AC Ranch Turf Management Program (2026 Season)
10 Acres Tif 419 & Common Bermuda Mix
Objective: Gradually suppress King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem), eliminate broadleaf weeds and insects, improve soil health and surface smoothness, and build a dense, vigorous Bermuda turf capable of crowding out undesirable grasses.
Section 1
Fertility and Pre-Emergent Program
Primary Goals:
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Build dense, vigorous Bermuda (Tif 419 and Common) to out-compete KR Bluestem.
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Strengthen turf health through balanced fertility and consistent feeding.
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Prevent early-season and fall germination of annual grassy weeds through pre-emergent protection.
Pre-Emergent Program
Product: 11-3-11 with 0.86% Pendimethalin
Rate: 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft (218 lb per acre)
Bag Weight: 50 lb
Bags per Acre: 4.36
Total for 10 Acres: 44 bags (2,180 lb) per application
Cost per Bag: $47.00
Material Cost per Application: $2,068 (44 × $47)
Application Schedule:
February: Apply before green-up. Controls crabgrass, goosegrass, and other spring weeds. Water in with ½ - ¾ inch of irrigation within 48 hours.
May: Mid-season reinforcement barrier. Extends weed control through summer months. Apply after mowing and irrigation.
September: Final pre-emergent of the year. Prevents rescuegrass, annual bluegrass, and henbit. Apply when daytime highs drop below 85°F and water in thoroughly.
Annual Pre-Emergent Cost: $6,204 (3 applications).
Fertility Program
Product: 16-8-8 Granular Fertilizer
Rate: 6.25 lb per 1,000 sq ft (272 lb per acre)
Bag Weight: 50 lb
Bags per Acre: 5.44
Total for 10 Acres: 55 bags (2,720 lb) per application
Cost per Bag: $39.50
Material Cost per Application: $2,172.50 (55 × $39.50)
Start Timing: After Bermuda has been mowed three times on green growth.
Frequency: 4 - 5 applications per growing season.
Mid-April: First feeding after green-up; promotes stolon spread and competition against KR Bluestem.
Late May: Reinforces vigorous growth and color before summer heat.
Mid-July: Stress-tolerance feeding for heat recovery. Maintain irrigation at 1 inch per week.
Early September: Builds root mass and carbohydrate reserves for winter strength and spring green-up.
Optional October: Light feeding if turf remains actively growing.
Annual Fertility Cost: $8,690 (4 apps) $10,862 (5 apps).
Quick Summary
Fertility & Pre-Emergent Program
Pre-Emergent:
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Product: 11-3-11 with 0.86% Pendimethalin
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Rate: 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft
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Timing: February, May, September
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Cost: $2,068 per application ($6,204 total per year)
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Purpose: Season-long weed prevention and early KR Bluestem suppression.
Fertility:
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Product: 16-8-8 Granular
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Rate: 6.25 lb per 1,000 sq ft
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Timing: April, May, July, September (optional October)
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Cost: $2,172 per application ($8,690 - $10,862 total per year)
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Purpose: Build density, color, and competitive Bermuda growth to crowd out KR Bluestem.
Implementation Notes:
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Apply to dry foliage; water in immediately.
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Use calibrated spreaders to prevent streaking.
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Maintain consistent irrigation (1 - 1.5 inches weekly).
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Keep records of application dates, temperatures, and rainfall.
Section 2
Broadleaf Weed Control
Product: Celsius WG (Bayer)
Rate: 0.17 - 0.23 oz per 1,000 sq ft (4.6 - 6.3 oz per acre)
Coverage: 46 - 63 oz total (3 - 4 bottles for 10 acres)
Cost: $165.00 per 10 oz bottle → estimated $495 - $660 total
Carrier Volume: 30 - 40 gallons water per acre
Add: Non-ionic surfactant @ 0.25% (1 quart per 100 gallons)
Timing: April - May (main app), September (optional cleanup)
Purpose: Control spurge, dandelion, clover, henbit, slender aster, and other broadleaf weeds.
Best Practice: Apply when weeds are actively growing and temps are 60 - 90°F. Avoid mowing or rainfall 24 hrs before/after.
Section 3
Insect Control
Product: Talstar P (7.9% Bifenthrin)
Rate: 1 oz per 1,000 sq ft (43.6 oz per acre)
Coverage: 436 oz (3.4 gallons total for 10 acres)
Cost: $84.00 per ¾ gallon → $382 total material
Spray Volume: 20 - 40 gallons water per acre
Timing: June - July (can tank-mix with Celsius if needed)
Purpose: Controls armyworms, chinch bugs, cutworms, and sod webworms.
