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Root Zone Health, Heat Stress, Water Management & Turf Recovery A Science-Based Approach to Diagnosi

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)

Root Zone Health, Heat Stress, Water Management & Turf Recovery

A Science-Based Approach to Diagnosing Warm-Season Turf Problems

Prepared for BES-TEX Supply, LLC
San Angelo, Texas

"Healthy turf begins below the surface."

Purpose

Every summer, customers visit BES-TEX with brown spots, thinning turf, or declining bermudagrass. While many assume the problem is a fungus, research and field experience show that environmental stress is often the primary cause.

This BMP is designed to help our staff diagnose the underlying cause before recommending products.

Our objective is simple:

Diagnose the problem first. Recommend products second.

The BES-TEX Philosophy

Grass doesn't read labels.

It responds to its environment.

Healthy turf is built by understanding:

• Soil

• Water

• Roots

• Temperature

• Oxygen

• Nutrition

• Sunlight

Only after understanding these factors should pesticides or specialty products be recommended.

STEP 1

Begin With Questions

Before discussing products, ask:

• What type of grass do you have?

• How long has the problem existed?

• Is it spreading?

• Has anything recently changed?

• Are you using city water or well water?

• Has the lawn been treated recently?

• Have you applied fertilizer?

• Has a fungicide already been used?

• Has an insecticide already been used?

STEP 2

Inspect the Root Zone

Never diagnose a lawn from the leaves alone.

Inspect:

• Root depth

• Root color

• Soil moisture

• Soil temperature

• Soil compaction

• Drainage

• Odor

Healthy roots should be:

• White to cream colored

• Firm

• Numerous

• Deep

Poor roots are often:

• Brown

• Black

• Short

• Rotten

• Easily pulled from the soil

STEP 3

Measure Soil Temperature

Root temperature is one of the most overlooked measurements in turfgrass management.

Approximate guidelines:

Below 90°F

Excellent growing conditions.

90–100°F

Root growth begins slowing.

100–110°F

Moderate heat stress.

110–115°F

Significant root stress.

Above 115°F

Root function may decline rapidly, especially when combined with drought, compaction or poor-quality irrigation water.

Measure soil temperature approximately 2 inches below the surface during the afternoon.

STEP 4

Evaluate Irrigation

Many lawn problems are irrigation problems.

Inspect:

• Sprinkler coverage

• Plugged nozzles

• Pressure problems

• Overspray

• Dry areas

• Wet areas

Perform a catch-can test whenever possible.

Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow daily watering.

STEP 5

Localized Dry Spot

Localized Dry Spot (LDS) occurs when portions of the soil become water repellent.

Symptoms include:

• Brown patches

• Water running off instead of soaking in

• Turf declining despite irrigation

• Dry soil beneath dead grass

A screwdriver or soil probe can quickly identify dry areas.

STEP 6

Soil Surfactants (Wetting Agents)

Purpose:

Improve water movement into and through the soil profile.

Benefits

• Improves infiltration

• Reduces runoff

• Improves irrigation efficiency

• Reduces localized dry spot

• Encourages deeper rooting

Typical Program

Initial application:

8–16 ounces per 1,000 square feet

Monthly maintenance:

4–8 ounces per 1,000 square feet

Apply in at least 2 gallons of water per 1,000 sq ft and irrigate with approximately ¼ inch of water after application unless applied through the irrigation system. Always follow the product label.

STEP 7

Hydretain®

Purpose

Hydretain is a root-zone moisture management product.

Unlike a wetting agent, Hydretain helps plants utilize existing soil moisture more efficiently.

Benefits

• Delays drought stress

• Improves water-use efficiency

• May reduce irrigation frequency

• Helps turf during periods of extreme heat

Typical Program

Initial application

9 ounces per 1,000 square feet

Monthly maintenance

3 ounces per 1,000 square feet

Water into the root zone soon after application according to the label.

Hydretain is NOT

• A wetting agent

• A fungicide

• A fertilizer

• A salt remover

• A replacement for irrigation

STEP 8

Core Aerification

One of the best cultural practices available.

Benefits

• Improves oxygen movement

• Reduces compaction

• Improves infiltration

• Encourages deeper roots

• Improves fertilizer movement

• Improves overall soil health

STEP 9

Organic Matter

Many West Texas soils contain less than 1% organic matter.

Low organic matter contributes to:

• Faster drying

• Reduced microbial activity

• Increased heat stress

• Reduced water-holding capacity

• Poor root development

Increasing organic matter improves overall soil performance.

STEP 10

Irrigation Water Quality

When using well water, a water analysis is highly recommended.

Important measurements include:

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

EC measures the total concentration of dissolved salts in irrigation water.

Higher EC means more dissolved salts.

