Landscapes - Drought Tolerant Turf
RTF Turf
RTF Turf (rhizomatous tall fescue) is the latest innovation in turf. Bred by Barenbrug Research, RTF is a new type of tall fescue, which produces rhizomes. A rhizome is an underground stem that grows outwards from the main plant, producing more shoots as it goes. In this way RTF has the ability to repair itself, and produce a nice dense mat of grass.
RTF Turf has a remarkable root system, that can grow down to a depth of 1.5m (nearly 5 feet!). This gives RTF Turf the ability to withstand periods of drought and waterlogging. And because the roots extend such a long way, the grass needs less fertiliser.
Awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque
The Waterwise Marque highlights the most water efficient products available on the market. A selected handful of Waterwise Marques are awarded each year to the products which best enhance water efficiency or reduce water wastage.
Environment Minister says:
“I welcome the Waterwise Marque which will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer to make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment and good for consumers.
“There is currently no other scheme in the UK which highlights water efficient products”. Water supplies will come under increasing pressure in the future, and it is important that consumers use water wisely, and cut down on waste.
Why RTF Turf needs less water
RTF Turf is a great new development for lawn owners. Not only does it survive droughts because of its deep roots; it also repairs itself by filling in spaces with new growth.
Tall Fescues have always been suitable for lawns because they have a deep green colour, they are very hard wearing, and they can withstand long periods of drought. They have an incredible root system that can go down 1.5m (nearly 5 feet!) into the soil. This helps them search for water deep down in the earth. Even in severe drought, when other grass goes brown, tall fescues will recover very quickly with the first rain.
The one drawback with ordinary tall fescues is that they produce clumpy growth. This is where RTF Turf is so exciting. RTF is a unique type of tall fescue which produces rhizomes. A rhizome is an underground stem that grows outwards from the main plant, producing more shoots as it goes (see animation above). In this way RTF Turf produces a nice dense mat of grass. By the same mechanism it can also repair itself if it gets damaged.
How RTF Turf repairs itself
RTF Turf has quite a broad leaf, so it is not suitable if you want a very fine looking lawn. But for family lawns it's perfect. It'll stand up to football, playful dogs, and general wear and tear.
Ideal for water conservation
With water supplies likely to become more scarce and more expensive it makes sense to conserve as much water as we can in our everyday lives. RTF lawns need less water than other lawns. In fact, once it has established you don't need to water your RTF lawn at all, knowing that it will recover completely with the first rain following a drought.