-4 times per day for at least 40 minutes to keep the turf moist. Do not allow the turf to dry out at any stage.
• Water for 40 minutes 2-3 times per week, except when temperatures exceed 28°C, in which case water daily.
• Ongoing Maintenance:
• Adjust watering based on weather conditions, ensuring the turf has enough moisture during hot, dry, or windy periods.
• Reduce watering slightly in autumn and winter.

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What Warranty Comes with RTF Tall Fescue?

When you purchase RTF Tall Fescue, you're investing in quality and peace of mind. Lawn Solutions Australia provides a comprehensive 10-Year Product Warranty, ensuring your lawn will thrive for years to come. This warranty confirms that you are receiving genuine RTF Tall Fescue and guarantees the product's performance when installed and maintained according to the provided guidelines. The warranty covers any defects in the turf, giving you the confidence that your lawn will remain lush and vibrant.

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How Do You Prepare to Lay RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf?

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful installation. Follow these steps to prepare your area for laying RTF Tall Fescue:

1. Soil Preparation:​

• • Clear the area of any existing grass, weeds, and debris. Install irrigation.
  • Aerate the Soil: If you're working with soil or clay aerate by using a rotary hoe to till the surface. This will break up the soil and encourage root growth.
• • Install a layer of high quality top soil, such as Lawn Mix soil, to a depth of about 100mm to promote root penetration.
  • Check the pH levels of the soil to ensure they fall between 6 and 7.5, adjusting by adding lime if needed to raise the pH. 
  • Optional - incorporate water storage crystals into the soil to help retain moisture.
• • Level the soil and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

2. Soil Improvement:​

• • Apply a quality soil conditioner or lawn starter fertiliser to enhance soil fertility. 
• • Rake the soil to incorporate the conditioner evenly.

3. Final Preparations:​

• • Water the prepared soil lightly a day before laying the turf to create a moist base.
• • Make sure the soil surface is smooth and firm, ready for turf installation.

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How Do You Lay RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf?

Laying RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf involves careful preparation, precise installation, and diligent post-installation care to ensure a thriving and beautiful lawn. Discover the key steps for soil preparation here. To install RTF Tall Fescue follow these steps:

1. Start Laying:​

• • Begin by laying the turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or path.
• • Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching or overlapping.

2. Stagger Joints:​

• • Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion to avoid straight lines that can dry out quickly.
• • Use a large knife to trim corners and edges for a precise fit.

3. Avoid Gaps:

• • Ensure there are no gaps between the turf rolls to prevent weeds from growing through and to maintain uniform coverage.

4. Roll the Turf:​

• • After laying the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf-to-soil contact and eliminate air pockets.
• • Avoid walking or kneeling on the newly laid turf to prevent indentations.

5. Watering:​

• • Water the new turf thoroughly within 30 minutes of installation for at least 40 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
• • Keep the turf moist by watering regularly during the six weeks or until root is establishment. It is recommended that you water for 40 minutes 2-3 times per week, except when temperatures exceed 28°C, in which case water daily.

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What Is the Best Time to Lay RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf?

RTF Tall Fescue can be laid at any time of the year, but it establishes most rapidly in spring and autumn. These seasons provide the ideal temperature and moisture conditions for root development. While it can be installed during summer, additional watering will be necessary to support the turf until it establishes a strong root system. In winter, the cooler temperatures are favourable, though establishment might be slower compared to the warmer seasons.

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