Fescue That SPREADS - But Is RTF Worth It?

[@TurfMechanic]

►►► Want to fix your lawn for the long haul but don't know where to start? I can help! Click here right now and get started today: turfmech.link/dont-know-where-to-start ◄◄◄

[@GirLzLawn]

Thank you for allowing me to share on your channel Brian!

[@MasterWilliam80]

I didn't know about your channel. Glad he posted this!

[@GirLzLawn]

@@MasterWilliam80 Very thankful that Brian is willing to share.

[@TurfMechanic]

Couldn't be happier to have you on PJ! Can't wait for the updates on those plugs this fall after summer stress wanes 😃

[@moesawad]

Do you have irrigation? Or did you have a temporary set up when seeding?

[@GirLzLawn]

@@moesawad Hi, I have in ground irrigation.

[@perper17]

Planted Barenbrug RTF last year after building an addition to my garage. Some was new lawn, some was overseen after blending to the new foundation. This area of my lawn way outperformed a popular YTuber blend in Central New York this summer. I’ve aerated and over seeded with more RTF throughout my 2 acres of maintained lawn a few weeks ago. Excited to see what next season has in store. I don’t know if its spreading or not, but it had almost no fungus, kept its color and cuts great when compared to the other legacy product. I’m a believer.

[@realmayo9984]

This was the best collaboration that I've seen in quite some time. Those of us that nerd out over our yards appreciate your work. Putting in the work for research.

[@tehcaptainjack]

I do professional lawncare in northern indiana/ southern Michigan for over 5 years and in the past 3 years we have switched from typical KBG/rye mixes, to nothing but RTF, and have experienced phenomenal results, blends into almost any cool season lawn, with great all around color, great disease and drought tolerance, and def really good spreading/repairing capabilities. Shade/sun… even lawns with the worst soil imaginable rtf seems to not care. We have tons of lawns seeded from scratch with rtf, and they always look amazing.

[@TurfMechanic]

That is an awesome testament to the type, thank you for sharing your experiences! I bet the spreadability increases in year two significantly

[@tehcaptainjack]

@@TurfMechanic it def seems to have a sprout and pout stage where it doesn’t really seem to come into its prime till the first fall, the second spring forward it seems to get thicker every cut. The only time I’ve ever seen an RTF yard look bad was usually because of what we call “cultural practices” aka I told bill to raise his mower deck and he tells me to take a hike

[@charlesarmstrong3536]

Hey, great info! I am planting am seeding our brand new yard withbarrenburg rtf next spring and am glad to here it is doing well.

[@tehcaptainjack]

@@charlesarmstrong3536 not sure where your at in the world but right about now is probably the best time IMHO wait till spring and you can’t use pre emergent and you’ll be dealing with weeds all year… except right now it’s 200+ a bag 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@spunky181]

I’m in Michigan where do you get your RTF seed from?

[@raymondmcdonald7085]

The Barenbrug TTTF I purchased and planted 2 years ago claimed to be rhyzomatic. Wasn't sure what to expect but I knew I wanted something drought and traffic tolerant. I gotta tell you this stuff is the real deal. I planted it per the manufacturerers recommendations. It has continued to fill holes and it crowds out the weeds. It also has really deep roots so this heat isn't bothering it too much.

[@GirLzLawn]

I think this is what most people want to experience. I agree that the RTF is really good grass. My backyard has filled in quite well and it's very traffic tolerant, as you stated. I have two dogs and it's holding up really well.

[@TravisBAnderson]

Just planted today…fingers 🤞

[@GirLzLawn]

@@TravisBAnderson I planted some RTF trays and threw some seed in a couple of spots in the yard. Germination in 7 days! I just posted a Reel about it on my IG today.

[@thetropicaldream5933]

Native to my country which is uk. It loves rain as you can imagine so in your climate water as much as you can for best growth and spead

[@augenmaugen]

Thank you both for sharing! This is exactly what I wanted to know about RTF

[@Tony-dx3eo]

I had no idea RTF even existed. This is a game changer for my lawn-thanks for enlightening me!

