How to Establish RTF Tall Fescue — The Self-Repairing Lawn

What Makes RTF Tall Fescue Different?

RTF stands for Rhizomatous Tall Fescue — and the rhizomes are what set it apart. Unlike standard tall fescue which grows in clumps and can’t repair itself, RTF spreads via underground rhizomes to fill bare patches automatically. It’s the closest thing to a ‘set and forget’ cool-season lawn available in Australia.

Key Features

🔄 Self-repairing — rhizomes fill bare patches without reseeding
💧 Drought tolerant — deep roots reduce watering needs once established
☀️ Sun and part shade tolerant — versatile for most Australian gardens
✂️ Low mow height — can be cut as low as 15mm
🟢 Deep green colour — premium appearance year-round
🌱 Blended with organic Lawn Starter — for faster germination

When to Sow

RTF Tall Fescue can be sown year-round but performs best in autumn (March–May) or spring (September–November) when soil temperatures are between 10–25°C. Avoid sowing in the peak of summer when heat stress can affect germination.

Coverage Rates

New lawn: 5kg covers approx. 100m²
Oversowing existing lawn: 5kg covers approx. 200m²

Step-by-Step Sowing Guide

Prepare the soil — mow existing grass short, scarify, and loosen the top 10mm of soil
Apply seed evenly — use a spreader or broadcast by hand at the recommended rate
Rake lightly — work seed into the soil surface for good contact
Water gently twice daily — keep surface moist until germination (7–14 days)
First mow — once grass reaches 60–70mm, mow to 40mm
Reduce watering — once established, water deeply but less frequently

Aftercare

🌱 Fertilise at 6–8 weeks after establishment with a balanced fertiliser, then every 2–3 months
✂️ Mow regularly at 25–40mm — never remove more than one third of the leaf at once
💧 Water deeply once or twice a week once established rather than light daily watering
🪲 Weeds — apply a selective herbicide if broadleaf weeds appear once lawn is established