BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP)
SUMMER HEAT STRESS, IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT, FUNGAL DISEASE IDENTIFICATION, AND RECOVERY OF WARM-SEASON TURFGRASSES
PART 1
IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION, AND MANAGEMENT
Summer lawn problems are rarely caused by a single factor. In West Texas, extreme temperatures, irrigation practices, soil conditions, fertility, and disease pressure often work together to create turf decline.
Many homeowners assume every brown spot is either a lack of water or a fungus problem. In reality, heat stress, over-irrigation, localized dry spots, soil compaction, and disease frequently occur at the same time.
Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step toward developing an effective recovery plan.
UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS
Warm-season turfgrasses are adapted to Texas summers, but prolonged periods of extreme temperatures can still create significant stress.
Conditions that increase heat stress include:
• Daytime temperatures above 100°F
• Nighttime temperatures above 72°F
• Soil temperatures exceeding 100°F
• Excessive traffic
• Compacted soils
• Poor irrigation coverage
• Shallow root systems
Common symptoms include:
• Straw-colored patches
• Wilted appearance
• Footprints remaining visible after walking
• Slow recovery after mowing
• General thinning of turf
THE CHALLENGE OF IRRIGATION
Irrigation management remains one of the most difficult aspects of lawn care in West Texas.
Our region commonly experiences:
• Soil pH ranging from 8.0 to 8.5
• High mineral content irrigation water
• Windy conditions
• Extreme summer temperatures
• Irregular rainfall patterns
Many lawn problems begin when irrigation schedules are not adjusted following rainfall or changing weather conditions.
Too little water creates drought stress.
Too much water creates shallow roots, poor oxygen availability, and increased disease pressure.
Best irrigation practices include:
• Water early in the morning.
• Avoid evening irrigation whenever possible.
• Water deeply and less frequently.
• Adjust schedules after rainfall.
• Check sprinkler coverage regularly.
• Monitor soil moisture below the surface.
Remember, roots need oxygen as much as they need water.
UNDERSTANDING FUNGAL DISEASES
Fungal diseases are often secondary problems that develop when environmental conditions favor disease activity.
One disease occasionally identified in our region is Pythium Blight.
Conditions favoring Pythium include:
• High temperatures
• Warm nights
• High humidity
• Excessive irrigation
• Wet foliage overnight
• Poor drainage
Symptoms may include:
• Rapid turf decline
• Water-soaked appearance
• Greasy or matted leaves
• Circular or irregular damaged areas
• White cotton-like growth during early morning hours
The challenge is that heat stress and disease symptoms often overlap.
A lawn may initially suffer from heat stress. Additional irrigation is applied. Soils remain saturated. Root systems weaken. Disease pressure increases. By the time damage becomes visible, several problems may be occurring simultaneously.
FUNGICIDE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Fungicides should be viewed as tools, not cures for poor cultural practices.
Before applying fungicides:
• Confirm disease symptoms whenever possible.
• Evaluate irrigation practices.
• Check drainage conditions.
• Inspect the root system.
• Determine whether environmental stress is contributing to the problem.
When fungicides are necessary:
• Follow all label directions.
• Rotate modes of action.
• Apply adequate carrier volume.
• Follow watering instructions on the label.
• Begin applications before disease pressure becomes severe whenever possible.
Remember, fungicides protect healthy tissue. They do not repair dead grass.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FERTILITY
Healthy turf enters summer with stronger roots and greater energy reserves.
Spring fertilization plays an important role in developing turf density and vigor.
Fall fertilization is equally important because it strengthens the root system and prepares turf for the following growing season.
Avoid excessive nitrogen applications during periods of extreme heat and stress.
The objective is not simply to produce greener grass. The objective is to develop a stronger, healthier plant capable of tolerating environmental challenges.
TURFGRASS VARIETY DIFFERENCES
No turfgrass variety is immune to stress.
TifTuf Bermuda is recognized for exceptional drought tolerance and reduced water requirements.
Tifway 419 Bermuda offers excellent traffic tolerance and recovery potential.
Celebration Bermuda is known for strong drought tolerance and attractive color.
St. Augustine generally requires more moisture and may be more susceptible to disease pressure under excessive irrigation.
Zoysia often develops excellent density and drought tolerance but may recover more slowly following severe stress.
Regardless of variety, proper irrigation, fertility, mowing, and disease management remain essential.
PART 2
RECOVERY OF HEAT-STRESSED AND DISEASE-DAMAGED LAWNS
STEP 1: CORRECT THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM
Before recovery can begin, the source of the stress must be identified.
Examples include:
• Irrigation problems
• Disease pressure
• Soil compaction
• Heat stress
• Insect damage
• Chemical injury
Attempting to fertilize or stimulate growth before correcting the underlying problem often delays recovery.
STEP 2: REMOVE EXCESS DEAD MATERIAL
Lightly rake damaged areas using a leaf rake.
Remove loose dormant vegetation, excessive thatch, and dead leaf tissue from the lawn surface.
This allows:
• Increased sunlight penetration
• Improved air movement
• Better water infiltration
• Greater exposure of healthy stolons and crowns
Many lawns that appear dead still contain healthy green stolons capable of recovery.
The goal is cleanup, not aggressive renovation.
STEP 3: IMPROVE SOIL OXYGEN
Compacted and excessively wet soils frequently lack oxygen.
After removing excess debris, open the soil surface using:
• Core aeration
• Hand aeration tools
• Garden forks
• Spading forks
Benefits include:
• Increased oxygen movement
• Improved drainage
• Enhanced root development
• Reduced soil compaction
• Faster recovery
This step is particularly valuable in lawns that have been overwatered.
STEP 4: FOCUS ON ROOT RECOVERY
Recovery begins below ground.
Products containing biochar technologies, such as Carbon PN and similar products, may be beneficial when used as part of an overall soil improvement program.
A light topdressing application of approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch can help improve:
• Soil structure
• Root development
• Water management
• Microbial activity
• Recovery potential
The objective is to improve the environment where roots, stolons, and crowns are actively recovering.
STEP 5: REESTABLISH PROPER IRRIGATION
Avoid keeping damaged areas constantly wet.
Roots require both water and oxygen.
Water deeply and allow the soil to begin drying between irrigation cycles whenever practical.
Continue monitoring moisture levels below the surface rather than relying solely on surface appearance.
STEP 6: ENCOURAGE CONTROLLED GROWTH
Once recovery begins:
• Maintain proper mowing height.
• Use sharp mower blades.
• Reduce excessive traffic.
• Apply moderate fertility when appropriate.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen during extreme heat.
The objective is steady recovery rather than forcing excessive top growth.
STEP 7: BE PATIENT
Recovery takes time.
Many warm-season turfgrasses recover from significant summer stress when living crowns, roots, and stolons remain intact.
Visible recovery above ground often lags behind recovery occurring below the soil surface.
A lawn that appears severely damaged today may recover surprisingly well when proper cultural practices are restored.
FINAL THOUGHT
Most summer lawn problems are easier to prevent than they are to correct.
Healthy roots, proper irrigation, balanced fertility, good mowing practices, and routine monitoring remain the foundation of successful turf management in West Texas.
If you have questions, bring a sample to BES-TEX Supply, send us a picture, or stop by the store. We will help identify the problem and develop a practical plan for recovery.