Rhizomes and Recovery
The Titans have a reputation similar to what Timex ® had with its classic watches. They can “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’!” There’s some genetic qualities that simply make these grasses get back up and live when others varieties either die or take longer to recover from damage. Whether that damage comes from hard play, intense disease pressure, pets, drought, cold, or other sources, there’s a good chance that your Titan lawn will come out looking good.
So why is that? What’s so special about the Titan grasses?
First of all, as mentioned before, the Titans just come from hardy stock. It’s like trying to answer the question, “Why are the McCracken’s always so strong”, or “How come all the Morses can throw a ball so hard?” It just is!
Secondly, the Titan’s have something that only a few other tall fescues have, an extensive rhizome system. These horizontal underground stems or "rhizomes" spread out to bare spots and send out new shoots and roots which aid in quicker repair and the ongoing thickening of the turf stand. Sometimes tough play, a neighborhood dog, or some bad disease may come through and wipe out a few plants, potentially leaving your lawn with bare spots. So even when your Titan lawn gets knocked around some, the rhizomes constantly act as self-repairing tools, ready and willing to create new plants when needed.
Rhizomes and Recovery In Action
October 4th, 2009
After "X" made with Roundup
June 6th, 2010
Recovery and Fill-in begin.
October 23rd, 2010
Titan Rx recovers lost ground!
Titan Rx Has Even More!
While Titan Ltd had impressive rhizome producing ability, Titan Rx has even more. Titan Rx plants were selected for more aggressive, faster producing rhizomes, as well as aggressive tillering. Tiller is a process where plants produce more leaves and expand their base above ground. Both tillering and rhizome production help expedite the recovery process should bare spots occur.*
Titan Rx’s recovery is so good it was recently noted as having one of the best recovery ratings in a traffic tolerance trial at Rutgers University. See Rutger’s 2010 Turfgrass Proceedings for more details.
*A note about bare spots: There are many reasons why bare spots occur. Some of these are poor soil conditions, lack of moisture, chemical applications, underground restrictions, etc. Some of these reasons limit the ability of grass to grow, or to survive for any length of time. Amending soil or change in management practices are recommended in these cases. Also, larger bare spots are best reseeded, so as to reduce the chance of increased weed infestation.
Download Rhizome Data Sheet