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Installing Sod in the Fall? It’s The Perfect Time!

September 15, 2021 by BBadmin

A common misconception is that sod must be laid during the typical growing season. It makes sense… we usually plant everything else in the spring. Even though you can successfully lay sod in the spring and summer, installing sod in the fall actually achieves great results. There are a couple of factors to consider when installing sod in the fall.

Fall means cooler temperatures.

The fall months bring cooler temperatures and increased precipitation which is ideal for completing installing sod as there is less risk of your sod overheating or drying out. You still have to water regularly, but you may need to use less water as with the cooler temperatures, the water isn’t evaporating as quickly. This doesn’t mean that you cannot have success in the hotter, dryer months of the summer. You simply need to be more diligent with your watering and maintenance. In other words, if you are planning on going to the cabin every weekend in the summer, it is probably best to wait for the fall to sod your lawn!

Fall sod installation timing.

As long as we are harvesting our sod fields, you can install it in your yard. There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to watering your sod. If you are blowing out your irrigation system, you will still need a water source (think garden hose & sprinklers). If it’s JUST before winter, give it a good soaking and if it freezes it will go dormant and take off in the spring. However, if it warms up again you may need to drag out the hose/sprinklers. This usually occurs in the late October/early November timeframe. We do harvest sod up until the ground is frozen or the snow is too deep, but the rule of thumb is to try and have your project done by the end of October as our Minnesota November weather is very unpredictable.

Fall is a great time to lay sod. Follow these steps when installing and caring for your sod in the fall, and don’t forget to fertilize your lawn (mid-October) with a 20-10-10. If you have any questions regarding the installation of sod feel free to contact us at 763-434-6572.

Maintaining Your Lawn in a Minnesota Drought

July 10, 2021 by BBadmin

Maintaining a lush lawn can be a chore during these long heatwaves- even more so if there are watering restrictions. Your once beautiful green lawn may now be crunchy and brown. Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping your lawn healthy during this Minnesota drought.

Mowing during a drought: We suggest avoiding mowing during a drought. Your lawn is likely under stress and will have a hard time recovering from mowing. If you must mow be sure to set your deck higher, to around 3 inches. Taller grass will be able to shade its fragile root systems and keep the soil moist. Avoid mowing areas that have a “dead” look to them.

Be sure your mower blades are sharp. When a lawn is cut with sharp blades, healing takes place quicker. Dull blades tear the plant rather than cutting it, which leads to more damage and stress to the grass.

Watering your lawn in a heatwave: A lot of Minnesota is under a watering ban so be sure to check your local regulations before getting your sprinkler out. If you’re allowed to water be sure to get started before 8 AM; optional water times are 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The cooler temperatures help slow evaporation and minimize extra stress on your grass. Water enough to wet the roots and don’t water again until the grass has dried.

If you are under a watering ban prepare for the next rain by setting up a rainwater collection system. For every inch of rain, you can collect more than 500 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of the catchment area. There are commercial systems and DIY options- do some research to find which would be the best option for you.

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms grows natural Kentucky Bluegrass sod which is well-known for its ability to maintain its beauty and adapt to changing temperatures and watering practices. Starting out with a strong, low-maintenance lawn like Kentucky Bluegrass will make a big difference when drought or poor conditions strike. To learn more about summer lawn care and the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit them online at www.bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

Summer Lawn Care Tips for Your Minnesota Lawn

June 28, 2021 by BBadmin

Our Minnesota “spring” has been rare with record-setting 90 degree days. And as the 4th of July comes and goes, the heat will continue. Our lawns have been hammered by high heat and drought over the last couple of months and as you drive around the countryside it shows. Check out a few of these pointers to keep your lawn looking its best.

Soaking sessions. Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week. Since the rainfall has been sparse, we suggest watering occurs through irrigation, ensuring water soaks 5-6 inches deep into the soil. Watering for a longer duration, less often, is preferred over daily watering. This routine prepares your grass for potential or continued drought and creates a hardier grass cover.

Timing is everything. The most efficient time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours, prior to 9 a.m. At this time, there is the least amount of sunlight and wind, and the lower temperatures allow for equal water distribution. Watering at night is not recommended as the lawn then sits with no sunlight, often causing moss, different types of weeds, algae, and possibly diseases to grow and spread. Always check with local watering restrictions in your area.

Adjust your clipping. Mow your grass to its specified type height, usually around 2 ½ to 3 inches. Taller grass is a natural weed repellent and allows deeper root growth. Shorter grass drys easily, often turning brown and spreading disease.