[@grassmastersllc7967]

Don't bother, it really doesn't work like you would think or hope

[@TurfMechanic]

You're welcome Tony, I've told people in comments for a long time now that I wasn't sure the spread was fast enough to be worth paying for but if you overseed with it regularly just like you would ordinarily with TTTF then over multiple seasons you might start seeing some of the self-repair that is common with KBG. It's pricier seed though so the decision to use it is pretty personal.

[@GirLzLawn]

The cultivars are getting better and better. There is a huge demand for laterally spreading Fescue. It definitely won't match the spreading of Bermuda, but will hopefully save some of us from having to overseed annually.

[@Jaker788]

I planted Barenbrug RTF last fall, I haven't looked for spreading but it's probably also too early. What I've learned since is that TTTF naturally has some rhizome expression, RTF varieties were selected over generations to increase this expression. Since this is natural genetics, it's likely much weaker than Bluegrass still, it's been enhanced but there's probably a limit to natural genetics of TTTF to be RTF capable. I kinda wish someone would do some genetic research on TTTF and cool season spreading grasses and see if there are genes that can be spliced in or replaced to get much stronger spreading. Currently the only genetically engineered turf is Glyphosate resistance, and that's no fun compared to so many other things you could enhance.

[@-tv3020]

I have been using Barenbrug RTF seeds for like 2 seasons now. It is beautiful when the temperature is ideal. But I am not sure if it is spreading. It definitely doesn't spread like Bermuda. And also I don't think RTF is a low maintenance grass type. It still needs a lot of care. And they say it's drought tolerant but it didn't do well with the heat. I am in VA and used it on my backyard where it is somewhat sun & shade.

[@andrewszabo1552]

Great video! RTF and Barenbrug RPR are tough to test because they're sold in blends. RTF in Turf Saver contains 40% spreading varieties. I also don't think their novelty kicks in noticeably until a full growing season passes. RTF has a sprout and pout habit that can be frustrating. I overseeded RTF into a non-fescue cool season lawn in the fall of 2020. It wasn't until this spring that I confidently could say patches occupied a larger area than they used to. That and I'm pulling fescue out of my flower beds like I would with KBG. RTF and RPR aren't gimmicks. They'll never be bluegrass or Bermuda, but they will fill in small dings and divots in the lawn with enough time. Plus it's fun to say you have the X-Men of lawns.

[@GirLzLawn]

100% agree about the sprout and pout. I have noticed it's not as big of an issue with proper watering, but yes, it happens.

[@andrewszabo1552]

@@GirLzLawnthanks for your content! I subscribed to your channel. I will say i didn't water it enough when I did my overseed. The blades are so fine for the first few months that it's hard to tell if it's fescue. I thought I completely botched the whole thing, but come spring it took off.

[@GirLzLawn]

@@andrewszabo1552 Sounds like exactly what I experienced. I’m now cutting the back at 2” and it looks great! I’m sold on RTF, at least for the moment 😉

[@Jaker788]

RPR will be more obvious since it spreads via above ground stolons.

[@88Keys444]

I think there's a solid argument to be made about whether RTF can spread as fast as KBG. If your KBG is constantly dormant because of heat or drought, then no action is taking place. If your RTF handles those conditions better, then it should be "faster" simply because of it not being dormant! I just overseeded my all KBG lawn with RTF. We'll see how it goes

[@lazylearner967]

How is the RTF doing in your KBG lawn?

[@88Keys444]

@@lazylearner967 It looks great! It's definitely a lighter green than kbg but it's far more drought tolerant. Highly recommend it

[@lazylearner967]

@@88Keys444 thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@myredrose45]

Awesome video, I just subscribed to her channel, as I'm also in Virginia. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from both of you. Thanks again for all you do!

[@TurfMechanic]

I love hearing positive feedback like this! Thanks Elizabeth and I hope both of us can provide value to you for a long time to come!

