Weekly Insight Week 14
Growing Grass in the Desert Starts Here
March 29 - April 4, 2026
From My Side of the Counter
You can feel it now.
The season isn’t easing in anymore, it’s moving.
Lawns are filling in, mowing is becoming routine, equipment is running, mulch is moving, and people are getting back outside.
At the same time, the weather is doing exactly what West Texas does.
Hot one day, cool the next, wind blowing, rain in the forecast that may or may not show up.
This is the part of the season where everything starts happening at once.
And what you do right now matters more than anything we talked about earlier in the year.
What the Soil Temperature Is Telling Us
5 day soil average: 78°
That is fully active soil.
At this temperature:
• Turf is growing aggressively
• Root systems are fully active
• Trees and shrubs are in strong growth
• Nutrient uptake is high
• Summer annual weeds are actively germinating
• Insect activity is beginning to increase
This is no longer early spring. This is the working season.
What happens above ground is being driven by strong activity below ground.
At this stage, management becomes critical:
• Water management
• Fertility timing
• Mowing frequency
• Weed pressure response
The landscape is no longer waking up.
It is moving.
Weather This Week
This week will be another West Texas mix.
• Warm temperatures pushing into the 80s and 90s
• Strong wind events
• Chance of storms midweek
• Cooler air moving back in behind it
The biggest factor this week is wind.
Wind pulls moisture out of the soil faster than most people realize.
Even with rain in the forecast, drying conditions will continue.
That means irrigation, soil moisture, and plant stress all need to be managed closely.
What We’re Seeing Right Now
Turfgrass
Lawns are filling in and mowing frequency is increasing.
Bermuda, whether common or hybrid, is responding quickly at these temperatures. Zoysia is steadily filling in. St. Augustine is beginning to push new growth.
We are seeing more weeds appear, which is expected at this soil temperature.
Fertilizer is going out, and this is a proper window as long as the grass is actively growing.
Three mowings is still your best indicator.
Water Management
This is where mistakes are happening.
With wind and heat, people assume they need to water more frequently.
In reality:
• Wind dries the surface quickly
• Roots still need deeper moisture
• Frequent shallow watering weakens turf
Water deeper and less often.
Check your irrigation system. Make sure you have even coverage and adjust run times based on conditions, not habit.
Topdressing and Soil Improvement
It is not too late to topdress.
In fact, this is still a strong window to improve soil structure.
Using a compost/sand blend provides:
• Improved soil structure
• Better water infiltration
• Increased microbial activity
• Improved root development
• Smoother, more level surface
This applies to all turf types:
Bermuda (common and hybrid)
Handles topdressing well and recovers quickly
Zoysia
Benefits from improved soil structure but should be covered lightly
St. Augustine
Requires a lighter application to avoid covering stolons
Application rate can still be around 1 cubic yard per 1,000 sq ft, depending on lawn condition.
This is one of the best long-term improvements you can make to a lawn.
Trees and Shrubs
Everything is actively growing.
• New leaves on crape myrtles
• Roses pushing strong growth
• New plantings increasing
This is a good time for:
• Slow-release fertilization
• Mulch applications (2–3 inches)
• Moisture management
Healthy soil supports everything above it.
Equipment and Activity
Equipment is fully in use now.
We are seeing more:
• mower use
• edging activity
• service needs
• fuel-related issues
Old fuel continues to be a problem as equipment comes out of storage.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Irrigation Control in Windy Conditions
Wind increases evaporation and surface drying.
• Water deep, not frequent
• Check system coverage
• Adjust run times based on conditions
• Avoid daily watering
Strong roots come from proper water management.
Topdressing for Soil Health
Topdressing improves the soil, not just the surface.
• Use compost/sand blends
• Apply evenly across the lawn
• Adjust depth based on turf type
• Improve leveling and soil structure
Better soil produces better turf.
Talk Shop
There is a lot happening right now.
Growth is strong. Weather is inconsistent. Water matters. Soil matters.
If you have questions about fertilization, irrigation, topdressing, or what you’re seeing in your yard, come see us.
Bring pictures. Bring questions.
Our goal is simple: give you the information so you can make the right decisions.
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. 4126FML