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.

 

 

Early Autumn Lawn Care Tips

As temperatures begin to cool and leaves fall, autumn brings ideal conditions to care for your lawn. Before thinking about dusting off that snowblower, here are a few tips to ensure your lawn will be beautiful next spring.

Lay Sod. If you’ve been waiting to lay sod, now is the time to do so. Cool temperatures and regular rainfall allows sod to retain moisture and root quickly. Since we are experiencing a rather hot fall so far, plan to install sod on an overcast day to avoid stress on the plant. Prepare your soil by removing debris on the surface and filling in any small holes. Use a rake to loosen the soil and add any topsoil you may need. Apply the sod in a brick-like pattern, using a utility knife to fit the sod together tightly. Once the sod is in place water it immediately. Typically, it takes sod 2-3 weeks to root completely; avoid mowing until roots are strong, approximately 14 days after installation.

Let your soil breathe. Aerate your existing lawns in the cooler fall season to reap the benefits year round. Aeration creates small holes into the soil, either by using a spike or a machine to remove a core of grass and soil from the lawn. Benefits of aerating are: stronger grass roots, reduced water runoff, improved air exchange between the soil, and less susceptibility to disease. Increase root growth by allowing your grass to breath and minimizing thatch build up by aerating prior to applying a fall fertilizer.

Apply fall fertilizer. While many homeowners may think fertilizer should be applied in the spring, fall is an ideal time to refresh your lawn before going dormant in the winter. Fall fertilization will assist in storing food and ensuring strong roots throughout the winter, and greener grass after the spring thaw. Apply fertilizer around the first week in October for best results.

Purchase sod and winterizing fertilizer from B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River. To learn more about us and products we offer, visit us online or call 763-434-6572.

Can You Lay Sod in the August Heat?

Is it practical to put sod down in August? Absolutely! Sod can be installed in August when it’s hot and dry, however, you will need to be very diligent on watering. For an established yard, Kentucky Bluegrass is resilient and will go dormant if not watered properly. Because of its resiliency, it should come back once you get the water going again. However, you may see weeds trying to creep in.

The season at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms will continue into November, weather permitting, so if watering is an issue, September and October are also great times to lay sod due to the cooler temperatures and occasional rain. If you do lay sod in August, water at least once a day for 8 days (unless it rains, then that is a day of watering). After 8 days, the grass will tell you when it needs water by looking a little blueish in color. Be very mindful of this and get water on it right away.

Before you lay the sod, prepare the soil by removing twigs, stones and other debris larger than a golf ball. Fill in low areas with good quality topsoil. It’s easy to add to the soil when it is bare, so take advantage of the opportunity if needed. Break up soil clumps that are larger than 2 inches in diameter and smooth the soil with a stiff garden rake.

If you have the opportunity, lay sod on a cool, overcast day to minimize plant stress. If you lay sod in the heat of summer, call some friends to help get the sod down in a hurry and have a little fun along the way. Stagger rolls in a brick like pattern and have seams tight together without overlapping. A utility knife works best for cutting the sod rolls.

Once an area of sod is in place where you can water it without getting wet, turn on the sprinklers. Moisten the soil to a depth of 4 inches or until you can lift the sod and see that the water has penetrated through the sod and saturated the ground underneath. 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 stimulates root growth; therefore, you want to mow around the 10 day mark.

To learn more about the Kentucky Bluegrass that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms grows and other products we offer, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

Contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farms For Your Next Lawn Project

As you gear up for summer and plan hours of outdoor entertaining, contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farms located in Elk River, MN for all your sod needs. From fixing a small patch of lawn to installing a whole new turf, our seasoned professionals are here to help.

Our family sod farm grows, harvests, and delivers the highest quality Kentucky Bluegrass Turf in Minnesota. We are committed to growing a superior product at a low price, and we pride ourselves on impeccable customer service.

B&B Hoffman Sod offers convenient delivery services to homes and businesses to fulfill your sod needs. Our experienced drivers will strategically place pallets of sod around the yard for you, making installation easy. All turfgrass delivered in Minnesota is cut within 24 hours of delivery, ensuring the best possible product.