[@GirLzLawn]

Thanks for the sub Elizabeth :)

[@TofuInc]

Awesome! I'm getting ready to do a renovation on my backyard. The plan is to use Barenbrug Water Saver with the RTF.

[@GirLzLawn]

One thing that was mentioned above, that I forgot in the video is the "sprout and pout" stage, similar to KBG. It's a stage in which it will seem like nothing is happening, but, it's just a characteristic of the seed. Don't despair if it happens, just keep a normal watering schedule and it will be just fine.

[@TofuInc]

@@GirLzLawn Fingers crossed it gets over that by spring and takes off.

[@GirLzLawn]

@@TofuInc Mine did 🙌🏽

[@JEK]

🚨 FYI Garden Answer YT channel just seeded their orchard yard with Barenbrug RTF. I have a bag of RTF to play with I'm adding into dead edges of my lawn. Praying birds don't eat it. My main lawn though is 90% TTTF 10% KBG mix and look like Girlz Lawn's. I had some huge dinner plate spots months ago that filled back in. KBG is still the best in my opinion even in 10% mix of my dominant tall fescue.

[@angelaprater2679]

You did a very good with the fill in of Red fescue beautiful looking I d be very proud of it. Congrats.

[@bigjigg5672]

Very interesting!! This could potentially be a great opportunity come the fall. 🤔🤔🤔 Thank you for sharing this and kudos to you Brian for being one of the only KZbinrs I see that ALWAYS plays nicely in the "Sandbox" and promotes others.💯

[@TurfMechanic]

Thanks a lot Jigg! We all work like dogs, it only makes sense to make friends along the way. 😁 I try to respect everyone as much as possible, glad it shows.

[@GirLzLawn]

Happy "Sandbox" :)

[@darinnooren1130]

Every golf course needs this girl on speed dial

[@TheLawnLover]

Great video and collab, love it guys! I too purchased some of this seed for my lawn based on PJ's recommendation. Looking forward to trying it out!

[@TurfMechanic]

Thanks so much for weighing in Lawn Lover! Glad to know you trusted PJ before this video too! I haven't bought the stuff but in coming seasons I may start my own trials and of course I'll give lots of info if and when that happens.

[@GirLzLawn]

Thanks Justin!

[@doncline6372]

I am told that a sod grower for Barenbrug RTF in Oklahoma uses plugs to seed new fields. That tells me it must be working.

[@curtisleddy1408]

I’ve heard the same thing

[@TurfMechanic]

I think it's one of those things that require patience. A sod grower is a business owner and they know how long it takes to wait for their efforts. Average homeowners tend to want faster results so I think this is a viable option for those that have deeper pockets and are willing to wait for the results in year 2 and beyond.

[@doncline6372]

@@TurfMechanic If I can reduce over seeding every year, I will have the patience of Job. 😇

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

For a number of reasons, I'm going to overseed my TTTF lawn with RTF. Now even my TTTF spreads, but just very slowly. I last nuked my lawn and redid it in the fall of 2019 and in the spring of 2023 (yes, that long) I saw a ton of growth in areas I KNOW I didn't have growth before, so it does spread...eventually! But if RTF spreads more aggressively (maybe the year after)? Well that's great. And more disease tolerant? Come on! One other reason I'll be looking forward to is being able to cut it shorter. I want to buy the Luba 5000 AWD robot lawn mower, but it doesn't cut any higher than 2.75" and as well all know, TTTF likes to be at 4", so I haven't purchased it. I'll most certainly be overseeding with RTF this fall.

[@conectiv03]

Last fall I over seeded with SuperTurf1 in my back yard and Barenbrug in my front yard..... Barenbrug came in alot darker... the ST1 came in blotchy and light/dark spots.... Hopefully it evens out over the winter.. NEMD.

