It’s Not Too Late! Why Fall Is a Perfect Time to Install New Sod

Think you missed your chance for a new lawn this year? Think again! While spring and summer may seem like the obvious seasons for lawn projects, fall is actually one of the best times to install sod in Minnesota.

Cooler temperatures make new sod easier to care for, watering is more manageable, and your lawn can begin establishing before winter. (Bonus: Installing sod now means you can avoid starting next spring with a muddy yard and another landscaping project on your to-do list, so future-you will thank you.) 

This month, B&B Hoffman Sod is answering your fall sod questions:

How Late Can You Lay Sod in Minnesota?

There isn’t one date on the calendar when sod season suddenly ends. The general rule is simple: as long as the ground is workable and not frozen, you can lay sod.

In Minnesota, that can mean installing sod through October and sometimes even into November, depending on the weather. Earlier is always better when possible because it gives the roots more time to establish before winter, but an early cold snap doesn’t necessarily mean your new lawn is in trouble. Sod will eventually go dormant as temperatures drop and resume growing when conditions warm again in the spring.

Cooler Weather Makes Sod Easier to Establish

New sod needs plenty of moisture while its roots begin growing into the soil below. During the hottest part of summer, high temperatures and direct sun can dry out a new lawn quickly. Minnesota’s cooler fall weather means slower evaporation, helping your sod and the soil beneath it retain moisture longer. You’ll still need to water consistently, but keeping up with your new lawn is generally much easier than it is during a July heat wave.

Fall also brings a slowdown in many common lawn weeds, giving your new sod less competition as it begins to establish.

Pro tip: Don’t shut down your irrigation system too early if you’re planning a late-season sod installation. Depending on temperatures and rainfall, your new sod may still need watering into November. If your irrigation system has already been winterized, there’s no need to worry: A garden hose and sprinkler can do the job until the ground freezes.

Your New Lawn Can Still Take Root Before Winter 

Sod begins establishing roots soon after installation when conditions are right. In many cases, your lawn may be ready for its first mowing around 14 days after installation.

Give your new sod consistent water and limit foot traffic while it takes root. A good rule of thumb is to keep kids, pets, and heavy use off the lawn until you’ve mowed it at least once.

Pro Tip: Proper soil preparation also makes a difference. Before installation, remove debris, level the area, and loosen compacted soil so the sod has good contact with the ground below. If your neighbor’s maple tree is dropping leaves into your yard like crazy, you might want to take care of that right before installation day.

Get Ahead of the Spring Mud

One of the best reasons to install sod in the fall has nothing to do with grass and everything to do with mud.

Bare soil left through the winter can turn into a mess when Minnesota snow begins to melt. Muddy shoes, muddy paws, muddy kids…and somehow all of it eventually ends up inside your house.

Installing sod before winter gives you turf covering that bare soil before the spring thaw. If you have kids, pets, or plans for a new puppy this winter, getting the lawn finished now can make next spring a whole lot cleaner.

Give Your Minnesota Lawn a Head Start

There’s no need to put off your new lawn until spring just because summer is over. Fall’s cooler temperatures, easier watering conditions, reduced weed competition, and healthy growing conditions make it an excellent time for sod installation in Minnesota. Whether you’re landscaping a new home, replacing a struggling lawn, repairing problem areas, or simply ready for a fresh start, B&B Hoffman Sod can help you get your lawn ready before winter.

One last pro tip: Take care of the grass you already have this fall – right now is also a great time to apply a nutrient-rich fertilizer. B&B Hoffman Sod carries the same premium fertilizers used on our own sod farm to help keep your lawn healthy and ready for spring.

B&B Hoffman Sod is still open for the season, so if the ground isn’t frozen, it’s not too late! Call 763-434-6572 or contact us today with questions about fall sod installation, watering, or caring for your new lawn.


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.