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Rhizomes

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 McCrackens 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.

Titan Rx and Titan Ultra Have Even More!

While Titan Ltd had impressive rhizome producing ability, Titan Rx and Titan Ultra have even more. Titan Rx and Titan Ultra plants were selected for more aggressive, faster producing rhizomes, as well as aggressive tillering. Tillering 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. *

*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.


Rhizomes in Action: Titan Rx

October 4th, 2009

After "X" made with Roundup

June 6th, 2010

Recovery and fill-in begin.

October 23rd, 2010

Titan Rx recovers lost ground!


Rhizomes in Action: Titan Ultra

Titan Ultra rhizomes fill in bare spot in VA
Titan Ultra Tall Fescue - Rhizome Research, Virginia Beach, VA - Seeded Fall 2009

At time of seeding (Fall 2009), a 10” cap was placed in the center of each plot to create natural bare spot. By June of the following year, the plots were established and plants were begining to fill in the spot. In November of 2011, significant growth into the bare area is clearly apparent.

While this research was conducted to determine the spreadability of Titan Ultra, it is always recommended to re-seed bare spots that are more than 3 inches in diameter, as many bare spots are quickly filled in with weeds.


Recovery Trial

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.

Traffic Stress Recovery Trial
Rutgers University - 2010 1
Variety April 28, 2010
After 190 Days 2
May 14, 2010
After 206 Days 2
Top Score 48.30% 81.70%
Titan Rx 45.00% 73.30%
Titan Ultra 38.30% 71.70%
Faith 33.30% 68.30%
Turbo 30.00% 60.00%
Kentucky 31 53.30% 56.70%
Sidewinder 21.70% 45.00%
Lsd 11.80% 13.40%
Percent Recover 0-100%
1Selected Data. Complete trial data available upon request
2Plots were subjected to traffic stress in October 2009

Rhizome Videos

Our “original” Titan Ltd. shows off its self-repairing ability in Raleigh, NC.

Look how rhizomes filled in a 10 inch diameter circle in Virginia Beach, VA.

Learn the difference between a seed-initiated plant and a rhizome-initiated plant.

Raleigh research reveals numerous rhizomes in new TLC Tall Fescue blend


Rhizome Gallery

Download Rhizome Data Sheet