Only RTF Water Saver has the R3 Factor
Deep Roots on Grass Seed

RTF, or Rhizomatous Tall Fescue

RTF or Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, is a newly available grass seed in Canada, which produces rhizomes. A rhizome is an underground, laterally growing root system that spreads outward and sends a new grass plant up in open spaces to fill in bare spots and create a dense even lawn. With rhizomes, RTF Water Saver acts like Kentucky Bluegrass, a popular seed and survives in warm and cold climates.

What makes RTF different from bluegrass is a deep root system. RTF's root system goes deep (4 to 6ft) to seek out water sources and nutrients other grasses can't access. Essentially, RTF waters your turf grass lawn, sport field or commercial property for free and improves tolerance for long drought periods. RTF can provide a truly beautiful eco-friendly lawn with a healthy appearance and at the same time, lower your maintenance costs.

See our comparison chart for details.

RTF gives the plant the ability to repair itself

Unlike other fescue grass, RTF gives the plant the ability to repair itself. Traditional fescue will clump together, not filling in the bare spots and producing an uneven lawn. With bare spots, weeds are more apt to take over the lawn. What makes RTF unique is its ability to fill in these open areas with rhizomes – new grass spreads underground through the root system. Young plants first build the root and shoot system to sustain life, then concentrate on a bare area of lawn with rhizomes, knitting the lawn together for a thick, dense turf grass. For low maintenance areas and sports fields, RTF natural repair is essential for quality play surfaces.


"Pest control starts with a healthy lawn. RTF Water Saver grass seed may have some unique properties that make it resilient to drought, stress and pests. These are great characteristics that can really help in light of the pesticide bans in several provinces and will make a great foundation for a sustainable lawn."

Dr. Michael Brownbridge Ph.D., Research Director
Horticultural Production Systems
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Established after 4 weeks - RTF and Kentucky Bluegrasss seeded on same day

RTF's rapid germination

RTF's rapid germination in 8 to 12 days ensures quick establishment of your new lawn in only 8 to 10 weeks. While using RTF Water Saver on an existing lawn, the quick germination allows RTF to compete successfully with the old turf, eliminating the clumps and bare spots forever.

"We introduced RTF Water Saver grass seed this spring at our garden centre in retail and commercial size bags. The customer response was great indicating it provided them a lush dense green lawn, needing less water and maintenance. The merchandising display provided by RTF Water Saver Canada was key in our retail success making the seed purchasing and selling decision easy. RTF seed is our top seller for consumers and landscapers."

Andrew Palmer, Manager
Blomidon Nurseries
RTF Water Saver Retailer