Frequently Asked Questions: RTF Tall Fescue, Australia

Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, also known as RTF grass, is a type of turf that produces rhizomes instead of seeds. The rhizomes are like stems that run under the soil and spread quickly, resulting in new blades of grass within a short period of time. In this blog, StrathAyr answers some of the most common questions about this popular strain of grass.

What is RTF Tall Fescue Grass? 

RTF Tall fescue refers to the only variety of tall fescue with true rhizomes that result in faster growth. This means that bare spots on your lawn are quickly covered in new grass, with uniform, consistent grass coverage and fewer weed problems.

Does RTF Require Less Water than Other Varieties?

The intricate root system of RTF Tall Fescue grows deep into the soil to draw moisture. This means that your RTF lawn will require less water and adapt to different soil types. Performance trials have shown that RTF maintains its quality even with 30% less water.

Is RTF Tall Fescue Grass Easy to Maintain? 

RTF Tall Fescue is valued for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. After it is installed, RTF grass needs to be watered sufficiently in order for the roots to take hold. It only needs to be mowed once a week to maintain its appearance and, once it has taken hold in the soil, it requires less water to thrive compared to some other varietals.

What is the Ideal Climate for RTF Grass? 

RTF grass is the best way to achieve an all-season lawn that does well in full sunlight and partial shade. Although it needs to be watered regularly, it is a self-repairing grass strain that maintains its attractive, deep emerald-green colour in all seasons.

Is RTF Grass Pest Resistant? 

RTF grass is valued across Australia for its excellent insect and disease resistance. The strain has been specially enhanced for better pest tolerance, making it the ideal choice for gardeners who want lower maintenance whilst also reducing their reliance on chemical fertilisers.

Low Maintenance RTF Tall Fescue Grass Rolls 

Contact the lawn and turf professionals at StrathAyr for more information on the remarkable benefits of innovative RTF tall fescue grass in Australia.

Year-Round Maintenance Guidelines for Roll Out Turf in Australia

At StrathAyr, we understand that lawn care can be a complex activity that requires a deep understanding of climate, soil, fertilisers and more. Even the most experienced gardeners often find themselves wondering why, despite their best efforts, their lawn isn’t as healthy as it should be. In this blog, we’ve compiled all our knowledge of lawn care in Australia so you can achieve the lush green roll out turf you’ve always dreamed of.

Lawn Care in Spring: Weed, Feed & Care

Spring is the season in which your lawn wants to grow, so you need to give it what it needs to thrive. Spring is when you should weed and feed your lawn.

Soil Check

Whether you look after a backyard or sports field, chances are that the soil has become compacted due to foot traffic, settling and impact. Spring is the time to aerate soil or lay down new roll-out turf for the year.

September

• Check soil pH: if it is above 6.5, use ammonium sulphate; if too low, use dolomite lime
• Use fertilisers to add nutrients to the soil
• Prevent weed growth using herbicides

October

• Aerate the soil properly so that turf roots can grow deep and attach themselves successfully
• Check for weed growth and take necessary measures to reduce it

November 

• Loosen soil so that excess moisture can drain and nutrients can spread in a uniform manner

Lawn Care in Summer: Maintenance

By summer, your roll-out turf should look dense and vibrant. Now you need to maintain it properly. This is the time to fertilise the soil with a premium fertiliser and water it generously.

Light, moderate mowing and application of herbicides will protect your grass from pests and reduce stress during the warm summer months.

December

• Add fertiliser
• Water lawn thoroughly in the morning to prevent drying
• Mow the lawn regularly without cutting off more than a third of the blade

January

• Water the lawn as and when needed, the goal here is to retain moisture in the soil

February 

• Pay close attention to pest control and use pre-emergent herbicides to control weeds

Lawn Care in Autumn: Fertilise & Aerate

Autumn is an ideal time to fertilise and aerate roll-out turf. This is the best time to ensure that the roots of instant grass grow strong and deep.

March

• Apply herbicides to prevent weed growth

April 

• Fertilise lawn after aerating thoroughly

Lawn Care in Winter: Keep on Top of Weeds & Pests

Winter grass is a notorious weed that spreads quickly and compromises the health of a lawn. Although fertilising instant grass in Autumn will help suppress it, you may need to apply weed control products to address the problem.

June, July and August

• Mow your lawn once a month and check regularly for pests.

Trusted Suppliers of High-Quality Instant Grass in Australia 

Do you need help choosing the right grass strain for your local conditions? Contact StrathAyr today to speak with Australia’s leading lawn and turf professionals.