High EC can:

• Reduce water uptake

• Increase drought stress

• Contribute to salt accumulation

Think of EC as:

"How salty is the water?"

Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)

SAR measures the amount of sodium relative to calcium and magnesium.

High SAR can:

• Destroy soil structure

• Reduce infiltration

• Reduce oxygen

• Increase runoff

• Increase compaction

Think of SAR as:

"How damaging is the sodium to the soil?"

Both EC and SAR should always be evaluated together.

STEP 11

Fertility

Base fertilizer recommendations on a soil test.

Avoid excessive nitrogen during periods of extreme summer heat.

STEP 12

Disease

Many diseases are secondary problems.

Stress weakens turf.

Disease follows.

Always inspect:

• Roots

• Soil moisture

• Irrigation

• Soil temperature

before recommending fungicides.

WHEN NOT TO USE THESE PRODUCTS

Wetting Agents

Do NOT expect wetting agents to:

• Cure disease

• Fix irrigation systems

• Remove salts

• Correct fertility problems

• Eliminate compaction

Hydretain®

Do NOT expect Hydretain to:

• Replace irrigation

• Cure disease

• Remove sodium

• Lower salinity

• Correct drainage

Gypsum

Do NOT recommend gypsum simply because soil pH is high.

Gypsum is most beneficial when testing confirms sodium-related soil problems.

Fungicides

Do NOT recommend fungicides simply because the grass is brown.

Brown grass is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

BES-TEX Diagnostic Order

Before recommending any product, ask:

✓ Is the grass alive?

✓ Are the roots healthy?

✓ Is the soil wet or dry?

✓ What is the soil temperature?

✓ Is irrigation uniform?

✓ Has a wetting agent been used?

✓ Has the lawn been aerified?

✓ Is the irrigation water from a well?

✓ Has the water been tested for EC and SAR?

✓ Is there evidence of insects?

✓ Is there evidence of disease?

Only after answering these questions should a product recommendation be made.

Final Thoughts

At BES-TEX Supply, we believe our responsibility extends beyond selling products. Our goal is to educate customers, identify the true cause of turf problems, and recommend science-based solutions that provide long-term success.

Treat the cause, not just the symptom.

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POST‑EMERGENT HERBICIDE STUDY GUIDE

HOW TO USE THIS CHART

Identify the weed.
Determine weed type (Broadleaf, Grass, Sedge).
Match the weed to the chemistry group below.
Set expectations based on how the plant dies.

GROUP 4 – SYNTHETIC AUXINS (Growth Hormone Herbicides)

What it does: Mimics plant growth hormones → twisting, curling, vascular collapse.
Type: Systemic
Best on: Broadleaf weeds

Products (Active %):

2,4‑D Amine – 2,4‑D 46.8–47.2%
Trimec Southern – 2,4‑D 17.37% + Dicamba 3.85%
Weed Whacker Jet Spray – 2,4‑D 0.326% + Dichlorprop‑P 0.164% + Mecoprop‑P 0.161%

Notes: Slower visual response unless combined with contact chemistry.

GROUP 14 – PPO INHIBITORS (Cell Membrane Disruptors)

What it does: Ruptures cell membranes → fast leaf burn.
Type: Contact
Best on: Tough broadleaf weeds, some sedges

Products (Active %):

Sulfentrazone 4SC – Sulfentrazone (4 lb/gal)
Blindside – Sulfentrazone 60% + Metsulfuron‑methyl 6%
SpeedZone Southern / Weed Free Zone – Carfentrazone 0.54% (plus Group 4 actives)

Notes: Coverage and spray technique are critical.

GROUP 2 – ALS INHIBITORS (Amino Acid Blockers)

What it does: Stops amino acid production → growth stops first, yellowing later.
Type: Systemic
Best on: Winter annual broadleaf, some grasses, sedges

Products (Active %):

MSM Turf – Metsulfuron‑methyl 60%
Telar XP – Chlorsulfuron 75%
Katana – Flazasulfuron 25%
Southpaw – Sulfosulfuron 11.6% + Metsulfuron 3.8% + Dicamba 39.8%
Celsius – Thiencarbazone‑methyl 8.7% + Iodosulfuron 1.9% + Dicamba 57.4%
Celsius XTRA – Thiencarbazone‑methyl 4.29% + Iodosulfuron 0.93% + Halosulfuron 10%

Notes: Slow visual results. Resistance risk if misused.

GROUP 5 – PHOTOSYSTEM II INHIBITORS

What it does: Blocks photosynthesis → plant starves.
Type: Systemic
Best on: Broadleaf weeds in St. Augustine / Centipede

Products (Active %):

Atrazine 4L – Atrazine 42.4–42.9%
Atrazine 4% – Atrazine 4%

Notes: Turf‑specific. Always confirm grass type.