Re-Entry: 24 hours after drying.
Section 4
Topdressing & Leveling
Timing: February (before green-up)
Material: 50/50 compost and washed sand blend
Rate: 1 cubic yard per 1,000 sq ft
Cost: $70 per cubic yard
Coverage: 435.6 cubic yards for 10 acres
Material Cost: $30,492
Purpose:
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Smooth uneven areas and fill low spots.
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Improve microbial activity and soil tilth.
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Enhance drainage and provide a firm, even surface.
Note: Apply before fertilization begins. Best window mid-February through early March.
Section 5
Cultural Practices
Mowing:
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Maintain height at 1 - 2 inches.
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Mow weekly during active growth.
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Remove KR Bluestem seedheads (May - Aug).
Irrigation:
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Apply 1 - 1.5 inches water weekly (rain + irrigation).
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Deep, infrequent cycles encourage deeper rooting.
Aeration:
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Perform in June, once irrigation is active.
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Relieves compaction and boosts Bermuda spread.
KR Bluestem Suppression:
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Maintain fertility, mowing, and density.
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No selective herbicide exists; spot-treat clumps with glyphosate and re-sod.
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Long-term soil health and fertility drive suppression naturally.
BMP King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem)
Section 6
Annual Timeline
February: Topdress entire area (1 yd/1,000 sq ft). Improves soil structure and levels surface.
March: Inspect irrigation; conduct soil test if needed.
April: After three green mowings, apply Fertilizer #1 and Celsius WG + surfactant.
May: Fertilizer #2; continue mowing; monitor KR Bluestem seedheads.
June: Talstar P application and core aeration.
July: Fertilizer #3; maintain watering and mowing.
August: Spot-treat KR clumps with glyphosate and re-sod as needed.
September: Fertilizer #4 and optional Celsius cleanup.
October: Optional Fertilizer #5 if turf remains active.
Winter (Nov–Jan): Occasional mowing; review results and prep for next year.
AC Ranch Turf Management 2026 Price Summary
Pre-Emergent:
Product 11-3-11 with 0.86% Pendimethalin
Rate 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft
Applications 3 per year (February, May, and September)
Cost About $2,068 per application or $6,204 total annually
Fertilizer:
Product 16-8-8 Granular
Rate 6.25 lb per 1,000 sq ft
Applications 4 to 5 per year (April, May, July, September, and optional October)
Cost About $2,172 per application or $8,690 to $10,862 total annually
Broadleaf Weed Control:
Product Celsius WG (Bayer)
Rate 0.17 to 0.23 oz per 1,000 sq ft
Applications 1 to 2 per year (April–May and optional September cleanup)
Cost Approximately $495 to $660 total per season
Insect Control:
Product Talstar P (7.9% Bifenthrin)
Rate 1 oz per 1,000 sq ft
Applications 1 per year (June or July)
Cost About $382 total per season
Topdressing:
Material 50/50 compost and washed sand blend
Rate 1 cubic yard per 1,000 sq ft
Applications 1 per year (February before green-up)
Material Cost Approximately $30,492
Estimated Total Annual Material Cost:
Low estimate (4 fertilizer apps): $46,263
High estimate (5 fertilizer apps): $48,435
Notes:
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Costs reflect material only, not labor or equipment.
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Quantities are calculated for 10 acres (435,600 sq ft).
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All materials available through BES-TEX Supply, 4512 Adobe Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903.
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Fertilizer and pre-emergent products must be watered in within 48 hours for best results.
6503 Turf Storm XL (SCAG)
Serial Number: SR # T2500461
Replacement Value: $16,000.00
Rental Rates:
- 3-Hour Minimum: $200.00
- Daily Rate: $350.00
- Weekend Rate: $850.00 F-M
- Weekly Rate: $1,400.00 M-F
- AC Ranch: $1,200.00 for 7 Days
6600 Windstorm Stand-On Blower (SCAG)
Serial Number: SR # V8900386
Replacement Value: $14,350.00
Rental Rates:
- 3-Hour Minimum: $150.00
- Daily Rate: $260.00
- Weekend Rate: $400.00 F-M
- Weekly Rate: $1,250.00 M-F
- AC Ranch: $900.00 for 7 Days
Expected Results
Year 1: Noticeably thicker turf, fewer broadleaf weeds.
Year 2: 70 - 80% reduction in KR Bluestem as Bermuda fills in.
Year 3: Uniform, dense turf with deeper color, improved root structure, and easier mowing.
BES-TEX Supply
4512 Adobe Dr. · San Angelo, TX 76903
325.653.1300 · www.BES-TEX.com