[@curtisleddy1408]

I’ve also overseeded my lawn with RTF but no spreading yet. I have more for this fall and hoping to see some spreading action next year. I heard that sod farmers plant this with plugs like someone else mentioned

[@TurfMechanic]

FWIW I made a vlog back in April (on the Turf Mechanic Vlogs channel) on the spreading ability of KBG showing that in 1-year it had hardly spread around the base of the tree I planted in my lawn last year...but since then the spread has been much more substantial. My guess is after 12 months the spreading of RTF will start showing itself even if it's only a little bit.

[@curtisleddy1408]

@@TurfMechanic I did see that video actually, glad it’s finally starting to spread. I really enjoy your videos!

[@GirLzLawn]

I found the plugs to be really successful. Starting new trays of plugs around mid-August.

[@curtisleddy1408]

@@GirLzLawn I look forward to the updates on your channel. I’m subscribed!

[@GirLzLawn]

@@curtisleddy1408 Thx so much for subscribing 😊

[@TravisBAnderson]

I just planted my RTF tall fescue this afternoon from Barenbrug. 🤞

[@lazylearner967]

How is the RTF coming along? How well is it spreading?

[@TravisBAnderson]

@@lazylearner967 doesn’t spread near as much as bluegrass. I do have some spread, this is the first spring/summer. Where there is a bit of shade, it didn’t come in nearly as well as where there is sun all day. I’ll be doing a final review this fall. I’ll have to come here and post that if I remember.

[@lazylearner967]

@@TravisBAnderson thank you, I appreciate your thoughts.

[@riflebear1711]

Why did the price of grass seed go up so much? Like what's the REAL reason?

[@dvxAznxvb]

i seeded 4th millennium with amity and dormant periods is just solid yellow just like in winter lateral spread seems to be a stretch (no pun intended) as it is going to spread due to it being a bunching and therefore it will be about 4 inches diameter per plant! since it likes more crowding instead of other less aggressive fescue that prefers to be in looser environments think of how broadleaf weeds generally pushes competition seed is almost 50% more expensive now so it’s not rational to experiment with that kind of expense

[@amuthanshan]

Near the start of the video you pointed at the orange bag of Rogue Superior Wear seed mix and said it contained some creeping red fescue seed but the label states all the seed are varieties of tall fescue. Perhaps you meant to point at a different Rogue bag called Rogue Sun and Shade Grass Seed. Regardless, looking forward to seeing how your creeping red fescue project works out. Creeping red is a much finer grass than tall fescue, like girls' hair. Hence more beautiful in appearance in my view. But not as wear tolerant but is shade tolerant.

[@brothertax]

Having hot swappable plugs. Love it.

[@TurfMechanic]

Not a bad idea for any grass type 🤔

[@GirLzLawn]

The plugs are ideal towards the end of Spring. I also plan to start a few more trays mid-August to fix some completely damaged areas in my backyard (dog damage).

[@kylesala6507]

Most tests of RTF show that is mostly just a marketing term, it really doesn’t spread. It’s still a bunching grass. It can repair itself from “rhizomes” if the crown get’s damaged, but it’s not going to spread like KBG.

[@supersonic249]

I have couch (Bermuda I think it's called there) and it turns rubbish in winter where the shady spots are. Was thinking of mixing in fescue or perennial rye so I can have an all season lawn.

[@reginalddavis6464]

So this is why my barenbrug rtf is always out of stock now 😒. BTW if anyone has experienced zoysia spreading its slower than that but it definitely holds up in carolina heat. I also follow a guy planting rtf in Texas 100+ heat everyday doesn't look to bad either for those Temps.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Awesome! I’m very appreciative! Will this work in SE Michigan as an overseed?

[@igamingpublic]

I'm from east coast. My yard have alot of shade becasuse of two big trees are blocking the sunlight. I water them once a day about 2 weeks. i seeded grass around late august to september and didnt get enough grass to grow.

