New sod and lawn care.. In November?

The sprinklers may have been shut off or put away, and we have already had our first snow of the season, but it’s not too late to install new sod or to winterize your lawn. While that might sound crazy to some, B&B Hoffman Sod has tips for making sure your lawn is ready to look amazing once the snow melts in the spring.

It’s not too late to install new sod!

You might think that November is too late to install new sod, but yes – it is still possible to do this before winter! As long as the ground isn’t frozen and the temperatures cooperate with your plans, you can still install sod. Although roots may not establish this fall, they will in the spring. Keep in mind, you will still need a water source… think garden hose and sprinklers if you’ve blown out your sprinkler system. Contact B&B Hoffman Sod at 763-434-6572 to see if you can install our premium Kentucky Blue Grass before the snow flies!

Winterize the right way
  • Cover bare areas: If you’re not able to get your new sod installed before the ground freezes, make sure to cover the mud now rather than deal with it in the spring. Your floors will thank you once the snow melts and you’re not constantly cleaning up muddy paw prints or messes from kids playing outside in the warmer weather.
  • Mow one last time: Before you store the lawn mower for the winter, cut the grass short to prevent mold, fungus, or other threats to your lawn (and your allergies!). Long grass provides a cozy home for voles, mice, or other creepy crawlies to hide. Rodents and insects cause damage to lawns with their trails and holes, not to mention feasting on bulbs like tulips or irises. 
  • Use a winterizing fertilizer: Using a winter-specific fertilizer will ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs during the long, cold winter months. B&B Hoffman Sod sells the same fertilizer we use on our sod farm available for purchase. Contact us to ask about our fertilizer options. 

For more lawn care tips, explore our previous blog posts for all things sod, grass, and fertilizer! If you would like to get sod before winter, reach out to us at office@bbhoffmansod.com or by calling 763-434-6572 to see if installing this fall is still possible for your lawn.

Yes, You CAN Sod Your Lawn in Autumn!

Most people think that it’s too late to sod in autumn. B&B Hoffman Sod is here to tell you to why fall is actually a great time of year to sod your lawn.

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Keeping Your Sod Green: Tips for Watering During a Drought

Keeping Your Sod Green: Tips for Watering During a Drought

Despite a rainy start to our summer, the weather is finally heating up. While we may have a surplus of water now, Minnesotans know the weather can change on a dime, and a heat wave can change things quickly. In times of drought, maintaining a lush, green lawn can be a challenge, especially when it comes to newly laid sod. Proper watering is crucial to ensure the health and establishment of your sod, even in dry conditions. Let the experts at B&B Hoffman Sod help you navigate watering your sod during a drought.

Proper watering ensures sod health and longevity even in the dryest of weather conditions
Water Deeply and Infrequently

Instead of light, frequent watering, which encourages shallow root growth, water your sod deeply and less frequently. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture is more consistent. Aim to provide at least 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.

Timing is Everything

Water your sod in the early morning hours to minimize water loss due to evaporation. This allows the soil to absorb moisture more effectively and ensures that the sod has access to water throughout the day. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, as this can lead to water loss and may stress the sod further.

 

Consider Water Restrictions and Use Proper Irrigation Techniques

To adhere to local water restrictions or guidelines during drought conditions, make the most of any rainfall and use water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize waste. If using a sprinkler system:

  • Ensure it is calibrated to water evenly across the entire area of sod. 
  • Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid runoff and ensure water penetrates the soil effectively.
Monitor Soil Moisture

Regularly check the soil moisture level to determine when your sod needs water. Use a soil moisture meter or simply insert a screwdriver into the soil to gauge moisture depth. Ideally, the top 4-6 inches of soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Protect Your Investment

Remember, investing time and effort into watering your sod during a drought pays off in the long run. Properly established sod not only enhances the beauty of your landscape but also provides numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and capturing carbon dioxide.

By understanding your sod’s needs, implementing proper watering techniques, and considering water conservation strategies, you can help ensure its health and longevity even in the dryest of weather conditions. For more tips on caring for your lawn or assistance with installing our premium Kentucky Bluegrass sod, reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod by calling (763) 434-6572 or visiting our website. We’re here to support you in creating and maintaining a vibrant, healthy lawn year-round.

Get Your Yard Ready To Host Summer Events!

Get your yard ready for summer events with B&B Hoffman Sod Farms

Minnesota summers are perfect for hosting outdoor gatherings like weddings, graduation parties, birthday parties, and family reunions. When you host an event in your backyard, it becomes the backdrop where memories are created and treasured. If your lawn is looking patchy or bare, laying sod is a great way to quickly establish a lush, green backdrop for an outdoor event. If you’re unsure about when you should start or what you need to do to get your lawn ready, B&B Hoffman Sod is here to help make your yard the ideal backdrop for hosting. Here are the most important things to consider for making your outdoor space the best it can be on the big day:

Timing

Ideally, you should lay sod at least 2-3 weeks before the event. Allowing enough time before your gathering allows the sod roots to establish themselves in the soil, giving it a better chance to withstand foot traffic and activities during the event.

