20WCFAnn Tall Fescue Qualifications on the Way!
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The latest TWCA drought evaluation trial is wrapping up which means the countdown is on! The last few cooperators are submitting DIA and ET data for evaluation and analysis. Qualification reports will be issued March 15, 2024.
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TWCA Qualification
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TWCA uses peer review of objective data collected through multi-year, multi-site trialing to qualify the most drought tolerant cultivars of each turfgrass species.
Qualification in TWCA is time limited and progressive; meaning each cultivar must either re-qualify against a new, higher standard of drought tolerance or lose its use of the seal. In order for a turf grass consumer product, blend, or mixture to be qualified to use the TWCA label, a minimum of 70% of the varieties included in that product blend or mixture must be TWCA qualified. |
Find Your TWCA!TWCA is for everyone, but how can everyone find it? The TWCA Members map highlights TWCA members nearest you. Look for the seed and sod icons to find the vendor you need. Be forewarned though, sod vendors ALSO carry seed! So, if you are looking for seed, don't be afraid to reach out to sod vendors too!
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Qualified Cultivars
Single species evaluation makes for meaningful comparisons. Comparing water use within a species allows turf managers, homeowners, and governments to use the most drought tolerant turfgrass available for a specific application. While some species thrive in a trafficked area with full sun (Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent examples) others (fine fescues) would almost certainly die quickly in such environments. Use the tools below to find the right turf to make every drop count.
fINE fESCUES
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Actually, a multi-species category, Fine Fescues encompasses several species including Chewings, Hard, Sheeps, Strong Creeping Red, and Slender Red Fescues. Fine Fescues are primarily used in blends and are rarely seen as individual cultivars. When maintained for drought, Fine Fescues do best in lower maintenance scenarios with longer cut heights and less traffic. With a wide geographic range, TWCA Qualified Fine Fescues are found to varying degrees in all eight TWCA regions. |
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Kentucky bluegrass
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Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most common and valuable turfgrasses in North America. Known for its smooth boat shaped leaves and rich dark green color; this versatile cool season turf is found throughout the cool season turf range. |
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Perennial Ryegrass
Fast germination and aggressive growth make Perennial Ryegrass popular on playing fields and in high traffic turf applications like public parks. Found through most of the cool season turf range, Perennial Ryegrass is also used to overseed warm season turf. |
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Tall fescues
Tall Fescue is a hardy and adaptable species of cool season turf that is well known for drought tolerance. A versatile, durable turf, with good drought tolerance; Tall Fescues are found through the majority of the cool season turf range and provide an alternative to warm season turf in many areas.
What is the "Right" Turfgrass?
That really depends. Considerations include intended use, traffic, and management concerns (pesticide needs, limitations, and fertility regimes). These considerations are secondary to the physical limitations of location. Factors like rainfall, growing degree day, hours of daylight, and temperature all dictate, to a large degree, what turf is the "right" one.
The TWCA Region Map highlights the species that currently work best across North America. Always check with your local extension agent(s) for the best localized guidance.
The TWCA Region Map highlights the species that currently work best across North America. Always check with your local extension agent(s) for the best localized guidance.
TWCA Region Map
Region 8
Canada's Southern Provinces
This cool season exclusive region presents unique challenges to turf growers with short growing seasons and disrupted rhythms relative to southern operators. Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescues, particularly Strong Creeping Red Fescues dominate the markets with Tall Fescue being much more of an emergent crop.
Well-suited Turfgrass Species
Kentucky Bluegrass
Fine Fescues
Canada's Southern Provinces
This cool season exclusive region presents unique challenges to turf growers with short growing seasons and disrupted rhythms relative to southern operators. Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescues, particularly Strong Creeping Red Fescues dominate the markets with Tall Fescue being much more of an emergent crop.
Well-suited Turfgrass Species
Kentucky Bluegrass
Fine Fescues
TWCA Region 8
TWCA Region 1
Region 1 WA, OR, CA, NV This western region is host to the full spectrum of cool season turfs in the northern reaches and a broad selection of warm season turf in the south with Bermudagrass being, by far, the most popular warm season species. Perennial Ryegrass is used for over-seeding on warm season turfs. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass Zoysia St. Augustine Centipede |
Region 2
ID, MT, ND, SD, WY, UT, NE, KS, CO The high plains and intermountain West region is afflicted with serious rain shadow effect from the Rockies. All cool season turfs are on the markets with some warm season turf, primarily Bermudagrass, also occurring. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass 
TWCA Region 2
TWCA Region 7
Region 7 AZ, NM, OK, AR, TX This warm season dominated region does have some cool season option on OK, Northern TX and AR with Tall Fescue and to a lesser extent Kentucky Bluegrass being strong performers. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Zoysia St. Augustine Centipede |
Region 3
MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH These Midwestern states are primarily cool season turf markets with very limited bermudagrass presence in the south as the region crosses into the transition zone. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass 
TWCA Region 3
TWCA Region 6
Region 6 KY, TN, MS, AL, LA Primarily a warm season turf market, TN and KY have robust cool season markets as well with some consumers opting for a cool season/warm season blend called "Bluemuda". Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Zoysia St. Augustine Centipede |
Region 4
ME, VT, CN, MA, NH, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, WV, VA The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region has numerous pressures on turf managers for both cool and warm season turfs. Cool season turfs typically dominate this market with warm season turfs being stronger in that transition zone of VA and MD. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass 
TWCA Region 4
TWCA Region 5
Region 5 NC, SC, GA, FL Primarily a warm season turf, this region is very challenging for most cool season turfs. Tall Fescue presents an option to some consumers in NC, SC, and parts of Georgia. Well-suited Turfgrass Species Tall Fescue Bermudagrass Zoysia St. Augustine Centipede |