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

I hope you will answer this question. I live in warm climate. Las Vegas. I have grass that has died. I have grass that just needs some TLC. However I have got sawed that was originally laid 20 years ago. The netting in the sod is starting to show up. Is there a way to cut that netting that came with the sod? Should I cut that netting in order to help this grass grow? I have tall fescue. Thank you. Love your videos.

[@TurfMechanic]

The netting in some sods is annoying for sure. Unfortunately I don't think you will be able to remove it without removing the grass. If it's showing you could cut out those areas if it bothers you and then patch the areas with a bit of new fescue seed but going into vegas this time of year is probably going to result in new grass that dies in the heat.

[@1972SinghRaj]

Will turf type tall fescue blend well with perennial rye and KBG? I want to overseed my lawn consisting of mainly KBG and perennial rye. I live in Boston where it can get cold in the winter.

[@tenyardfight5454]

Good video. I’m in RI and going to try it. I’d love to have a neighbor like you. Your lawn is only as good as your neighbors right ?

[@HEAVENTWA]

When grasses spread, do they smother weeds to death?

[@sethi100]

Hmmm, I might want to try RTF. Over time will I have a thatch problem? Thx.

[@xDrGeek]

What about verticutting? I am in the PNW as you are @Turf Mechanic.How does that affect spreading?

[@angelf9800]

Have you heard of Titan Rx turf fescue, I heard it will survive the heat.

[@davidgonzales-ec8bo]

Looks nice.

[@hezequiel6598]

How does tall fescue grass grow?

[@oa1583]

I did the united seeds ttf flame seed turf type millennium season before and died requires alot alot water. Best so far i have used that really work was gci spreader elite... And am in nc heat is super high but i want to overseed with Jonathan green solar

[@DanTheLawnMan]

Great duo 👍🏽 great collab

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello, can you recommend a good weed control product for fine fescue lawns?

[@davidgonzales-ec8bo]

Liked and subbed her channel.

[@TurfMechanic]

You're the dude! 👊

[@davidgonzales-ec8bo]

@@TurfMechanic the dude abides. Lol

[@GirLzLawn]

Thank you David :)

[@garrettpolson8764]

Hello. With your expertise on various grasses. Can you make a recommendation for me. We live in South East Idaho. We have a couple of acres we want to apply seed to for erosion control, aesthetics and dust control. It won't be watered. Nature rain fall only. It will have sunlight exposure. From what I can find so far, Sheep fescue is the best option. Would you agree or is there something you think would be a better option?

[@TurfMechanic]

sheeps fescue sounds great but it's not an obvious choice for full sun environments. It will germinate quickly in mid Spring, maybe early Spring if you have a warmer March than normal but the low moisture of the summers in full sun will be hard on it. If it were me, I'd seed everything in early march with a fine fescue like sheep which can be a no-mow lawn that requires low water and then overseed everything in mid-May with Buffalograss. The buffalo will slowly mature over summer especially in the sunnier spots while the sheeps fescue takes charge in the slightly shadier zones. The colors won't blend perfectly at all but if left unmowed and unwatered both will grow tall and fold over as a nice no-mow meadow look with touches of dormancy during stressful periods fpr each of the two grass types. The buffalo will have the least color during the winter and bookend months of spring and fall but will require the least amount of water of all low profile grass types making it perfect for 15 hour long dry days in June and July. Sheeps fescue is much cheaper than buffalo though so I wouldn't fault you for seeding all sheep fescue and then ovrerseeding the struggling areas with buffalo later on to save cash, buffalo is expensive. Just make sure to drop buffalo seed in mid-to late may. Hope that helps and feel free to ask followup questions if you have any.

[@markschmaus5580]

New Subscriber here. I have been thinking of doing this

[@grantjamrock3812]

My problem and question is I have a shaded section on my back (1k sqft) that I think is red fescue. Super thick and dense. Can I dethatch and over seed with KBG or is it best to burn down area and start with bare ground and new kbg seed come fall?

[@AsianAnglingAddict]

So did it spread?

[@opticyclic]

How does it compare to creeping red fescue?

