The Weekly Insight Week 13
Growing Grass in the Desert Starts Here
March 22 - 28, 2026
From My Side of the Counter
Welcome to West Texas.
Last Monday we were cold. Today we’re pushing close to 99°. That’s how fast things change this time of year.
We are officially into spring.
Lawns are being mowed. Edgers are running. Equipment is coming out of storage. Across town you can see turf starting to respond, trees pushing new leaves, crape myrtles waking up, and roses putting on fresh growth.
This is Week 13. Lucky 13.
And this is where the season starts to separate preparation from management.
Rainfall for the year sits at 2.23 inches, about an inch short of average. That means one thing.
We cannot rely on rainfall.
We have to manage water.
What the Soil Temperature Is Telling Us
Soil temperatures have moved well into the active range.
At these temperatures:
• Turf is actively growing
• Trees and shrubs are pushing new growth
• Root systems are expanding
• Nutrient uptake is increasing
• Microbial activity is strong
This is no longer transition. This is growth.
And growth changes how we manage the landscape.
What We’re Seeing Right Now
Turfgrass
Lawns are beginning to look more normal. The difference between scalped and non-scalped lawns is still visible, but overall turf is starting to respond.
We are shifting from prevention to feeding.
A simple rule:
Feed green, growing grass.
If you have mowed your lawn three times, that tells you the plant is actively growing and ready to utilize nutrients.
Fertilizing too early feeds the top before the roots are ready. Fertilizing at the right time supports balanced growth.
Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are all entering active growth, but each will respond differently based on how they were managed coming out of dormancy.
Irrigation
With rainfall below average, irrigation becomes critical.
Now is the time to:
• Check system coverage
• Look for leaks or broken heads
• Measure how long it takes to apply 1 inch of water
• Adjust for uniform coverage
Water is no longer optional. It is part of the program.
Trees and Shrubs
We are seeing strong signs of life.
• Crape myrtles are leafing out
• Roses are pushing new growth
• Ornamentals are entering active growth
This is a good time for:
• Slow-release fertilization
• Systemic insecticide applications for protection
• Mulch applications to regulate moisture
Healthy roots now support everything through summer.
Insects
We’ve had a few questions about grub control.
Right now, it is still a little early.
Grub control timing is about targeting the correct life stage. Premature applications can reduce effectiveness.
We typically target grub control closer to May.
If you want more detail, we have a full BMP on grub control available.
Equipment and Fuel
As people pull equipment out of storage, we are seeing the same issues every year.
Fuel problems.
Old fuel causes:
• hard starting
• poor performance
• carburetor issues
Using a stable, clean fuel source prevents those problems before they start.
Seeding and Preparation
As soil temperatures continue to rise, we are approaching Bermuda seeding season.
April 15 is a strong target date.
Preparation is everything:
• proper soil prep
• leveling
• seed-to-soil contact
• moisture management
Prep, prep, prep.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Fertilizing Turfgrass
Only fertilize when the lawn is actively growing.
A good indicator:
Three mowings = ready to fertilize
Apply balanced nutrients and avoid excessive nitrogen early. The goal is to support root development along with top growth.
Irrigation Setup
With rainfall behind, irrigation must be managed correctly.
• Check system operation
• Ensure even coverage
• Avoid overwatering
• Measure output
Water management will determine summer performance.
Talk Shop
Every property is different.
If you have questions about fertilization timing, irrigation setup, grub control, or seeding preparation, come see us.
Bring pictures. Bring questions.
Our goal is simple: give you the information so you can make the right decisions for your landscape.
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. 911568
Growing Grass in the Desert Starts Here
March 22 - 28, 2026
From My Side of the Counter
Welcome to West Texas.
Last Monday we were cold. Today we’re pushing close to 99°. That’s how fast things change this time of year.
We are officially into spring.
Lawns are being mowed. Edgers are running. Equipment is coming out of storage. Across town you can see turf starting to respond, trees pushing new leaves, crape myrtles waking up, and roses putting on fresh growth.
This is Week 13. Lucky 13.
And this is where the season starts to separate preparation from management.
Rainfall for the year sits at 2.23 inches, about an inch short of average. That means one thing.
We cannot rely on rainfall.
We have to manage water.
What the Soil Temperature Is Telling Us
Soil temperatures have moved well into the active range.
At these temperatures:
• Turf is actively growing
• Trees and shrubs are pushing new growth
• Root systems are expanding
• Nutrient uptake is increasing
• Microbial activity is strong
This is no longer transition. This is growth.
And growth changes how we manage the landscape.
What We’re Seeing Right Now
Turfgrass
Lawns are beginning to look more normal. The difference between scalped and non-scalped lawns is still visible, but overall turf is starting to respond.
We are shifting from prevention to feeding.
A simple rule:
Feed green, growing grass.
If you have mowed your lawn three times, that tells you the plant is actively growing and ready to utilize nutrients.
Fertilizing too early feeds the top before the roots are ready. Fertilizing at the right time supports balanced growth.
Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are all entering active growth, but each will respond differently based on how they were managed coming out of dormancy.
Irrigation
With rainfall below average, irrigation becomes critical.
Now is the time to:
• Check system coverage
• Look for leaks or broken heads
• Measure how long it takes to apply 1 inch of water
• Adjust for uniform coverage
Water is no longer optional. It is part of the program.
Trees and Shrubs
We are seeing strong signs of life.
• Crape myrtles are leafing out
• Roses are pushing new growth
• Ornamentals are entering active growth
This is a good time for:
• Slow-release fertilization
• Systemic insecticide applications for protection
• Mulch applications to regulate moisture
Healthy roots now support everything through summer.
Insects
We’ve had a few questions about grub control.
Right now, it is still a little early.
Grub control timing is about targeting the correct life stage. Premature applications can reduce effectiveness.
We typically target grub control closer to May.
If you want more detail, we have a full BMP on grub control available.
Equipment and Fuel
As people pull equipment out of storage, we are seeing the same issues every year.
Fuel problems.
Old fuel causes:
• hard starting
• poor performance
• carburetor issues
Using a stable, clean fuel source prevents those problems before they start.
Seeding and Preparation
As soil temperatures continue to rise, we are approaching Bermuda seeding season.
April 15 is a strong target date.
Preparation is everything:
• proper soil prep
• leveling
• seed-to-soil contact
• moisture management
Prep, prep, prep.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Fertilizing Turfgrass
Only fertilize when the lawn is actively growing.
A good indicator:
Three mowings = ready to fertilize
Apply balanced nutrients and avoid excessive nitrogen early. The goal is to support root development along with top growth.
Irrigation Setup
With rainfall behind, irrigation must be managed correctly.
• Check system operation
• Ensure even coverage
• Avoid overwatering
• Measure output
Water management will determine summer performance.
Talk Shop
Every property is different.
If you have questions about fertilization timing, irrigation setup, grub control, or seeding preparation, come see us.
Bring pictures. Bring questions.
Our goal is simple: give you the information so you can make the right decisions for your landscape.
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.