Are you ready to transform your lawn into lush green grass, with mature density and a solid root system? Within a few hours, sod transforms a yard from bare soil to a living carpet of grass with mature density and a solid root system that looks great instantly. Our Kentucky Bluegrass sod is easy to install and maintain and will leave your yard with a beautiful instant upgrade! 

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

 

When Should I Aerate My Lawn This Spring?

The best time to aerate your lawn is when it is actively growing. In Minnesota, the cool-season grasses are most actively growing in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Aerating while the roots are still active will help you achieve the healthy, green lawn you want.

How to tell if your lawn needs aerating. There are several signs that a lawn is in need of aeration. In addition to making aeration a regular part of your annual yard prep and/or clean-up, watch for indications that water is not penetrating the soil properly. Other signs to look for include brown or dead spots, thin and dull grass, or grass that just doesn’t seem to grow much (if at all).

How frequently should you aerate your lawn. As long as you are aerating at about the same time each year, an annual aeration should be all you need to support a healthy lawn.

When not to aerate your lawn. Aerating a lawn during times when the grass is dormant is never a good idea because it can open your lawn up to weed growth or other problems. You should also avoid aeration when your lawn is wet. It is best to wait until the grass is actively growing.

If the snow melting in the spring means a destroyed lawn for you, that even aeration won’t revive, reach out to B&B Hoffman for Kentucky Bluegrass sod. Kentucky Bluegrass is known for its dense, lush, and durable qualities making it the perfect choice for Minnesota yards.

________________

If you have a yard renovation on your mind or sod need for 2022, 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.

 

Be Prepared for Leaves

Minnesota offers beautiful fall colors every year but it also means- leaves, leaves everywhere! They can be a hassle, but these tips will help you deal with them this fall.

No one enjoys the back-breaking work of raking. Here is how you can get the job over quickly:

  • Let gravity help you out by raking leaves downhill if possible.
  • Skip raking and move straight to mowing. Chopped leaves can allow for vital nutrients to return to the soil.  
  • Use a leaf blower to create piles to pick up and bag.

Homeowners want to avoid more than 10-20% of their grass to be covered in leaves when the snow falls. Excessive leaf matter going into winter may smother the grass and inhibit growth, as well as promote mold diseases, and encourage turf damage from critters like voles and mice.

Is it beneficial for your lawn to spend time raking and bagging leaves, or should you plan on mowing over everything and mulching the rest? Or simply leave them be?

Raking. Improve your arm strength by raking (or using a leaf blower) to gather a pile, then bag for disposal, or deliver to a compost site. Depending on the size of your lawn and number of trees on site, this may take an hour or a full day. In order to rake efficiently, lawns should be dry and trimmed. Additional bag fees or compost facility charges may deter people from going this route, but the excitement of jumping in a large leaf pile has its benefits too.

Mowing and mulching. Chopping grass and leaves into small pieces (also known as mulching) so they incorporate into your lawn canopy via a lawnmower benefits the soil in a number of ways. Nutrients and organic matter may add nitrogen to the lawn and assist in root growth. Some leaf types have even been shown to reduce weed germination over time. Mulching may require more frequent mowing in the fall, but specialized attachments and mulching mowers can also be purchased to make this job easier.

Leaving it be. If you have no trees and the wind blows away more than 10% of your lawn coverage, you may be off the hook for raking and mowing. Use your extra time wisely before the Minnesota winter hits!

Consult with our experts, purchase sod and find winterizing fertilizer at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River by visiting us online or calling 763-434-6572.

Avoid These Common Fall Lawn Care Mistakes

Even though the temperatures are starting to drop, it’s important not to abandon lawn care yet! Help ensure that your lawn is healthy and beautiful this spring by avoiding these common fall lawn care mistakes. 

Leaving Fallen Leaves

Minnesota autumn brings a vibrant display of leaves in hues of red and orange that are beautiful to view. However, once these leaves fall to the ground it can set your lawn up for trouble. You may be tempted to ignore them but too much leaf cover can suffocate your grass and prevent oxygen from reaching its roots. Leaf cover can also trap moisture and prevent oxygen from reaching your lawn, creating a good environment for lawn disease to thrive. Cleaning up fallen leaves or mulching them with your mower will help promote your lawn’s health.