 

Preparation 

Before laying sod, prepare the soil thoroughly by leveling it, removing any debris, and adding any necessary soil amendments or fertilizers. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly soggy.

 

Weather 

Aim to lay sod during mild weather conditions, typically in spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler. Avoid laying sod during extreme heat or cold, as these conditions can stress the sod and affect its establishment.

 

Watering 

Immediately after laying sod, it’s crucial to water it thoroughly to help it settle and initiate root growth. Keep the sod consistently moist in the following weeks, adjusting watering frequency based on weather conditions.

 

Mowing and Maintenance 

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress on the newly established sod.

 

High-Traffic Areas 

If possible, restrict heavy foot traffic on newly laid sod until it has firmly rooted into the soil. Consider using temporary pathways or stepping stones to minimize damage in high-traffic areas.

 

If you’re planning to host an outdoor event and unsure about the timing or process of laying your sod, reach out to us at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms! We can provide the guidance you need to ensure your lawn is perfect for your event. Our beautiful Kentucky Blue Grass and expert knowledge will make your lawn a stunning backdrop for your special occasion.


Installing Your New Sod

Congratulations! You decided to spruce up your yard by laying new sod this spring. The idea of installing your new sod yourself can be overwhelming, and now the rolls of sod have been delivered and you have no idea what to do with them. Don’t worry! B&B Hoffman Sod is here to walk you through the questions that arise during the installation of a beautiful new lawn. These are the most common questions we get about sod installation:

  • How long should I wait to lay my new sod?

    Sod must always be laid the same day as delivery.

     

  • Where should I begin?

    Begin laying sod at a straight edge such as a sidewalk, driveway, curb, or string between two stakes. If you’re sodding your entire yard, we recommend working from the backyard to the front.

     

  • How should I lay the sod?

    Stagger the rows as if you were laying bricks with the seams butted together tightly but not overlapping.

     

  • Is there anything special I should be doing with the sod as I lay it?

    Keep the sod moist and prevent it from drying out. Once an area of approximately 200 square feet is installed, begin watering immediately. Keep rotating sprinklers onto freshly laid sod while continuing to install the remainder of your yard. Water enough that it has penetrated through the sod and saturated the dirt underneath, bog-like.

     

  • My sod looks lumpy – how can I fix it?

    If you see lumps in your yard and wish to roll them out, you should do so within the first week. Rolling is not necessary, but it is an option if you feel it would improve the appearance. If you do opt to roll it, rollers can be rented from a local rental store. Be sure your lawn is very damp before you begin and when using the roller, we recommend you pull it along rather than push it. 

 

Now that you’ve laid the new sod, proper care is crucial to keep it looking its best. It may seem obvious, but the most important thing to do is WATER, WATER, WATER! 

 

If you still have questions about installing or caring for new sod, we are always happy to help! Contact B&B Hoffman Sod with any questions you may have to keep your new sod looking as lush as the day we cut it.

Springtime Sod in Minnesota

Minnesotans were lucky to experience a warm and mostly dry winter over the last few months rather than the bitter cold and snow we are used to. Now that spring is here, many of us are realizing that our lawns weren’t as happy as we were with the warmer temps and lack of snow. If your lawn is looking bare or patchy, consider laying new sod or reseeding the bare spots.

If your lawn is only bare in a few small areas, B&B Hoffman Sod Farm has high-quality fertilizer and seed available for our customers. This is the same seed and fertilizer we use on our premium sod fields, so you can be assured that your new grass will look beautiful as it comes in.

Larger bare areas may be harder to seed. Wind, heavy rain, children, and pets can blow away or damage freshly laid seed and fertilizer. If you need to grow large areas of grass, you should skip the seed this spring and contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farm for a quote on high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Our sod is bred to be dark green, soft, and durable to withstand harsh climates. 

An added bonus to installing sod – freeing up your weekends! Weeds love to grow in areas where grass is thin or sparse. The sod grown at B&B Hoffman Sod Farm is carefully managed, fertilized regularly, and watered as necessary to produce grass that is resistant to weeds. Less weeds = less yardwork time!

Now is the perfect time to seed or sod your lawn. Contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farm to ask about our seed, fertilizer, or sod. Our beautiful grass is available for delivery or pick up, in big and small rolls for any size job.

How Should I Take Care of My Lawn During a Drought?

In general, you should only be watering your lawn when it needs it, but knowing when your lawn needs watering might be difficult!

Grass needs to be watered about 1” to 1½” per week and you shouldn’t water any lawn every day. However, on the days you do, water the sunny spots more frequently than the shaded spots. If the grass is newly planted there will be more watering requirements to assure healthy root development. Make sure you never overwater because it can lead to shallow root systems and can drown new grass shoots, especially during drought season. 

Speaking of drought season, here are some methods and remedies that can help your lawn make it through in one piece!

Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently before 10 a.m. is essential to ensure you’re not wasting money away. If you start to see thin or bare patches of dirt, overseeding helps repair these areas. However, if the patch is too far gone reach out to us, B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, for help with sod applications. 

