Kentucky 31 vs TTTF Grass (Field Comparison)
Kentucky 31 is a tall-fescue cultivar known for economical, durable cover and a coarse look. Turf-type tall fescue, or TTTF, is a group of cultivars bred for a denser, finer-looking lawn. Choose by the finish you want, your site conditions, and the seed label—not by price or the word “hardy” alone.
A large area needs grass, but the choices can look similar on a seed tag. If you want a practical cover, Kentucky 31 may seem like the easy answer. If you want a lawn with a more even, refined appearance, turf-type tall fescue may fit better. The right choice depends on how you use the ground and what you expect it to look like.
In field work, I compare the two under the same soil, light, mowing height, and watering conditions. That matters because a thin patch is not proof that a grass type is a poor fit; drainage, shade, seed quality, and care can all affect results. Here is how to assess the difference before you buy.
Kentucky 31 and TTTF: What the names mean
Kentucky 31, often written KY-31, is a named tall-fescue cultivar. TTTF means turf-type tall fescue, a broad group of newer turf cultivars, not one single variety. A bag labeled TTTF may contain one cultivar or a blend, so its exact contents and test information matter.
Both are cool-season grasses used for lawns. KY-31 is generally coarser in appearance and can provide economical cover. TTTF cultivars are generally selected for a denser, finer-looking turf, but blends can differ in appearance and performance. “Turf-type” does not guarantee a particular result on every property.
Check the label for cultivar names, seed analysis, and intended use. Also check the date and lot information, and buy clean seed intended for lawns. The label tells you more about the actual product than a broad claim such as “tough” or “premium.”
Field comparison: appearance, use, and trade-offs
The clearest field difference is often the look of the established grass. KY-31 usually has broader, coarser-looking leaves and a more open appearance. TTTF generally produces a denser, finer-looking lawn. Actual results depend on the cultivar or blend, site, and care.
| Field factor | Kentucky 31 | Turf-type tall fescue |
|---|---|---|
| What the name describes | One named cultivar | A group of turf cultivars |
| Typical appearance | Coarser, often more open | Generally denser and finer |
| Common reason to consider it | Economical cover over a larger area | A more lawn-like, refined finish |
| Seed choice | Check the cultivar and seed analysis | Compare cultivar names and blend details |
| Site performance | Depends on soil, light, water, and care | Also depends on soil, light, water, and care |
| Livestock use | Verify endophyte status; do not assume it is safe forage | Verify endophyte status and forage suitability |
These are general tendencies, not guarantees. A well-managed KY-31 stand may cover ground effectively, but its texture may not meet the goal of a fine-looking lawn. A TTTF blend may look more refined, yet that alone does not promise better drought or disease performance at a particular site.
For a lawn beside a home, appearance may carry more weight. For a broad area where a coarse texture is acceptable, seed cost and intended use may weigh more. Decide what you want the grass to do before comparing price per bag.
Choose by site and intended use
A grass choice should fit the ground and the job. Note sun and shade, drainage, existing vegetation, and how the area will be used. Then compare seed options that match those conditions. Neither grass type can make a poorly drained or unsuitable site perform well by itself.
If your main goal is a finer lawn, start by comparing TTTF blends and their named cultivars. If you need economical cover and accept a coarse appearance, KY-31 may be a candidate. Do not treat “hardy” as a substitute for checking the actual site or the seed label.
Livestock changes the decision. Endophyte-infected tall fescue can cause fescue toxicosis in grazing animals, including heat stress and poor animal performance. Do not assume KY-31 is safe forage, and do not use lawn seed for grazing without verifying endophyte status and getting appropriate forage guidance.
Establishment: rates, seed depth, and moisture
Both types are tall fescue, so general tall-fescue establishment guidance is a useful starting point. For a new lawn, a typical rate is 6–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For overseeding an existing lawn, a typical rate is 3–5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Follow the package if its rate differs; these rates do not establish a special KY-31-versus-TTTF advantage.
| Task | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| New lawn | 6–8 lb per 1,000 sq ft |
| Overseeding | 3–5 lb per 1,000 sq ft |
| Seed placement | About ⅛–¼ in. deep |
| Common germination window | About 7–14 days |
| Established mowing height | About 3–4 in. |
First, prepare the surface and remove debris that could interfere with seeding or mowing. Check soil condition and drainage. A soil test can guide lime and fertilizer decisions; avoid applying either just because one grass looks thinner than the other. Use the spreader maker’s calibration guidance rather than relying on a setting meant for a different seed.