[@jellyjenn12291]

do you have a link to where I can buy some of this seed? id like to try and give RTF a try in my yard it might be just what i have been looking for

[@FixItWithMe]

How do u overseed 2.5 acres while remaining in budget? Most homeowners do not have aerators or dethatchers. I love seeding with peat moss, but it’s too expensive to put it throughout the 2.5 acres. Thanks for any advice!! :)

[@TurfMechanic]

One idea is to do a very thin overseed with the RTF and then also do a thin overseed with a very inexpensive annual ryegrass. The annual rye will grow in in 5 days and provide cover for the RTF kind of like the peat moss. Assuming you regularly mow the annual rye it will not reseed your lawn and it will eventually die off on its own leaving you with an RTF lawn that will thicken and spread on its own season over season.

[@FixItWithMe]

@@TurfMechanic rhyzotamous tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass? Which one spreads more? I currently have turf type tall fescue but I envy the kentucky bluegrass lawns since they can rejunevate themselves!! Thanks soo much for the advice!!! :)

[@TurfMechanic]

@@FixItWithMe KBG spreads more but it takes more water and is less heat sensitive. For 2.5 acres I'd probably go for fescue every time. I mentioned RTF because you commented on the RTF video but I still think it's a great option for such a big area.

[@bluejay3945]

Being in the mid Atlantic it would be nice to know if any university or extension service has trialed the lateral spread fescue. Grass types trialed under testing conditions of seed developers are bogus in my opinion because the inputs are so ideal. Has to be trialed in the real world.One of my concerns is application in the boulevard strip. I already have to deal with wild Bermuda grass in my fescue and that Bermuda is always looking to cross the street. Also the reason why the extension service in my mid Atlantic area recommends against Kentucky blue grass is for the exact reason you are promoting the rhizomatous fescue. Spreading grasses are more prone to fungal pathogens in the mid Atlantic because of poor air circulation. That’s the main reason TTTF was developed. IMO this type of fescue is inherently problematic as Kentucky blue and as water restrictions and humid hot summers become the norm, I’d rather not deal with the aggravation

[@doncline6372]

I live in the mid-Atlantic. Last year, before I seeded RTF, KBG, and RTR, I had fungus issues. I ended up doing a fall over-seeding of a lot of yard and so far I have had a lot of hot, humid weather but my fungus issues have not occurred. I used Barenbrug RTF and a little RTR along with a Texas hybrid bluegrass SPF-30. I basically have August to get through yet but no issues.

[@bluejay3945]

@@doncline6372 Thank you for the input. Last 4 days melted a lot of my veggies and definitely impacted the turf. I refuse to waste water on fescue that is a cool season grass. I hope you have success with your efforts but I will stand by my comments about blue grass and I will need actual published peer review on rhizamotous fescue.

[@doncline6372]

@@bluejay3945 I respect what you say and believe. Nothing wrong with being able to agree to disagree. I have spent less on watering this year vs any year. I believe a lot of my watering needs and in reduction in disease pressure comes from working more on getting my soil right and in spending more time getting roots to grow deeper in the spring. My house is only 6 years old and came with a terrible soil and sod. The soil is a sandy loam so it doesn’t hold water and nutrients the best. I have consistently used soil amendments plus have gotten away from salt based fertilizers. I am using products to add life back into the soil and they do work. My thatch issues have been greatly reduced. Like you are leery of seed companies, I am very leery about universities. I worked in ag for 40+ years and have consistently seen shoddy run university trials with bad write-ups on products that had great results in the field. With that said, I know marketing can put out bogus stuff as well. Nothing like doing your own trials like Turf Mechanic does.