Fine-tune your tools. To ensure an efficient irrigation routine, make sure all sprinklers are aimed at grass, not pavement or hard surfaces. Repair hoses, fittings, and nozzles as needed to eliminate leakage and save on water waste.

To learn more about summer lawn care and the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit us online at www.bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

A Sod Farm Near Me: What you Need to Look for Besides Proximity

May 28, 2021 by BBadmin

We all do it, when we search for a product or service we look for a shop that is close. While proximity can be helpful, there are other factors to consider as well. This list will explain what to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase from a “sod farm near me.”

Proximity. The main reason to consider proximity is for freshness. Sod needs to be healthy and fresh for it to take root, grow, and stay strong. Sod that has been sitting can overheat, causing permanent damage. Using a sod farm that has healthy and fresh sod is more important than using a sod farm that is closest to you.

Sod Quality. Healthy sod is free from disease and pests. Quality also refers to the right type of grass for your area. Before purchasing sod, be sure you’re picking the right variety for your environment.

Our Kentucky Bluegrass sod is grown locally in Elk River, serving many contractors and homeowners in urban and rural areas throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota Kentucky Bluegrass sod is well-known for its ability to maintain its beauty and adapt to changing temperatures and watering practices. Each piece is grown in uniform thickness and bred to be dark green, soft, and durable.

Service. After you decide where you will purchase, ensure your yard is ready for installation. You may end up wasting money if your sod isn’t installed or maintained correctly. We suggest researching and asking your provider questions before installation.

Our sod experts are available to answer your questions regarding installation, maintenance, measurements, and ordering. We take pride in our sod and want to make sure you have the facts about what it takes to have a healthy yard for your family and pets.

B&B Hoffman Sod is local and here to provide you with the information you need for a beautiful new lawn, quickly achieved with sod. Contact us today to learn more about our sod and services, and you won’t have to worry about searching for a “sod farm near me!”

How to Get Your Yard in Shape Before Summer’s Outdoor Activities

April 22, 2021 by BBadmin

Spring is the perfect time to get your yard back in shape after the long winter. As we turn our attention to lawn care, rather than snow removal, it is time to patch dead grass areas, de-thatch, and fertilize. Check out our easy pro tips on improving the appearance of your yard.

De-Thatch to Encourage Growth. Thatch is simply the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil surface and the green grass blades above. It can form a thick mat that prevents water and air from reaching the soil. To prevent this, de-thatching should be done once a year in the early spring, usually in April. If your lawn gets too green and too thick, it’s too late to de-thatch. De-thatching, which can be done to smaller lawns with a special rake, allows you to get the thatch out of the grass, allowing air to get at the base of the plant and gives it a healthy start in the spring after a long winter. Those with larger lawns may choose to rent a dethatching machine, which is similar in appearance to a push lawn mower.

Replenish your lawn with fertilizer. Fertilizers are important to lawn care because they can expedite plant growth. Fertilizers make plants and crops grow more quickly and appear greener, fuller and healthier- we suggest using a blend low in nitrogen and high in potash. Most nutrients for your lawn are water-soluble and, over time through rain or irrigation, the water will carry nutrients out of your lawn and leave it nutrient deficient. An unhealthy lawn is susceptible to disease, and fertilizer can replenish those nutrients and keep your lawn healthy.

Repair or replace your lawn with sod. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms can help get your yard back in shape with its supply of fertilizer. But for new lawns, sod is an excellent option to jump-start the growing process because it gives you an immediate green lawn with mature density and a solid root system. Lawns established with turfgrass sod are an immediate joy and source of pride, while lawns started with seed, sprigs, or plugs take from 2 to 3 years of constant work to mature. In an instant, turfgrass sod creates a soft, clean, and safe playing surface for children, lawn games, and family entertainment.

Spring is a great time to sod, allowing you to take advantage of our rainy season to help with watering. The cool temperatures also help with keeping on top of watering. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River provides easy-to-use small rolls that make laying turfgrass yourself easy and efficient. There is no expensive machinery needed, making Small Sod Rolls the do-it-yourselfers product of choice.

To learn more about spring lawn care and the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit them online at www.bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434-6572.

