Q&A With B&B Hoffman Sod Farms

If you’re familiar with B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, you may already know that we harvest and deliver high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Turf in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, & Wisconsin. If you’re new here, we’d love to introduce ourselves! Today, we’re sitting down for a Q&A with Shelly, who, along with her brother Scott, runs B&B Hoffman Sod Farms. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our story, our work, and what sets us apart.

Q: How long has B&B Hoffman Sod been around? 

A: Since 1989 (which also happens to be the title of one of Shelly’s favorite albums).

Q: How many employees are there? 

A: We have about 15-18 employees during the sodding season, and just 4 in the winter.

Q: What is the process for growing the grass, getting it to the customer, and regrowing it? 

A: We start with preparing the ground, then we move on to planting the seed. From there, it’s fertilizing, tending to weeds, fertilizing (again), mowing, tending to weeds, fertilizing (yes, again), mowing, over and over (and over). We mow each field every other day, and irrigate if Mother Nature puts us in a drought and it’s necessary. 

Q: How long does the process take from planting to delivery to regrowing? 

A: We get 2 crops in 3 years. Our natural, premium Kentucky Blue Grass takes time to perfect!

Q: How long is the growing season? Do people have to wait until late spring or is sod available earlier than our lawns wake up? 

A: When you see things greening up around your home, sod will likely be ready. This could  begin around mid-April or very early May, weather permitting. Have you ever wondered how places like Target Field are green and ready to go in early April when your own grass is still patchy, crunchy, and yellow? Their grass is heated, and we need consistent warmth as well.  In addition, we fertilize our sod fields as soon as we can in the spring to wake it up – earlier than most homeowners fertilize their yards. Think of our premium Kentucky Blue Grass fields as that chipper, energetic coworker you have that woke up early, had all their coffee, did a full workout, and got 3 hours of work done before you’re even out of bed. 

Q: Is your sod treated with any chemicals to make it so green and lush? 

A: It’s so green and lush due to the seed blend* varieties we hand select, along with our best practices, meticulous care, and love we put into growing our product. Plants need love, and the more love you give it, the better it will grow! (Don’t believe us? It’s science!) The mowing we do every other day stimulates root growth AND snuffs out weeds because it’s so thick. Seeding it for each new crop rather than re-growing after it’s been harvested is key! 

* Did you know we sell that same seed blend and the fertilizer we use? Learn more here!

Q: What’s something unique about B&B Hoffman Sod?

A: This is such a hard question! While it’s not uncommon for families to be in the business and for employees to work for you for many years, I do feel like it is becoming rarer these days for people to stay in their family business or for employees to stay with you for that long when there are so many other things to do out there! This kind of longevity truly shows how much we love what we do and how much we love our employees. Knowing that we are growing grass that helps the environment around it and keeps spaces beautiful, and knowing we do it without using harmful chemicals makes me so proud! We’re also immensely proud to give back to our community in different ways. Our reputation (which also happens to be the title of another one of Shelly’s favorite albums) in the community is one we strive to keep as the best!

 

If you’d like to learn more about B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, our premium Kentucky Blue Grass, our fertilizers, seed, our process, how to properly install and care for your new sod, or find a new employment opportunity, reach out to us here!



Natural Grass vs. Plastic: Why Natural is the Better Choice

With news that the University of North Carolina is choosing to go back to natural grass for their football field, it’s a great time to talk about making the choice between natural grass and artificial turf. Choosing between natural grass and plastic grass can be tough, but when you consider the long-term benefits, natural grass clearly comes out on top. From its aesthetic appeal to its environmental impact and health benefits, B&B Hoffman Sod would like to share why natural grass is the smarter choice. 

Authentic Beauty and Feel

Call us biased, but real grass offers a vibrant, dynamic look that artificial turf just can’t replicate. Natural grass changes with the seasons, giving your lawn a rich texture, color, and fragrance. Plastic turf may stay green year-round, but it lacks the organic beauty of a living lawn.

Safer for Sports and Play

Natural grass is a safer surface for outdoor activities, especially for children and athletes. Grass provides a softer, more forgiving surface compared to artificial turf, which can get extremely hot in the summer and cause burns or injuries. Natural grass is shock-absorbing, reducing the risk of sprains and abrasions, making it ideal for sports fields and play areas.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain

While synthetic grass has a high upfront cost, natural grass proves to be more cost-effective over time. It requires less maintenance, and you won’t need to replace it every decade like plastic grass. With proper care, natural grass lasts for years, providing excellent value without the ongoing upkeep costs associated with plastic turf.

Damage to natural grass is simple to fix—whether reseeding or laying down new sod, repairs are quick and affordable. Artificial turf requires costly replacements for damaged sections, making maintenance more expensive in the long run.

Healthier for the Environment and Your Family

Natural grass supports the environment and improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and promoting healthy soil. Grass also reduces water runoff and prevents erosion. Plastic turf, however, can trap heat and retain harmful chemicals, posing potential health risks to pets and children. Natural grass promotes a healthier, more breathable environment for everyone.

Speaking of the environment, natural grass supports local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Artificial turf does nothing for biodiversity and can create a sterile, lifeless environment. If you want to encourage a healthy ecosystem, real grass is the better choice.

When it comes to the overall value, environmental benefits, and safety for play, natural grass is the clear winner. From its authentic beauty to its ability to support sports and outdoor activities, it offers far more than synthetic turf. Whether you’re looking to replace your old lawn or create a beautiful, green outdoor space with our premium Kentucky Blue Grass for your family or business, B&B Hoffman Sod is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at (763) 434-6572 or visit our website to get your green space healthy, safe, and chemical-free for years to come!


