WEEKLY INSIGHT
The Weekly Insight Week 11
Growing Grass in the Desert Starts Here
March 8 - 14, 2026
From My Side of the Counter
You can see it now.
Lawns that were prepared are waking up first. Lawns that weren’t are still waiting.
Same weather. Same town. Different results.
Soil temperatures are warm enough to activate root systems across the landscape. Turf, trees, shrubs, soil microbes, everything responds when the ground warms and moisture moves through it.
But sunlight reaching the soil surface makes a difference. Scalped Bermuda is greening faster because heat reaches the crown and root zone sooner. Dormant canopy left in place slows that process.
The season doesn’t reward effort later. It rewards preparation earlier.
Spring forward isn’t just time on a clock. It’s momentum in the landscape.
What the Soil Temperature Is Telling Us
5-day soil average: 73.2°
24-hour average: 63.7°
This is active soil with steady warming.
At these temperatures:
• Turf roots are actively growing
• Trees and shrubs are pushing feeder roots
• Nutrient uptake is increasing
• Soil microbial activity is accelerating
• Summer annual weeds are germinating
• Ant colonies begin moving upward after moisture
What shows above ground is driven by what’s happening below ground.
This is why landscape timing follows soil temperature, not calendar dates.
Green color is temperature response. Fertilizer only supports growth that has already started.
What We’re Seeing Right Now
Turf
Scalped Bermuda is showing early green haze. Uncut lawns remain slower to respond.
Removing dormant canopy allows:
• Faster soil warming
• More sunlight to the crown
• Better air movement
• Reduced early weed competition
Preparation is visible now.
Pre-emergent remains important. With rain in the forecast this week and moisture from Saturday morning, activation conditions are favorable.
Barrier placement matters. Product must be in the soil, not sitting on leaves.
Trees and Shrubs
Ornamentals are entering active root growth.
This is an effective window for:
• Slow-release fertilization
• Mulch refresh (2–3 inches deep, off the trunk)
• Final dormant pruning before full flush
Healthy root systems now support stronger top growth later.
Insects
Ant movement typically increases after rainfall and warming soil.
Moisture shifts colony behavior toward the surface. Expect mound activity to increase this week.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Ant Control in the Landscape
Ant control focuses on colony elimination, not just surface mounds.
Granular baits
• Applied across lawn and landscape
• Carried back to colony by workers
• Effective when ants are actively foraging
Liquid concentrates
• Perimeter applications around foundations and hardscapes
• Contact control with residual barrier
Dusts
• Ideal for cracks, crevices, and voids
• Long residual when kept dry
Best results combine methods:
Bait for colony control
Liquid for perimeter defense
Dust for targeted treatment
Moisture and warmth make timing favorable.
Scalping Bermuda (Early Season Reset)
Remove excess dormant canopy before full growth accelerates.
• Gradually lower mowing height
• Remove 95–100% of brown material
• Bag debris
Do not aggressively scalp St. Augustine.
Zoysia should only be cut to visible green tissue.
Bermuda stores energy below ground. Removing dormant top growth improves soil warming and accelerates green-up.
This window only happens once per season.
Talk Shop
If you want to understand fertilizer numbers, we’ll explain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
If you want to understand active ingredients instead of just product names, we’ll talk chemistry.
If you’re not sure whether your lawn is ready for the next step, bring a picture.
Our goal is simple. Give you the information so you can make the right decision for your property.
If you don’t know your chemicals, know your chemical man.
BES-TEX Supply
4512 Adobe Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903
325.653.1300
www.BES-TEX.com
Payment Terms: At BES-TEX Supply, we accept all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express), as well as personal checks & cash. Please note that all sale items must be paid for at the time of purchase. We do not offer net 30 terms on sale items.