[@bluejay3945]

@@doncline6372 great reply. Look at John Kempf from Advancing Eco Agriculture AEA. Cutting edge research into soil biology. I had a lot of issues understanding why my soil tests were showing high iron and manganese but my turf always seemed a bit anemic. Since I’ve been working to improve the facultative microbes I’ve seen an incredible difference in turf colors. Sounds like you have a great program. After a lot of time and $ I’ve settled on Microlife out of Texas for my general fertilizer. I like the kelp4less extreme blend for my micronutrients and bio stimulants. Trying amino acids now because of some decent research on helping with stress and faster N absorption. Had a difficult time finding decent compost until recently. As you know nothing beats quality compost applications to the lawn. The compost I get uses blue crab and IMO the chitins from the shells have reduced insect pressures throughout the property. I also have included the incredible worm castings these people produce and again I’ve seen incredible improvements. Keep up the good work and enjoy the journey. You are an awesome man and I’m glad to be part of the mid Atlantic green team!

[@doncline6372]

@@bluejay3945 Thank you Blue Jay! I think you are light years ahead of me and have given me some things to look at. The fertilizer I like has been from Earthworks - mid Atlantic company. It has a lot of minerals and such in it plus composted chicken litter. For my microbe package I have been using SP-1 from DPH Biologicals and Carbon Pro G. I did try Anderson’s Dirt Booster Plus. At times I have used Greene County’s RGS and a couple other products that someone gave me because they didn’t like spraying liquids. Overall my color has been good and lasting. The chitin is an interesting twist. I have been adding SiO2 the last couple years. I have read a lot about the benefits of this nutrient regardless of its composition in the soil. Here in Richmond, my soil is testing off the charts in iron but it is not readily available. It has only the been the past year that I think I have found a way to keep my pH up. That has been a miserable journey as none of the so called experts could give me suggestions. It is good to hear from someone on the same journey with some of the issues. You are a breath of fresh air as compared to some of the marketing gurus on KZbin.

[@calbro5823]

Is 4th millennium rtf?

[@GirLzLawn]

4th Millennium has rhizomes that enhance self-repair, speeding establishment and is part of the lateral spread mix of seed that I got from United Seed.

[@autism_momma_LosAngeles]

Can this work in SoCal zone 9a? I just dont understand any of this :(

[@TurfMechanic]

I don't see why not, fescue is common down here, keep digging and you'll start understanding more than you realize. With fescue of any variety it is a cool season grass so it will do better in less hot areas of socal. If you are regularly hitting 100 through the summer then perhaps Buffalo or Bermuda might be a better choice.

[@philliploftisjr.9000]

Hi tuurf mechanic do i have to cover my seeds with plastic due to the hurricane coming ots been 4 days since sowing?

[@TurfMechanic]

That's a really hard question to answer, first off I hope you and others come out on the other side of this storm ok but as for the grass seed you may just need to plan on a lot of it washing away. Covering with anything in high winds is usually not possible. Even my straw mats blow away from time to time here when gusts get up around 30mph. After things settle down and your ground is dried out a bit then I'd suggest reseeding the areas that seem to have washed out the most.

[@philliploftisjr.9000]

Hey turf mechanic thanks for the reply but i tried the plastic cover for spots i sowed and it really works man i got little sprouts coming out like a 5oclock shadow on your face .Your videos helped alot also.

[@TurfMechanic]

@@philliploftisjr.9000 wow! That's awesome! Cool to hear it worked, . Im assuming you staked the plastic down?

[@philliploftisjr.9000]

Most definitely it was likè a little tent over the bare spots 😂

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

Will rtf crowd out Bermuda?

[@TurfMechanic]

most likely not, bermuda is going to be far more aggressive than rtf fescue

[@tomclams3689]

nice that it can spread but not a fan of the color of the grass.

[@andrewszabo1552]

It darkens up to a forest green over time and with good N. It's pale green while establishing.

[@TurfMechanic]

As a creator I can assure you time of day makes a big difference in how the color comes out on camera. What I like about this is that you can't really tell her plugs were there after they had been growing for a while, they blended in to the rest of the lawn nicely.

[@GirLzLawn]

The video didn't do the color justice. I love and prefer darker grass and this RTF gives a great deep green color w/regular fertilizing.

