Tahona 31 vs Tiftuf

Have you ever found yourself debating between two different kinds of grass—Tahona 31 versus Tiftuf—for your lawn or golf course? Well, you’re not alone! Over the years, this debate has been waged across landscapers, golfers, and homeowners alike.

And to help make a more informed decision, we’ll take an in-depth look at these two popular types of grass in order to compare their differences side-by-side.

From their climate suitability and maintenance requirements, to their overall aesthetic appeal and quality of play – we have all the information you need to decide which type is best for you. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we dive into Tahona 31 vs Tiftuf.

Main Difference:

Tahoma 31 is a variety of Bermudagrass that was developed by Oklahoma State University. It is known for its superior cold tolerance, which makes it an ideal choice for areas with cooler climates. Tahoma 31 also has excellent drought resistance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Additionally, it has a fine texture and a dark green color that makes it a visually appealing choice for lawns and landscapes.

TifTuf, on the other hand, is a hybrid variety of Bermudagrass that was developed by the University of Georgia. It is known for its exceptional drought tolerance and water efficiency, making it a popular choice for areas with water restrictions. TifTuf also has a fine texture and a vibrant green color that makes it a visually appealing choice for lawns and landscapes.

Tahona 31 vs Tiftuf: Overview

Known for their superior quality and performance, Tahoma 31 and Tiftuf are widely recognized hybrid Bermuda grasses that are used in golf courses, sports fields, parks, and home lawns. Developed by Oklahoma State University’s turfgrass breeding program, Tahoma 31 is a fine-textured grass possessing excellent wear tolerance and resilience against disease and pests.

Its charm lies in its striking resemblance to the other popular variety, Tifway 419. Bred at University of Georgia’s turfgrass program, Tiftuf is a drought-tolerant hybrid renowned for its high traffic tolerance. When it comes to mowing heights, Tahoma 31 can be cut at 0.5 – 1.5 inches, while Tiftuf requires a 0.5 – 1 inch setup.

In terms of performance, Lawn Solutions Australia conducted a comparison between both varieties and found that Tiftuf outperformed Tahoma 31 in aspects concerning turf quality, density, and color.

Nonetheless, Tahoma 31 continues to be favored among professional turfgrass specialists due to its remarkable disease-resistance capabilities as well as its deep green hue. Both types of grasses prove to be effective choices for areas requiring long-term stability and aesthetic beauty.

Drought Tolerance

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lawn in arid climates, Tahoma 31 is the clear choice. It holds its own among drought-tolerant varieties, using 18% less water than TifTuf and recovering quickly from damage.

TifTuf falls slightly behind with 30% less water usage than Tifway 419, but does not possess the same level of resistance as Tahoma 31. To maximize each grass type’s ability to manage dry spells, establish deep root systems by irrigating infrequently and deeply.

Though both varieties are drought tolerant, excessive heat and prolonged lack of water may call for additional conservation measures such as reduced foot traffic or mowing frequency.

For robust, resilient turf that stands up to even the driest conditions, look no further; Tahoma 31 is a reliable option for areas with long, dry summers.

Cold Tolerance

Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass is the optimal choice for regions with cold winters, boasting superior cold tolerance that surpasses other varieties such as Tifway, TifTuf, and Latitude 36.

This enhanced resilience to frost lies in its genetics, crafted to withstand plummeting temperatures. An ideal selection for golf courses and sports fields in frigid climates, Tahoma 31 also provides an early spring green-up—an invaluable trait when the growing season is abbreviated by cold weather.

Additionally, Tiftuf’s water-saving properties have garnered it a sterling reputation in drought-prone areas, expending 30% less liquid than Tifway 419. All told, Tahoma 31 features an inviolable combination of winter survivability, cold tolerance, and efficient hydration, establishing itself as the premier option for colder regions.

Wear and Disease-resistance

Both Tahoma 31 and TifTuf are renowned for their remarkable resistance to disease, offering protection from common pests such as dollar spot and brown patch.

When it comes to wear tolerance, however, Tahoma 31 clearly surpasses its counterpart, granting robust immunity against heavy foot traffic and machinery-induced damage. Furthermore, it is endowed with superior resistance to leaf spot and spring dead spot.

Consequently, this grass variety is the ideal choice for high-traffic areas, such as sports fields or commercial landscapes, where protection and durability are paramount.

In contrast, TifTuf may be viable in moderately trafficked environments, but it is not as resilient as Tahoma 31 when facing demanding use.