Minnesota’s 2025 Ban on PFAs: What Does it Mean for Our Lawns?

As Minnesotans, we take pride in our beautiful outdoors – from the lush green lawns of our backyards to the well-maintained fields where our kids play sports. But did you know that some of the materials we use to create these outdoor spaces could be contributing to an environmental problem that lasts… forever?  In 2025, Minnesota is taking a bold step to protect the environment by banning a group of harmful chemicals known as PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – often referred to as “forever chemicals.” And one place these toxic substances are commonly found is in artificial turf. B&B Hoffman Sod is talking about PFAs, how they affect our health and environment, and how the upcoming ban on PFAs may affect you and your lawn.

What Are PFAs?

PFAs are a class of man-made chemicals used in a wide variety of products since the 1940s. They’re known for their water- and stain-resistant properties, used in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing, and even artificial turf. PFAs don’t break down naturally in the environment, which means they last for decades, or even longer. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including liver damage, immune system disruption, and even certain cancers. 

Minnesota’s Ban on PFAs

In response to growing concerns about the harmful effects of PFAs, Minnesota is taking a critical step in 2025 to ban any fabric containing intentionally added PFAs. This includes products like outdoor rugs and synthetic turf. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the goal is to reduce PFAs in our environment and safeguard public health. As part of the law, starting in 2025, artificial turf that contains PFAs will no longer be allowed to be manufactured, sold, or installed in the state.

“But You’re a Family-Owned Sod Farm – Why Are You Talking About PFAs?”

At B&B Hoffman Sod, we’re committed to providing our customers with healthy, sustainable lawns, fields, and landscapes. As Minnesota prepares for the 2025 ban on PFAs, we encourage you to consider the long-term environmental and health implications of your landscaping choices. 

Artificial turf can be a popular choice for sports fields, playgrounds, and even residential lawns due to its low maintenance and durability. Unfortunately, many artificial turf products contain PFAs to make the turf more durable and water-resistant, and they may contribute to environmental pollution and potential health risks when they leach out into the surroundings.

If you’ve ever noticed the “new carpet” smell on a freshly installed field, it’s likely a sign of chemicals being released into the air. Over time, as the turf ages and breaks down, PFAs can seep into the ground, contaminating nearby soil and water supplies. 

If you’re thinking about installing artificial turf, it’s important to know that:

  • PFAs are a concern: Many synthetic turf products contain these harmful chemicals, which will soon be banned in Minnesota.
  • Natural grass is a safe, sustainable option: Grass provides a natural solution to outdoor spaces. It’s low-maintenance, beautiful, and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Consider eco-friendly alternatives: While we obviously prefer you choose our premium Kentucky Blue Grass, if you absolutely must choose a synthetic option, make sure to check for products that are certified free of PFAs or other harmful substances. Look for turf made from sustainable materials that prioritize safety for both the environment and your family.

A Future-Free of “Forever Chemicals”

We’re all in this together – protecting our environment and ensuring that our outdoor spaces are safe for future generations. Minnesota’s decision to ban PFAs in 2025 is a significant step toward reducing harmful chemicals in our environment, and it will encourage the landscaping industry to innovate and offer better, safer alternatives for artificial turf and other outdoor materials.

At B&B Hoffman Sod, we’re proud to support these efforts by providing customers with environmentally friendly and safe sod options. Whether you’re looking to replace your old lawn or create a beautiful, green outdoor space for your family or business, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you have questions about sustainable landscaping, feel free to reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod by calling (763) 434-6572 or visiting our website. Let’s work together to ensure Minnesota’s outdoor spaces remain healthy, safe, and chemical-free for years to come!

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.

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.


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.

 

Get your lawn ready for summer entertaining

The long, harsh winter was hard on all of us, delaying lawn care and landscaping plans. But, it’s not too late to prepare your yard for graduation parties, family reunions, or grilling get-togethers. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms is ready to serve you for the 2023 season!

Fertilize! We recommend fertilizing early and often throughout May and into June. For the first treatment, use a fertilizer with crabgrass pre-emergent/preventer to start repairing any damage done from the winter and get a jump-start on crabgrass. Ideally, this should be applied before the growing season begins. Crabgrass can germinate when the ground temperature reaches 50 degrees for 3 consecutive days, so early application to prevent growth is key. In Central Minnesota, we typically reach this temperature around Mother’s Day. Visit our Elk River location to purchase fertilizer this spring to keep your lawn lush and healthy. While fertilizing is an important spring lawn care step, it isn’t the only maintenance needed for a beautiful lawn. After a long winter, your yard needs some fresh air too, so be sure to rake and remove thatch as well as old leaves, twigs, and fallen branches.

Aerate! If your lawn has a lot of foot traffic, watch for compaction. When soil is compacted, it has less room to hold air and water to keep it healthy and full, making it difficult for roots to penetrate and fertilizers to be absorbed. To treat a compacted lawn, aerate it at the beginning of the growing season. Aeration creates larger spaces in the soil, allowing more oxygen, fertilizer, nutrients, and water to penetrate. Small lawns can be aerated with special sandals with spikes attached that aerate as you walk your yard. Larger lawns may require a petrol-powered core aerator that can be rented. Regardless of the style of the aerator, be sure to water the lawn thoroughly the day before you aerate to make the process easier.

Finally, tune up your mower and make sure it’s as ready for spring as your family. Raise your lawn mower height to keep grass trimmed and moist, as most types of grass have deep roots to take in water.

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