[@andrewszabo1552]

@@TurfMechanic I'm sure that's frustrating for content creation. Cameras aren't calibrated well to foliage and more towards accurate skin tones which tend to dull the greens and blues. It's next to impossible to capture the "sparkle" of perennial rye. I've tried it even with a DSLR and multiple lens filters.

[@TurfMechanic]

@@andrewszabo1552 it's frustrating only if you are trying to capture color correctly- I rarely attempt to capture optimal coloring, it's not a contest in my mind. Not everyone has my attitude however and that's ok. Everyone has their thing. I'd rather have a great lawn for the family, an informed channel for my viewers, and work on my bowling game during the off season for myself. It's all about priorities. 😁

[@billleemaster9603]

Informative clip but the word is RhiZOMatous NOT RhiZOTamous Tall Fescue.

[@lysawy82]

Not to happy from this color and look....my plan is to use Rtf and super turf in front yard 70-30 ratio

[@TurfMechanic]

I'm always a fan of mixing grass to improve performance over time. Also, I'd expect color to darken as grass matures. This is usually pretty normal for all the grasses I've ever grown. Also, many of the shots here are young grasses dealing with the heat of their first summer; that's always a hard time to start new seed or plugs. I'm very curious to see how this all looks by Sept.

[@conectiv03]

Last fall I over seeded with SuperTurf1 in my back yard and Barenbrug in my front yard..... Barenbrug came in alot darker... the ST1 came in blotchy and light/dark spots.... Hopefully it evens out over the winter.. NEMD.

[@budsodalsky]

you good

[@grassthief1280]

Marketing gimmick fescue is not a spreading grass sorry peeps

[@KarenRodriguez-e3s]

Mueller Trail

[@chipdouglas9349]

I have used Barenbrug RTF three years in a row and some of the cultivars are the same this lady used. Its been a total dud for me and I spend a lot of time on my yard. Not worth extra money if it comes to that. Secondly, this lady's yard projects are always a catastrophe. No business going near grass. I already knew how it was going to go as soon as I saw her.

[@jparks6544]

There is NO proof that what she planted is RTF. Barenbrug owns the patent on RTF and she did not get the seed from Barenbrug. I call BS on her.

[@kellyjohnson4578]

Sooo this was basically a trailer for the real video on if the fescue actually spreads? 👎 wasted 15 minutes.

[@JoeBilello1969]

Can everyone today stop speaking in pseudonyms and initials because I have no idea what anyone is talking about!!!

[@TurfMechanic]

I try to define things as much as I can but obviously acronyms sneak in, especially where the acronyms are the common language (think atm, nobvody says automated teller machine). RTF is rhizomatous tall fescue, its a bred version of fescue (frequently called TTTF, or turf type tall fescue) that has some rhizomes underground to allow for lateral spread. Natural fescue grasses don't have rhizomes so RTF is a boutique product that wouldn't exist in nature without a science lab.

[@Jay-od3fh]

Makes me wonder what her employer thought about her using their property for their videos. I'd be furious if my yard help used my property in their videos.

[@Jay-od3fh]

@donnalouise1218 Pretty obvious, isn't it?

[@grassmastersllc7967]

I've used this for a couple of years and the results are pretty much 0.. the video doesn't show any evidence of it spreading at all. Save your money, RTF does not work in my opinion and I've been in the lawn care business for 28 years

[@BensMusicDojo]

What brand did you use?

[@Freakphoto]

​ @Grass Masters LLC Can you post a link to your video that shows the results using the same brand seed?

[@andrewszabo1552]

It has a pout and sprout habit similar to KBG. If you're using Barenbrug's, I recommend revisiting your clients' yards if it's been over a year. It's not an instant results grass and I could see clients complaining that their fall overseeded didn't start filling in divots 2 months later. Especially if it's sold to them like it's the KBG of fescue.

[@GirLzLawn]

@@andrewszabo1552 Yep, that habit will make you think it's bad.