Before a drought, begin nourishing your grass with the correct fertilizer so your grass can store up what it needs. Whenever mowing never cut off more than ⅓ of your grass and drought conditions can stunt the growth of your grass, so the rule applies more than ever. 

If you have more questions about lawn care during a drought or the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434-6572. 

Improve your lawn with new sod, even in late summer heat!

If you’ve spent most of the summer trying to get grass seed to sprout, only to have a mud pit in your yard, consider trying sod. Available in multiple sizes, sod is easy to install and maintain, offering a lush, beautiful lawn before the leaves begin to fall.

Preparation. To create a thriving lawn, it is important to first prepare the soil. Loosen the top six to eight inches of soil by raking or tilling, adding any amendments your particular soil may need (such as clay, sand, or peat moss). Level the surface with a rake and grade toward walkways or driveways as needed. 

Installation. Sod can be installed anytime, but in August homeowners need to be diligent with watering. If you have the opportunity, lay sod on a cool, overcast day to minimize plant stress. Stagger rolls in a brick-like pattern and place seams together without overlapping. 

Water regularly. Moisten the soil to a depth of 4 inches or until you can lift the sod and see that the water has penetrated through and saturated the ground underneath. Remember to water at least once or twice a day for 8 days. After 8 days, the grass will tell you if it needs water by appearing bluish in color. After 8-10 days gently tug at the sod, if you feel a little resistance, then you know the roots are starting to anchor in the soil and it is safe to mow. 

Mowing and Maintenance. Mowing stimulates root growth; therefore, you want to mow around the 10 day mark. Ensure your mower is on the highest setting to help evenly distribute the moisture it receives and slow the spread of disease. Consider bagging the clippings the first few times to stimulate further root development. Allow your lawn about a month of growth, then feed it with fertilizer to counteract any nutrients that may have been lost due to heavy watering in the beginning of the process.

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. Learn more about sod and the products B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers by visiting us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

 

How Often to Water New Sod

As the intense heat of summer starts, be certain you’re tending to your new lawn to ensure that it will flourish going forward. Getting sufficient water onto new sod, and keeping it moist throughout the next few weeks is critical. Below is a breakdown of what your watering schedule should look like.

The day of installation.

As you install your new sod, be sure to have the sprinklers going right away. Start your sprinklers once you have an area installed large enough that you won’t get wet as you continue to lay your new sod. In dry or windy conditions, move your sprinklers often so no area goes too long without water.  Be sure to water long enough that when you lift a roll of sod, the water has penetrated through the sod and has saturated the ground underneath…. Bog like.

The next three weeks.

Keep the below-turf soil surface moist with daily (or more) waterings. Your sod is like a wet sponge– it is moist when it’s laid down and if it’s not watered immediately, the sod will shrink which can lead to cracks between each roll. If your sod looks dry or has a bluish look, water immediately! When you water every day it takes less water to keep the sod moist. Plan to water your new sod two to four times each day for the first seven to ten days after it is laid.

Tip one.

Water long enough so that when you step onto the sod it’s squishy, or set a tuna can out by the sprinkler and when it’s filled, move your sprinkler to a new area. If you use a pulsating sprinkler or a sprinkler system, it should take approximately 45 minutes. An oscillating sprinkler will take about one hour.

Tip two.

Water as early in the morning as possible. The morning usually has lower wind speeds and has less loss of water evaporation.

Tip three.

If you have issues with runoff on sloped areas before the soil is adequately moist, turn off the water when runoff begins, wait 30 minutes and restart the watering on the same area.

Tip four.

Make SURE that the areas being watered over-lap. Corners and edges are particularly vulnerable to drying out faster than the center of new sod.

Always monitor your lawn for signs of dryness. If you find there are spots your sprinklers aren’t reaching, use a handheld sprayer to spot-water those areas. Your vigilant work will be worth it when you have a lush green lawn to enjoy for years to come. B&B Hoffman Sod is available to answer any questions at 763-434-6572!

How is sod harvested?

Cultivating sod for our clients requires patience, time, and attention to detail. B & B Hoffman crews work tirelessly to grow turf that is healthy, robust, and free from weeds so when planted in its final destination it compliments any home, workplace, or recreation area.

With several farms located in central Minnesota locations, we help ensure a fruitful season by offering a variety of terrain and temperature. Our Kentucky Bluegrass is fertilized regularly and mowed every other day to produce thick, full turf. Sod is harvested 12-16 months after planting when the ground is not frozen (in our case, typically April through November).

Sod is harvested in the morning while the temperature is low, therefore increasing the shelf life of the product. Our specially designed sod harvesting machine lifts strips of sod out of the earth like long rolls of carpet, removing both the sod and roots and some of the underlying soil so the root system stays in place. It is rolled into two sizes for purchase at our Elk River location, or available for delivery throughout the Midwest.

To see more photos and videos, or learn more about the products B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com/gallery/, or call 763-434- 6572.