GROUP 27 – HPPD INHIBITORS (Bleachers)

What it does: Destroys chlorophyll protection → whitening then death.
Type: Systemic
Best on: Seedling weeds, mixed pressure

Products (Active %):

Meso 4SC – Mesotrione 40%

Notes: Bleaching is success, not turf injury.

QUICK MEMORY GUIDE

Twist = Group 4
Burn = Group 14
Stop Growth = Group 2
Starve = Group 5
Bleach = Group 27

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Grassy Post-Emergent Herbicides

Grassy post-emergent herbicides are used to control grassy weeds that are already visible above the soil. These products do not prevent weeds and do not replace pre-emergent programs.

Correct control depends on:

Turf species
Whether the grass weed is annual or perennial
Growth stage
Temperature and turf health

✅ GOOD

Entry-Level Annual Grassy Weed Control

Products

Quinclorac 75DF
Quintessential (Quinclorac liquid)
Q4 Plus (contains quinclorac)

Typical Rate

0.75 – 1.5 oz per 1,000 sq ft
(Adjuvant required for best results)

Timing

Best on young, actively growing grasses
Spring through early summer
Air temperatures 65 - 85°F

Turf Sensitivity

Bermuda: Safe
Zoysia: Safe
St. Augustine: Use caution, label dependent
Fescue: Label dependent

What GOOD does well

Crabgrass
Smooth crabgrass
Some signalgrass
Early goosegrass

Limits

Weak on mature plants
Weak on perennial grasses
Repeat applications often needed

Counter explanation

“This works best when the grass is young. Once it matures, we need to step up.”

✅ BETTER

Workhorse Grassy Weed Control

Products

Revolver (Foramsulfuron)
Pastora
Fusilade II / Fusilade DX
Ornamec 170
Katana

Typical Rate

Revolver: ~0.1 – 0.6 oz per 1,000 sq ft
Fluazifop products: label-specific, low rate
Pastora / Katana: low-rate, measured carefully

Timing

Turf actively growing
Best results when weeds are not stressed
Morning applications preferred

Turf Sensitivity

Bermuda: Excellent tolerance
Zoysia: Label dependent
St. Augustine:
- Fluazifop products are NOT labeled
- Revolver is Bermuda only
Cool-season turf: Label dependent

Strengths

Better control of mature grasses
Controls difficult annual grasses
Some suppression of perennial grasses

Counter explanation

“This is stronger control for grasses that are past the seedling stage.”

✅ BEST

Professional / Perennial Grassy Weed Control

Products

MSMA (Golf Course Only)
Certainty
Kerb SC (RUP)
Telar XP (limited grassy activity)

Typical Rates

Certainty: 0.75 – 1.25 grams per 1,000 sq ft
MSMA: golf-only, label specific 2 oz per 1000 sq ft 3 applications 7 days apart.
Kerb SC: restricted use, temperature critical

Timing

Turf must be healthy
Often requires multiple applications
Timing is critical, especially for perennials

Turf Sensitivity (Very Important)

Bermuda: Primary target turf
Zoysia: Label dependent
St. Augustine: Limited or NOT labeled
Fescue: Label dependent

What BEST does well

Dallisgrass suppression
Johnsongrass suppression
Tough perennial grasses
Grasses resistant to quinclorac

Important Truth
Perennial grassy weeds are not quick fixes. Control takes time, repeat applications, and strong turf competition.

Counter explanation

“Perennial grasses don’t die easy. This is a program, not a one-spray solution.”

Common Reasons Grassy Weed Control Fails

Waiting too long to spray
Misidentifying annual vs perennial grasses
Skipping adjuvants
Spraying stressed turf
Poor mowing and irrigation practices

➡ Link: Lawn Care 101 BMP

Summary for Staff

GOOD: Young annual grasses
BETTER: Mature annual grasses
BEST: Perennial grasses and resistant weeds

Correct identification comes before product choice.

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Broadleaf post-emergent herbicides

Broadleaf post-emergent herbicides are used to control weeds that are already visible above the soil. These products do not prevent weeds, they control existing plants. Correct product selection depends on:

Turf type
Weed maturity
Temperature
Application rate

Before You Spray (Always Say This First)

If the weed is visible, pre-emergent will not work
Turf must be actively growing, not stressed
Do not spray drought-stressed or heat-stressed turf
Follow the label exactly

GOOD · BETTER · BEST

✅ GOOD

Entry-Level Broadleaf Control

Products

2,4-D Amine, One way herbicide
3-D Foam (spot treat)
Trimec Southern, Three way herbicide

Typical Rate

1.0 – 1.5 oz per 1,000 sq ft

Timing and Technique

Post-emergent herbicides work best when applied early in the morning. Morning applications are preferred over afternoon or evening sprays for several reasons:

Leaf tissue is dry, allowing better herbicide contact
Plants are actively transpiring
Leaf pores are more receptive to herbicide uptake
Cooler temperatures reduce turf stress and drift

Avoid spraying during the heat of the day or late evening when uptake is reduced and stress is higher.