The Benefits of Natural Grass Sod

March 19, 2021 by BBadmin

Throughout many of life’s moments, lawns have been in the backdrop almost unnoticed, yet an essential element. Natural grass is much more than the outdoor space families and pets enjoy. Check out these fun facts about natural grass:

Emerging research shows that walking barefoot on grass may have protective effects on human health
Healthy natural grass produces fresh oxygen, captures carbon dioxide, and improves the air we breathe
Natural grass reduces urban heat island effects and can be up to 70 degrees cooler than hardscapes
Natural grass sod is the most effective ground cover for delaying runoff, reducing erosion, and protecting watersheds
Natural grass produces fewer lower-body injuries and concussions than synthetic turf
Beneath natural grass is a thriving ecosystem of insects, arthropods, and soil microbes that can restore disturbed soils to native conditions
89% of professional football players think artificial turf leads to more soreness/fatigue and will shorten their career
In a typical urban landscape, natural grass captures 90% of atmospheric carbon dioxide, followed by 9% by trees, and 1% by shrubs

Why Sod?

Turfgrass sod is one of nature’s finest, least expensive filters, working to improve the environment. Because turfgrass sod is fully mature the day it’s delivered, it is the fastest and easiest way to establish a lawn. Although seeding initially costs less, many costs recur due to erosion, reseeding, over-seeding, and watering. Newly seeded lawns can take a great deal of time and nurturing to establish into a mature, healthy lawn and cannot be used for months.

Sod is easy to work with and instantly creates a soft, clean, and safe surface
Sod can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen
Sod uses less water to establish than seed
Seed can take 6 months to a year to form a usable lawn

If you’re looking for a grass option to boost your lawn and the environment around you, give us a call to chat about installing natural grass sod for an instant transformation. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are committed to answering all of your questions to ensure a stress-free experience with your new Minnesota sod lawn. Whether you wish to sod a small play area for the family or an entire neighborhood or business, B&B Hoffman Sod can help you make it happen. To learn more about B&B Hoffman Sod Farms and our family business, visit us online at www.bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

Tips on How to Plan Your Dream Lawn

February 19, 2021 by BBadmin

We have officially hit the part of winter where I start daydreaming of days spent outside soaking up the summer sun. But, since there is still snow on the ground it is a great time to start daydreaming and planning your ideal lawn.

Designing a lawn is like designing any part of your landscape. You will need to consider how you plan to use the space and what your needs are. Here are a few tips for designing your perfect lawn.

Using the space: ‘how do you use the lawn?’ If you have kids, they’re going to want a large open, grassy area to kick the ball or play catch. While, if you’re an older couple, you may prefer just enough grass to provide an open, clean look to occasionally entertain on.

Initial installation: In comparison to planter beds or patios, a lawn can be inexpensive to install. That being said, a larger lawn will require more resources which has an impact on price. If you are debating on what to start your lawn with check out this resource on sod vs. seed.

Proximity to your home: Lawn can double as a great pathway or entertaining area, it is nice to have lush green grass just off your patio or back door to expand the usable space in your landscape.

Maintenance: A beautiful lawn requires mowing, edging, fertilizing, aeration, and occasional weed control to keep it looking lush. If you start your lawn out by laying sod, you will have an instant lawn with mature density and a solid root system. While a lawn that is started with seed can take two to three years of dedicated work to mature.

Drainage: Sod or seed won’t grow in an area that is constantly pooling with water. If you have an area of your property that is known to have bad drainage be sure to create a drainage system first.

Highlight your garden: A carpet of green lawn looks beautiful surrounding a garden. The openness of a grassy area makes a good visual contrast to the varied shapes and colors of trees and shrubs.

The Minnesota winter is a great time to start planning your dream yard. Follow these tips and head to Pinterest for some inspiration.

When you’re ready to chat about starting your lawn out with sod reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod, we would love to help! Turfgrass sod creates a soft, clean, and safe playing surface for children and pets, provides a great environment for lawn games, and improves family entertaining.

Muddy Yards and Dogs- What You Can Do About It

January 13, 2021 by BBadmin

Everyone loves when spring appears and the snow begins to melt in Minnesota. That is if you don’t have dogs and a backyard that consists of any mud. Maybe it’s inevitable and your dog will find any mud they can get their paws on or you just built a house and your yard is still bare dirt.

Most of us do not have the time or energy for giving our dogs a bath every time they get dirty playing outside. A better solution to muddy paws and fur could be finding a way to eliminate the mud.

Changing the ground cover is the most obvious solution to solving the mud problem. Choosing the right covering could differ depending on your situation. Here are a few options, keep reading for more in-depth details:

Sod
Rubber Mats
Straw or Wood Chips
Lay Concrete
Get a Landscaper to solve the drainage issue

Temporary Fix
Rubber mats, straw, and wood chips are all safe and fast ways to reduce mud. If you lay straw and wood chips down, they will need to be replaced frequently to keep the mud at bay. However, these options will only work if you have a small area to cover.

