Sponsor Spotlight: RTF Turf Producers Association
RTF Turf Producers Association provides a full spectrum of integrated landscape services and is also a generous sponsor of the EXPO reception at the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO. The reception will be held on Saturday, October 6 beginning at 5:00 PM in the EXPO Hall.

Touted as the “grass that does more,” RTF stands for rhizomatous tall fescue. RTF is an exciting new specialized type of grass with many important qualities. It has a strong, deep root system that produces an even, thick lawn. It grows quickly, has excellent heat tolerance with pest and disease resistance, and is self repairing. It requires less water and fewer chemicals to grow, yet still yields a high-quality final product. In short, RTF has a higher value for the consumer than bluegrass and conventional tall fescues due to its ease of care and longevity.

In fact, RTF is such a unique type of sod that the RTF Turf Producers Association was created with the sole purpose of producing and marketing RTF sod. Headquartered in Mead, Nebraska, the association licenses turf producers around the United States and Canada to produce this remarkable new type of grass. RTF is produced locally by specially selected growers, which supports the economy of these areas. Currently, the RTF Turf Producers Association has 28 grower members. And although that number continues to grow, only the best turf growers are invited to join the association to ensure that high quality is maintained.

RTF works well in a variety of regional landscape applications due to its distinguishing features. In addition to improving the aesthetic quality of a landscape architecture project, specifying and implementing the right type of grass has several environmental benefits. Grass is a natural extension of the environment, so it can help control runoff and purify the air and water. Additionally, installing real grass, like RTF, is more environmentally sound than artificial options, especially given RTF’s lower maintenance requirements. By using RTF, landscape architecture professionals can help make their projects more sustainable.

RTF Turf Producers Association can connect clients with local growers because RTF is produced close to the markets in which it is sold. Additionally, RTF experts can help landscape architecture professionals find a sod solution to best fit their desired “look” and project objectives. The association’s involvement and support of the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO will help increase the visibility of this exciting new product and educate landscape architecture professionals on the sustainability aspect and uses of RTF.

RTF is unusual because it is not only new, but it is also environmentally friendly. Its special blend of high-quality features and low maintenance makes it an ideal, sustainable choice for landscape architecture professionals to specify in projects.

For more information about RTF and the RTF Turf Producers Association, visit the website, stop by booth 1177 at the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO, or visit with representatives at the EXPO reception beginning at 5:00 PM in the EXPO Hall on Saturday, October 6.