Watersaver RTF Fescue: Homeowner Experiences and Expert Commentary

In 2005, I collected listener experiences with Watersaver RTF (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue), also called 'Labarynth'. Not a scientific survey—just real-user comments.

Homeowner Comments

• Nonerl T.: Mixed with Rebel Supreme; filled bare spots well. Will use again.
• Lois M.: Liked first fall; some areas didn't return as well. Stays greener in heat with irrigation.
• Tom W.: Used 2003 & 2004; better drought tolerance and fill-in. Similar disease resistance. Switching to zoysia next spring.
• Eric K.: Overseeded 4,500 sq ft with 25 lbs RTF + lime/fertilizer. 75% fewer dead patches vs. previous years. Less water needed. Coarser texture, paler color than fine fescues.
• Large-scale sod producer: Holds up better in South Georgia heat/dry conditions. Color not as green as other varieties.
• Annette Q.: Marginally better than regular fescue blends. No luck filling shade bare spots. Switched to St. Augustine.
• DGM: Good in sun, so-so in shade. Not good for dogs (two bloodhounds).
• Anonymous: RTF not impressive vs. 'Southeast' tall fescue. Planning to test 'Thermal Blue' and 'Plantation'.
• Jowell T. (landscape contractor): Doesn't reseed/spread/tiller like other fescues. Heat tolerance no better than Rebel II. 20%+ more costly. Not at wholesale outlets.
• Robb N.: No better than other fescues; hasn't "spread" as claimed.

Expert Commentary from Dr. Clint Waltz

"Barenbrug owns 'Water Saver' name and changes cultivars regionally for performance—marketing strategy. No peer-reviewed data shows superior drought tolerance. RTF not in current NTEP trial (160 cultivars at Griffin). Barenbrug/Cascade entries are numbered materials, not 'Labarinth' or 'Ceres'."

See: Evaluation of Rhizomatous Fescue in Kansas (link in original).