Spray Technique

Proper technique matters as much as product choice.

Keep the spray nozzle 12 -18 inches above the turf
Use a medium droplet size, not a fine mist
Pattern should be about the size of a dinner plate
Apply in a circular motion, not side-to-side
Goal is even coverage, not runoff

Over-application does not improve control and increases the risk of turf injury.

Key Reminder

Post-emergent herbicides work through leaf absorption, not the soil. Dry leaves, proper timing, and correct spray pattern are critical for consistent results.

Best practice:

Early morning, dry leaf, correct height, steady circular motion.

Spring and fall
Air temperatures 60 - 85°F
Best on young, actively growing weeds

Turf Sensitivity

Bermuda: Safe when actively growing
Zoysia: Generally safe, avoid stress
St. Augustine: Use caution, amine formulations only
Dormant turf: Poor results

Limits

Slower results
Limited on tough weeds
Weak on spurge, mallow, dollarweed
No sedge or grassy weed control

Counter explanation

“This works on small, common weeds. If they’re mature or stubborn, we’ll need to step up.”

✅ BETTER

Workhorse Broadleaf Control

Products

SpeedZone Southern (RUP)
Weed Free Zone
Q4 Plus
Blindside
Basagran T&O
Triclopyr (Brush & Stump)

Typical Rate

0.75 – 1.25 oz per 1,000 sq ft
(Blindside often lower)

Timing and Technique

Post-emergent herbicides work best when applied early in the morning. Morning applications are preferred over afternoon or evening sprays for several reasons:

Leaf tissue is dry, allowing better herbicide contact
Plants are actively transpiring
Leaf pores are more receptive to herbicide uptake
Cooler temperatures reduce turf stress and drift

Avoid spraying during the heat of the day or late evening when uptake is reduced and stress is higher.

Spray Technique

Proper technique matters as much as product choice.

Keep the spray nozzle 12 -18 inches above the turf
Use a medium droplet size, not a fine mist
Pattern should be about the size of a dinner plate
Apply in a circular motion, not side-to-side
Goal is even coverage, not runoff

Over-application does not improve control and increases the risk of turf injury.

Key Reminder

Post-emergent herbicides work through leaf absorption, not the soil. Dry leaves, proper timing, and correct spray pattern are critical for consistent results.

Spring through early summer
Fall clean-up
Faster visual burn-down than GOOD products

Turf Sensitivity

Bermuda: Safe when actively growing
Zoysia: Safe at label rates
St. Augustine:
- Use Southern-labeled products only
- Avoid ester formulations during heat
Heat caution:
- Ester products above 85 - 90°F can cause injury

Strengths

Faster knockdown
Broader weed spectrum
Better on spurge, mallow, dollarweed
Triclopyr adds woody and vine control

Counter explanation

“This gives quicker results and handles tougher weeds without jumping to specialty products.”

✅ BEST

Professional / Advanced Control

Products

Celsius
Celsius XTRA
MSM Turf
Southpaw
Telar XP
Katana
Vexis
Meso 4SC

Typical Rates (Low-Rate Products)

Celsius: 0.05 – 0.085 oz per 1,000 sq ft
MSM / Telar / Katana: grams or fractions of an ounce per acre
Meso 4SC: 0.15 – 0.3 oz per 1,000 sq ft

Timing and Technique

Post-emergent herbicides work best when applied early in the morning. Morning applications are preferred over afternoon or evening sprays for several reasons:

Leaf tissue is dry, allowing better herbicide contact
Plants are actively transpiring
Leaf pores are more receptive to herbicide uptake
Cooler temperatures reduce turf stress and drift

Avoid spraying during the heat of the day or late evening when uptake is reduced and stress is higher.

Spray Technique

Proper technique matters as much as product choice.

Keep the spray nozzle 12 -18 inches above the turf
Use a medium droplet size, not a fine mist
Pattern should be about the size of a dinner plate
Apply in a circular motion, not side-to-side
Goal is even coverage, not runoff

Over-application does not improve control and increases the risk of turf injury.

Key Reminder

Post-emergent herbicides work through leaf absorption, not the soil. Dry leaves, proper timing, and correct spray pattern are critical for consistent results.

Warm-season turf actively growing
Best in healthy turf
Often requires repeat applications

Turf Sensitivity (Very Important)

Bermuda: Excellent tolerance
Zoysia: Generally safe
St. Augustine:
- Celsius and Celsius XTRA only
- MSM, Telar, Katana NOT labeled
Cool-season turf: Label dependent