HGT Bluegrass (Barvette HGT)
Ranked #1 of 109 Kentucky bluegrass varieties. Unmatched disease resistance, top-rated traffic recovery, and the lowest thatch production of any aggressive bluegrass.
Why HGT Bluegrass?
HGT (Healthy Grass Technology) is a premium Kentucky bluegrass blend built around Barenbrug's flagship cultivar Barvette HGT. In the landmark 2010 Michigan State University study evaluating 109 commercial Kentucky bluegrass varieties, Barvette HGT was ranked number one for wear recovery, percent ground covered, and overall turf quality. It topped all entries in NTEP traffic stress tests at both Michigan State and Rutgers University. But traffic tolerance is only half the story — HGT's disease resistance is what truly sets it apart. During summer patch trials, Barvette HGT didn't just survive the pathogen; it actively expanded into neighboring plots where susceptible varieties had died. It resists summer patch, stem rust, dollar spot, white grubs, and billbugs — all while producing less thatch than you'd expect from such an aggressive variety.
#1 NTEP Traffic Rating
Ranked first of 109 varieties for wear recovery, ground coverage, and overall turf quality at Michigan State. Confirmed at Rutgers. Outperformed Midnight, Prosperity, and Jumpstart in every category.
Exceptional Disease Resistance
Unprecedented summer patch resistance — so aggressive it colonized space left by dead neighboring varieties in trials. Plus very good stem rust and dollar spot resistance across multiple test environments.
Top-Tier Insect Tolerance
NTEP-confirmed resistance to white grubs and Purdue-confirmed tolerance to bluegrass billbugs. Three years of Mid-Atlantic trials validated results across multiple environments.
Low Thatch, Fast Germination
Germinates in 7–10 days (vs. 14–21 for standard KBG) and produces unusually low thatch despite aggressive growth — less maintenance without sacrificing recovery speed.
Best Applications
Where It's Used
University of Notre Dame — Alumni Field
Collegiate athletics
Philadelphia Eagles Facilities
NFL training and practice fields
Multiple university athletic fields
Collegiate programs across the northern US
PGA-quality golf course fairways
Bluemuda and pure KBG fairway programs
How HGT Bluegrass Compares
Not sure which variety is right? Try our Variety Finder or compare side-by-side.
HGT Bluegrass vs 365 Bluegrass
Choose HGT Bluegrass if...
You need the strongest disease and pest resistance available. HGT's summer patch resistance is unprecedented — it colonized space left by dead varieties in trials. It also has NTEP-confirmed grub resistance and Purdue-confirmed billbug tolerance that 365 doesn't specifically document.
Choose 365 Bluegrass if...
You need the absolute fastest establishment speed. 365ss is the fastest-establishing KBG blend on the market, with superior sod strength — ideal for sports field renovations where return-to-play time is the top priority.
HGT Bluegrass vs RTF Fescue
Choose HGT Bluegrass if...
You want the finest blade texture and premium bluegrass appearance. HGT delivers a true fine-bladed KBG lawn with an incredibly wide mowing range (0.5–3.0 inches) and can be used on golf fairways. It's the top choice for northern climates and irrigated properties.
Choose RTF Fescue if...
You need a grass that handles Tennessee summer heat and shade without extra watering. RTF uses 30% less water, tolerates more shade, and its self-repairing rhizomes eliminate overseeding — a better fit for low-maintenance transition zone lawns.
Maintenance Guide
Mowing
Home lawns: 2.5–3.0 inches for best health. Sports fields: 1.5–2.5 inches. Golf fairways: 0.5–0.75 inches with adequate moisture and nutrition. Mow as needed, never removing more than one-third of the blade. Keep mower blades sharp — dull blades tear tissue and invite disease.
Watering
About 1.0 inch per week in 1–2 deep irrigation sessions. New seeding: keep soil consistently moist until germination (7–10 days), then gradually reduce frequency over 4–6 weeks. Water early morning before 10 AM. KBG goes dormant in extended drought but recovers when water returns.
Fertilizing
4–6 applications per year for optimal density and color. Minimum program: 3–4 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually. Intensive program: 4–6 lbs for sports turf. Heaviest applications in fall (September and November). Light or no summer fertilization. Soil test recommended annually.
Seasonal Care
March–April: Begin mowing at 3 inches, apply pre-emergent for crabgrass, first fertilizer. May–June: Monitor disease pressure, begin supplemental irrigation, maintain 2.5–3.0 inch height. July–August: Irrigate consistently to prevent dormancy, avoid heavy fertilization, monitor for summer patch and grubs. September–October: Primary seeding window, aerate, apply fall fertilizer (most important application). November: Winterizer fertilizer, mow until growth stops.
HGT Bluegrass FAQ
What does HGT stand for?
HGT stands for Healthy Grass Technology. It's Barenbrug USA's name for a Kentucky bluegrass blend built around the Barvette HGT cultivar, which was specifically bred for disease resistance, pest tolerance, rapid establishment, and exceptional traffic recovery.
Is HGT Bluegrass good for Tennessee?
HGT performs well in Tennessee, especially in the northern and middle parts of the state. It handles transition zone conditions better than most Kentucky bluegrasses. However, if your property has significant shade or you want to minimize watering, RTF Fescue may be a better fit for Tennessee's hot summers.
How was HGT rated #1 of 109 varieties?
In the 2010 Michigan State University study, researchers evaluated 109 commercial Kentucky bluegrass varieties and experimental selections for wear recovery, percent ground covered, and overall turf quality. Barvette HGT ranked first in all three categories. These results were confirmed at Rutgers University, where HGT came out "head and shoulders above other entries" in traffic stress tests.
Does HGT Bluegrass resist disease without fungicides?
HGT has some of the best natural disease resistance of any Kentucky bluegrass. During summer patch trials at three locations, Barvette HGT not only resisted the disease but actively spread into neighboring plots where other varieties had died. It also shows very good stem rust and dollar spot resistance. Many HGT lawns require significantly fewer fungicide applications than standard KBG.
Ready to Get HGT Bluegrass?
Get a free estimate for HGT Bluegrass (Barvette HGT) delivered to your property. Available in big rolls or pallets.