Texture and Appearance

Tahoma 31 and Tiftuf are both Bermuda grasses that are known for their fine texture and dark green color. However, there are subtle differences in their appearance and texture that can impact the overall look of a lawn.

Tahoma 31 has a deep blue-green color that gives it a lush and vibrant appearance. Its finer texture and denser canopy make it a popular choice for golf courses and high-end residential lawns. Tahoma 31 also has a soft texture that feels comfortable underfoot.

On the other hand, Tiftuf has a slightly coarser texture and a lighter green color. It is still considered a fine-textured grass, but its texture is not as soft as Tahoma 31. Despite this, Tiftuf is known for its durability and tolerance to drought and wear.

When it comes to texture and appearance, both Tahoma 31 and Tiftuf have their own unique characteristics that make them attractive options for different types of lawns.

Maintenance and Care

When it comes to maintenance and care, Tahoma 31 and TifTuf have some similarities and differences. Both varieties of Bermuda grass require adequate water, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control to thrive. However, Tahoma 31 has some unique characteristics that make it stand out from TifTuf in terms of maintenance and care.

Water

One of the most significant advantages of Tahoma 31 is that it requires significantly less water for irrigation than other Bermuda grass varieties. According to Tahoma 31’s official website, once established, Tahoma 31 requires 18% less water than TifTuf. Depending on weather, location, and humidity, irrigate Tahoma 31 as needed at the first sign of wilt.

Mowing

Mowing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn. Both Tahoma 31 and TifTuf require frequent mowing during the growing season to maintain their desired height. However, Tahoma 31 has a slower growth rate than TifTuf, which means it requires less frequent mowing. According to a YouTube video comparing Tahoma 31 and TifTuf, Tahoma 31 can be mowed at a height of 0.5-1.5 inches, while TifTuf should be mowed at a height of 0.5-1 inch.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is necessary to provide the necessary nutrients for Bermuda grass to grow and thrive. Both Tahoma 31 and TifTuf require regular fertilizing during the growing season. According to a lawn care calendar by the University of Tennessee, apply a granular fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate, and potash at a rate providing 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Weed Control

Weed control is essential to maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn. Both Tahoma 31 and TifTuf require regular weed control to prevent weeds from taking over the lawn. According to a forum post on The Lawn Forum, Tahoma 31 is less prone to weeds than TifTuf due to its denser growth habit. However, it is still necessary to apply pre-emergent herbicides in the spring and fall to prevent weeds from germinating.

Geographical Suitability

When it comes to choosing between Tahoma 31 and TifTuf, one important factor to consider is geographical suitability. Both grasses have been developed to thrive in specific conditions, and choosing the wrong grass for your location can lead to poor performance and maintenance issues.

Tahoma 31 is a warm-season grass that is well-suited to the southern United States, where it can thrive in full sun and hot temperatures. It has been specifically developed to perform well in high-traffic areas, making it a popular choice for sports fields and golf courses.

Additionally, Tahoma 31 has superior wear tolerance compared to Latitude 36 and Northbridge, making it a great choice for areas with heavy foot traffic.

On the other hand, TifTuf has been bred to be drought-tolerant, making it a better choice for areas with limited water availability. It has been proven to perform well in the transition zone, where temperatures can fluctuate and rainfall is less reliable. TifTuf has also been shown to have superior turf quality compared to Tahoma 31 under traffic in the NTEP National Bermudagrass Test at Knoxville, TN.

While both grasses can perform well in a variety of conditions, it is important to choose the grass that is best suited for your specific location. For example, Tahoma 31 may struggle in areas with limited water availability, while TifTuf may not perform as well in areas with high foot traffic.

Other Considerations

While both perform admirably in terms of mowing and maintenance demands, there are a few other factors to consider when making your final decision.

Seed head production is typically lower with Tahoma 31, although both varieties are susceptible if not mowed frequently enough. Additionally, Tahoma 31 often recovers more quickly from damage than TifTuf, which may be a desirable trait for homes with pets or young children.

It’s also important to note that both are warm-season grasses, so they will typically thrive best in hot summer climates with mild winters—otherwise, cool-season varieties like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue may be preferable. An alternative option for those seeking a darker green hue is Celebration Bermuda, though it requires more maintenance and water than either Tahoma 31 or TifTuf.

Finally, it’s important to consider the impact of pets on the lawn. Both Tahoma 31 and TifTuf are pet-friendly varieties, but it’s important to note that pet urine can cause damage to any type of grass. Homeowners with pets may want to consider using a product like LawnLift to help mitigate the effects of pet urine on the lawn.

Tahona 31 vs Tiftuf