The Association’s roots are firmly grounded in the licensing and promotion of RTF® Sod (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue)—a groundbreaking turfgrass that changed expectations for cool-season lawns and landscapes. RTF Sod was developed to provide exceptional durability and recovery through its unique rhizomatous growth habit, allowing the turf to self-repair, fill in damaged areas, and maintain density under real-world use.

RTF Sod represents a significant advancement in turfgrass performance, offering improved drought tolerance, reduced irrigation requirements, and lower long-term inputs compared to traditional tall fescue and cool-season turfgrass options. These attributes make RTF Sod well suited for a wide range of applications, including residential lawns, commercial landscapes, public spaces, and sports turf environments where resilience and sustainability are priorities.

Through the RTF Sod program, the Turf Producers Association works closely with licensed growers to ensure consistent production standards, coordinated marketing, and ongoing education. The Association also supports research and outreach efforts that help specifiers, contractors, and end users better understand the performance, management, and environmental benefits of RTF Sod.

Today, the Turf Producers Association serves as the steward of the RTF Sod brand—supporting growers in delivering reliable, high-performance turfgrass solutions that recover quickly, use fewer resources, and perform under the demands of modern landscapes.