Spread seed evenly, then rake it into the surface or cover it lightly. Aim for about ⅛–¼ inch of depth. Seed buried too deeply may emerge poorly. Keep the seedbed consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until seedlings establish. Germination commonly takes about 7–14 days, though temperature, moisture, and seed condition affect timing.
Mowing and maintenance: compare under equal conditions
Once established, tall fescue is commonly maintained at about 3–4 inches. Use a sharp mower blade and avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf height at one mowing. Cutting too much at once can stress the grass; a dull blade tears leaf tips and may leave a ragged or brown look.
When comparing a KY-31 patch with TTTF, keep mowing height and watering as similar as possible. Differences in shade, soil, or traffic can distort the comparison. Water and fertilize based on site needs, not on the assumption that a certain color or growth rate proves a nutrient problem. Use a soil test before applying lime or fertilizer.
In cool-season regions, late summer to early fall commonly offers favorable conditions for establishing tall fescue. Give seedlings time to develop before severe heat or frost. If thin areas remain, check moisture, seed depth, soil, and light before reseeding. Store leftover seed sealed, dry, and cool, and use package lot and test information to help judge viability.
Field scenarios: matching the grass to the job
These examples are decision scenarios, not guarantees of how a particular seed lot will perform. They show how I would weigh the choice on a property: define the intended finish, check site conditions, and compare the label before buying. Keep the trial fair by using similar preparation and care.
Scenario 1: A broad, low-priority area. The owner needs grass cover across a large space and accepts a coarse texture. KY-31 may be worth comparing on cost and label details. If the owner later decides the area should look like a fine lawn, the texture may disappoint regardless of how well the grass establishes.
Scenario 2: A visible home lawn. The owner wants a more even, refined appearance. I would compare TTTF blends by cultivar composition and seed analysis, then select one suited to the site. A TTTF label alone is not enough to predict the final result.
Scenario 3: A field that livestock may graze. Do not choose either product based only on lawn claims or price. Verify endophyte status and seek forage guidance before planting. Endophyte-infected tall fescue can be harmful to grazing livestock, so intended use must come before appearance.
The practical next step is to choose the desired finish, inspect the site, and compare labeled seed products that fit that purpose.
Frequently asked questions
These short answers cover common buying and field questions. They do not replace the seed label or site assessment: cultivars, blends, and growing conditions vary. If the grass will be grazed by livestock, confirm endophyte status and get forage-specific guidance before selecting seed.
Is Kentucky 31 the same as turf-type tall fescue?
No. Kentucky 31 is one named cultivar. TTTF describes a group of turf cultivars.
Which looks finer, KY-31 or TTTF?
TTTF generally has a finer, denser appearance. KY-31 is typically coarser and more open.
Which is better for a large area?
It depends on the desired appearance, site, and seed cost. KY-31 may suit a large area where coarse texture is acceptable; compare products and rates before deciding.
Is TTTF always better for lawns?
No. It is generally selected for a more refined turf look, but results depend on the cultivar, site conditions, and care.
How much tall fescue seed should I use?
A typical rate is 6–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet for a new lawn and 3–5 pounds for overseeding. Follow the seed label if its rate differs.
How deep should I plant tall-fescue seed?
Rake it in or cover it lightly, aiming for about ⅛–¼ inch. Deeper burial can reduce emergence.
How long does tall fescue take to germinate?
Germination commonly takes about 7–14 days. Temperature, moisture, and seed condition affect timing.
Can KY-31 be used for livestock pasture?
Do not assume it is safe forage. Verify endophyte status and get appropriate forage guidance before using any tall fescue for grazing.
When should I plant tall fescue?
In cool-season regions, late summer to early fall commonly favors establishment. Allow seedlings time to grow before severe heat or frost.
What mowing height suits established tall fescue?
About 3–4 inches is a common maintenance range. Avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf height at a time.
Bottom line
Choose KY-31 when economical cover and a coarser look fit the job. Choose a TTTF product when you want a denser, finer-looking lawn and its blend suits the site. Read the label, prepare and seed correctly, and compare grasses under equal conditions. For grazing, verify endophyte status before planting.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Victor Dempsey. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
