The Complete Guide to RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf: Your Lush Lawn Solution

How to Maintain RTF Tall Fescue

Mowing 

Spring/summer

Mow regularly — RTF grows quickly during peak moisture

Winter

Reduce frequency; RTF grows more slowly in cold but doesn't go fully dormant like warm-season grasses 

Sharp blades are essential

Never mow wet grass

Increases disease risk and tears the turf

Fertilising

Watering

Newly laid (weeks 0–2)

 Water 3–4 times per day for at least 40 minutes each session. Do not allow the turf to dry out at any point — this is the most critical period

Weeks 2–6 (establishing)

Water 2–3 times per week for 40 minutes. When temperatures exceed 28°C, water daily.

Sharp blades are essential

Established lawn:

• Spring/autumn: Moderate watering — adjust based on rainfall
• Summer: Daily watering likely needed in Melbourne heat — RTF does not tolerate prolonged dry periods
• Winter: Reduce watering; rainfall is usually sufficient in Melbourne but monitor for dry periods

Tip

Weed control

• Manual weeding is safest as RTF can be sensitive to some herbicides
• Use only products specifically labelled as safe for fescue lawns
• A healthy, dense RTF lawn is the best weed prevention. Gaps invite weeds, so keep the turf thick through regular fertilising and watering

How to Lay RTF Tall Fescue Instant Turf

Before you lay: install irrigation

Soil preparation

1.  Clear all existing grass, weeds, and debris
2.  Rotary hoe the top 100mm to break up and aerate the soil
3. Install 100mm of quality topsoil. Daisy's Lawn Mix is the perfect for the job.
4. Check pH — RTF prefers 6–7.5. Add lime if below 6
5. Optional: incorporate water storage crystals to improve moisture retention
6. Apply a quality starter fertiliser and rake in evenly
7. Level the soil — keep surface 20–30mm below paths and edging
8. Water lightly the day before laying to create a moist base

Laying the turf

1. Begin along the longest straight edge (driveway, fence, path)
2. Butt joins tight — no gaps, no overlaps, no stretching
3. Stagger joints in a brick-work pattern
4. Trim around obstacles with a sharp knife
5. Roll the entire area after laying to improve turf-to-soil contact and eliminate air pockets
6. Water within 30 minutes of installation, at least 25mm immediately

Post-install care

• Water 3–4 times daily for the first two weeks, 40 minutes per session minimum
• Do not allow the turf to dry out at any point during establishment
• Avoid foot traffic on newly laid turf
• Establishment takes 6+ weeks, root contact confirmed when turf resists being lifted

Best time to lay: Spring and autumn its an ideal temperature and moisture for root development. Summer installation is possible but requires very diligent watering. Winter is the slowest for establishment.

RTF Tall Fescue vs Other Popular Turf Varieties

• Choose RTF if: Heavy shade is your primary challenge, or you want year-round green without winter dormancy and have irrigation in place.
• Choose Sir Walter if: You want low maintenance with good shade tolerance and no irrigation requirement.
• Choose TifTuf if: Full sun, drought conditions, and minimal water use are priorities.
• Choose Kikuyu if: You want fast, dense coverage at low cost and you're prepared to manage its aggressive spreading.
• Choose Sir Grange if: You want a fine, carpet-like lawn with very low water use, low mowing frequency, and good shade tolerance 

The 10-Year RTF Warranty

RTF Tall Fescue sold through authorised dealers comes with a 10-year product warranty from Lawn Solutions Australia. This guarantees you are receiving genuine RTF Tall Fescue — not a generic tall fescue substitute. The warranty covers product performance when installed and maintained according to LSA guidelines.