Long Term Fix
Pouring concrete is another option and may seem like a quick fix. However, concrete can be expensive depending on the area you want to cover. Concrete can also be uncomfortable for dogs as it will retain cold in the Minnesota winters and heat in the summer.

Simple, Effective, and Long Term Solution
Whether you’re dealing with your whole yard or a small area, sod is a great solution to mud. It is quick and easy to install, eco-friendly, will last a lifetime, and your dog and family members will love it!

If the snow melting in the spring means you will have a completely bare (and muddy) yard, but laying sod everywhere isn’t feasible– don’t worry! B&B Hoffman Sod can get you small amounts of sod in the spring for you (and your dog) to use until your whole yard can be sodded.

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If you have a yard renovation on your mind or sod need for 2021, give us a call for a quote on high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Each piece is grown in uniform thickness and bred to be dark green, soft, and durable to withstand harsh climates.

Connect Virtually with Us at the Northern Green Expo

December 23, 2020 by BBadmin

As the ground hardens and snow blankets our sod farm, our focus shifts from growing and selling sod, to connecting with our commercial partners and planning for the season ahead. For over 20 years we have participated in the Northern Green Expo, a trade show held each January. This unique event is presented by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, bringing together a wide variety of professional outdoor resources to educate and network. Usually, the expo is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Due to the circumstances, this year’s event will be held virtually.

Held January 11th-14th 2020, virtual attendees can take part in training modules and social events, meet with exhibitors, listen to keynote speakers, and showcase trades related to outdoor supplies or maintenance. Supported by major industry leaders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, it is a great opportunity to learn more about landscaping, nurseries, ground maintenance, and anything related to planning and living in the warmer weather months.

In the past years, more than 6,000 people visit the Northern Green Expo to network and eagerly plan the next growing season. If you are interested in learning more or would like to register to virtually attend, please click here for additional details. Visit our virtual booth to meet our family and discuss the best sod options for your spring plans.

B&B Hoffman Sod is currently closed for the season, but are always available to answer questions at 763-434-6572. We hope to “see” you or hear from you at the Northern Green Expo in January!

How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower

November 30, 2020 by BBadmin

Another lawn mowing season has come to an end, now it is time to prep your mower for the next season. Read on to learn how to winterize a lawn mower to prevent damage, enhance its performance, and ensure it will start up easily the next time you need it.

Why You Need to Winterize Lawn Mowers

Whether you have a gas-powered, riding, or electric lawn mower, it requires periodic maintenance to minimize repairs. We know it can be tempting to just store the mower and worry about it next spring. But, procrastinating can leave you in a pickle when your mower won’t start and your yard needs to be trimmed.

How to Winterize a Lawn Mower

Remove or stabilize the fuel: A mower used at the end of the season needs to be emptied of fuel. Leftover gas has the potential to oxidize, corrode the carburetor, or impede the fuel system. If the gasoline has a fuel preservative, you can save it until next spring or run it in your snow blower. If the gasoline has not had a preservative added, you need to use up the gasoline as soon as possible.
Remove the Battery: Remove its battery and store it in a cool, dry location away from flammable substances. Come next spring, use a 120-volt battery charger to bring the battery to full capacity, then reinstall it into the mower.
Change the Oil: Follow the instructions outlined in your mower’s owner’s manual to change the oil and give your mower a clean start next season.
Clean the Deck: Use a paint scraper, wire brush, or knife to carefully remove caked-on grass and debris from the deck. This step prevents moisture in the grass clippings from causing rust and corrosion to the underside of the deck.

These are a few necessary steps in winterizing your lawn mower and ensuring a smooth spring mowing start-up. Fortunately, this process also works on the other gas-powered tools that you use on your lawn. Stow your lawn tools away for the winter, and start looking forward to spring. Soon enough we will be hearing mowers starting up, seeing lush green yards, and smelling fresh-cut grass.

Don’t forget if you have installed sod late in the season, it does still need to be watered until the ground is frozen. It will need moisture every 3-4 days whether it is moisture from the sky, snow, rain, or a garden hose.

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If you have a yard renovation on your mind for 2021, give us a call for a quote on high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Each piece is grown in uniform thickness and bred to be dark green, soft, and durable to withstand harsh climates.