Watering as Usual

As the weather gets cooler and the days grow shorter, your lawn will not need as much supplemental water to survive. Cutting back on how much you water in the fall will help prevent fungal growth and prepare your lawn for winter. However, if you have just installed your sod make sure you are watering adequately. Water your new sod every day for 1 week and long enough so that when you step onto the sod it’s squishy. Then after one week, (in the fall only) you can water every other or every three days; just don’t let it dry out.  Squishy isn’t necessary.  

Forgetting to Fertilize

While many homeowners may think fertilizer should be applied in the spring, fall is an ideal time to refresh your lawn before going dormant in the winter. Fall fertilization will assist in storing food and ensuring strong roots throughout the winter, and greener grass after the spring thaw. Apply fertilizer around the first week in October for the best results. We recommend a blend of 20-10-10, which can be purchased at our shop.

DON’T Avoid Planning Ahead for Spring

If you’ve been holding off until spring to lay sod, there is still time yet this year. Cool temperatures and regular rainfall this time of year encourages our natural sod grass to retain moisture. Consult with our experts, purchase sod, and find winterizing fertilizer at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River by visiting us online or calling 763-434-6572.

Can I Install Sod in the Fall? Learn What you Need to Do

Your time outside this summer may have you planning for how you can update your lawn for next year. If your grass is on the list for an upgrade, why not start this fall?! Due to the warm weather, it is often thought that summer is the best time to install sod, but this isn’t true! Sod can be installed at any time throughout the growing season. However, there are a couple of factors to consider when installing sod in the fall. 

Cool fall temperatures.

Fall usually brings cooler temperatures and the occasional rainfall. Not only are these cooler temperatures easier on your new grass, but it is also easier on you or the laborer laying the sod. By laying sod in fall weather, you have less risk of your sod overheating. You still have to water your lawn regularly, but you will need less water as it isn’t evaporating as quickly. You can still be successful when laying sod in the summer, however, summertime is usually busier and if you’re planning on going to the cabin every weekend, it is probably best to wait for the fall to lay sod. 

When is it too late to Install?

It’s never too late to install sod if we can harvest it in our fields. 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 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 763-434-8231.

Creating a Yard Your Kids Will Love

With a little bit of planning, low-maintenance landscaping, and the right natural turfgrass in Minnesota, it’s easy to turn your yard into an oasis that your whole family can enjoy. If you have young children, consider the following tips to ensure they will love heading outdoors to enjoy your yard.

Creating a Lush Lawn

Your lawn is the starting point for a kid-friendly backyard– it provides a soft, comfortable area for all kinds of activities. Whether your kids enjoy picnics outdoors or want to play a game of touch football, a healthy lawn will make a perfect area. Installing sod in your yard is a great option if you don’t currently have grass, or your existing lawn is unhealthy. Within a few hours, turfgrass sod transforms bare soil to a living carpet of grass with a mature density that looks great instantly.

Kid-Friendly Landscaping Options

Depending on your budget and your yard, there are multiple options for landscaping. Large trees are great for backyards to provide shade. Consider planting flowers that consist of your kids’ favorite colors or giving them their own garden areas to maintain. If you have young children, be sure to research before choosing plants for your landscaping, as some can easily end up in curious toddlers’ mouths.

Fun Options for Play

Kids are sure to love a trampoline, sandbox, or maybe a playground as a fun element in your backyard. Other options could be lawn games such as bocce ball, or corn hole. If your kids (and maybe you) want to stay cool during the summertime, you may want to add a sprinkler or an inflatable pool into your plans.

The options are endless, use your creativity, and create the perfect backyard oasis! If you want a lawn that is family-friendly, and can be enjoyed this summer, beautiful natural turfgrass sod is a great start.

B&B Hoffman Sod is your source for the highest quality sod in Minnesota. 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 bbhoffmansodev.wpengine.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!