Frequently Asked Questions

In San Angelo, water deeply but infrequently about 1 inch per week, including rainfall. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Warm-season grasses thrive here. The best choices include:

• Bermudagrass – Tough, drought-tolerant, and grows well in full sun.
• Buffalograss – Low-maintenance and native to Texas.
• Zoysiagrass – Good for sun and some shade but requires more maintenance.
• St. Augustine – Best for shaded areas but needs more water.

Fertilize in late spring April-May-June and early fall September-October using a balanced fertilizer like 16-8-8, 21-7-14. Avoid fertilizing in extreme heat June-August. 

Use pre-emergent herbicides in February, May and early September to prevent weeds. For existing weeds, use post-emergent herbicides like 2,4-D, Weedfree Zone, Celsius WG, Trimec Southern for broadleaf weeds and a Celsius WG, Q 4 Plus product for grassy weeds.

Common causes include:

• Drought stress – Check if soil is dry.
• Chinch bugs – Common in St. Augustine grass.
• Fungal diseases – Such as brown patch in humid conditions.
• Dog urine – High nitrogen burns the grass.

For cool-season color in winter, overseed with perennial ryegrass in October. If thickening warm-season grass, overseed Bermuda in late spring.

• Grubs – Soft, spongy turf that pulls up easily.
• Chinch bugs – Irregular yellow patches, mostly in sunny spots.
• Armyworms – Sudden brown patches, often in late summer.

Use a core aerator in spring March-April or fall September-October when grass is actively growing. This improves root growth and water absorption. We rent a core aerator, power rake and a sod cutter plus a lot more tools. call the shop 325.653.1300

Mow regularly, keeping Bermuda at 1-2 inches and St. Augustine at 3-4 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at a time. Mow evey DAY : )

• For Bermuda: Use seed or sod in late spring to summer.
• For St. Augustine or Zoysia: Patch with sod in warm months.

Use a string trimmer or half-moon edger to create clean lines along sidewalks and flower beds. 

Send a soil sample to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for testing. This helps determine pH and nutrient needs. We can help call us 325.653.1300

• Water in the morning to reduce fungus.
• Improve airflow with regular mowing.
• Use fungicides like propiconazole if needed.

Aerate in spring or fall, and top-dress with compost to improve soil structure. BES-TEX Supply has a rental department plus we stock bag compost and bulk compost. 

Yes, but only with sod (not seed). St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda sod can establish before winter dormancy. 

Apply a winterizer fertilizer (high potassium, like 21-7-14) in October to help roots survive cold temps. Reduce watering but don’t stop completely.

• Retains moisture and reduces watering needs.
• Adds organic matter to the soil.
• Suppresses weeds.

Ideal pH for most grasses is 6.0-7.0. If soil is too acidic, apply lime; if too alkaline, use sulfur. Test soil first!

Mulch whenever possible it returns nutrients to the soil. Only bag clippings if the lawn is diseased or overgrown.

• Synthetic fertilizers – Fast-acting but can lead to nutrient runoff.
• Organic fertilizers – Improve soil health but break down slowly.

• Spring/Fall  Water once per week.
• Summer  Water twice per week (early morning).
• Winter  Water only if no rain for 3+ weeks.

• Use drought-tolerant grass like Buffalograss.
• Water deeply but less often.
• Mow high to shade out weeds.
• Use drip irrigation for efficiency.

• Use compost tea instead of synthetic fertilizers.
• Water with rain barrels.
• Choose native grass species.

• For Bermuda: Reseed in late spring.
• For St. Augustine: Use plugs or sod in warm months.
• Improve soil with compost before planting.

• Sharpen blades twice per season.
• Change oil and air filter regularly.
• Keep blades at the correct height for your grass type.

Change the oil in your lawn mower after every 25 hours of use or once per season to maintain optimal engine performance.

Use fresh, 28 day old or less, unleaded gasoline with an ethanol-free prevent engine damage and ensure reliable operation. We recommend VP Fuel. 

Sharpen mower blades at least once per season or more frequently if you notice uneven cuts or grass tearing, to maintain a clean cut and promote lawn health.

Before storing, clean the mower thoroughly, drain old fuel, and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Consider using VP Fuel to prevent fuel deterioration.

Smoking could indicate an oil leak, overfilled oil reservoir, or burning of excess oil. Check oil levels and ensure proper maintenance to avoid engine damage.

Regularly inspect and clean the air filter or replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain engine performance and prevent debris buildup.

Yes, winterize your mower by changing the oil, cleaning the deck, and storing it with a quart of VP Fuel to prevent moisture buildup and ensure easier starting in spring.

Clean the trimmer after each use, replace worn-out strings, lubricate moving parts, and inspect the air filter and spark plug regularly for optimal performance.

Check for fuel supply, spark plug condition, and ensure the choke and primer are functioning correctly. Clean or replace the air filter if necessary.

It's best to store your mower indoors or in a sheltered area to protect it from the elements, prevent rust, and extend its lifespan. If storing outside, use a cover to shield it from rain and direct sunlight.