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

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!”

Muddy Yards and Dogs- What You Can Do About It

Although it seems like a far-fetched thought, 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 coverage 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, and 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 2023, 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.

The Benefits of Natural Grass Sod

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 bbhoffmansod.com or call 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.

 

 

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.

5 Reasons to Choose Sod over Seed

If you’re dealing with a yard that is dirt or a lawn on its last legs, you might be weighing the pros and cons of sodding versus seeding. You may already know that seeding will save you money in the short term but the fact is, it will cost you extra time while potentially not saving you as much money as you expect. It is very labor-intensive and can go sideways easily if you’re not diligent. 

Five main reasons you should choose sod over seed:

Rapid Growth. Overseeding takes a full growing season to establish, but sod establishes within a couple of weeks and doesn’t have to deal with some of the pitfalls over overseeding. 

Instant Lawn. One of the best aspects of sod is that it provides an instant lush green lawn. Within a few hours, turfgrass 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.

Environment Friendly. Turf grass sod cleans the air and helps recharge our groundwater supply. Grass blades take in carbon dioxide and the worst atmospheric pollutants and gives back pure oxygen making it one of nature’s finest, least expensive filters, working to improve the environment.

Resistant to Weeds. Sod is excellent at outcompeting weeds due to being pre-established and carefully managed. The grass grown at B&B Hoffman Sod Farm is fertilized regularly and irrigated as necessary to produce beautiful, strong grass that withstands unsightly problems such as weeds.

Weather Resistant. The other main problem with overseeding is that it is vulnerable to inclement weather. High winds and heavy rains can completely destroy your freshly-laid seed before it has a chance to begin establishing, wasting your time and money in the blink of an eye. Because sod is fully mature the day it’s installed, it can immediately control erosion and flooding even on steeply sloped areas, as it sinks down roots rapidly.

If you have a yard renovation on your mind or sod need for 2022, give B&B Hoffman Sod Farm 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. We are proud to grow about 600 acres of natural grass every year, available for delivery or pick up, in big and small rolls for any size job.

Invest in Our Sod for Your Commercial Projects

We love connecting with Landscape Business Owners at home and garden expos, as well as maintaining our long-standing relationships over coffee, while planning for the upcoming season. If you are planning large projects or investing in a new commercial operation, consider these three reasons when choosing B&B Hoffman Sod for your landscaping supplier needs.

Soil Consistency. As a family-run company deeply rooted in the natural grass growing business, we are committed to producing the best Kentucky Bluegrass turf in Minnesota. Our natural grass is grown in several areas within the north/northwest metro area of Minnesota, offering a slight variation in temperature and terrain to ensure a fruitful season. Upon delivery, you will notice about an inch of consistent, well-textured soil, to help the roots stay strong as they are transplanted in your lawn or commercial property. A strong base of consistent soil will allow the grass enough root support to keep them in place and continue to thrive.

Regular Maintenance. Everyone enjoys a lush, emerald green lawn! Our natural grass is fertilized regularly and irrigated as necessary to produce beautiful, strong grass. Our sod is produced to withstand drought conditions and avoid wilting, browning, or unsightly problems such as crabgrass. Our technicians take great pride in mowing every field, every other day. It is one of the most important parts of the growing process, as mowing stimulates root growth. After each field is mowed, we follow up with a roller to compact the soil and counteract any tire marks.

Proper Harvesting. Our natural grass is planted in late summer and harvested about 12-16 months after planting to ensure a hardy root structure. Sod is harvested at the peak of maturity when the ground isn’t frozen–usually April to November. We prefer to harvest in the morning, so the ground temperature (and therefore the sod temperature) is lower, increasing the shelf life of the product. You will notice our natural grass holds moisture at the roots and is a bright, consistent color, indicating a high-quality sod.

We are proud to grow about 600 acres of natural grass every year, available for delivery or pick up, in big and small rolls for any size job. To learn more about  B&B Hoffman Sod Farms and our family business, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434- 6572.

Myths About Sod Debunked

If you’re debating between buying sod or seed when redoing your lawn, there’s a lot of information out there about the pros and cons of both methods. However, some of that information is not quite accurate, so we’re here to debunk common myths about buying professionally grown sod for your lawn.

Myth #1: Sod takes more work than seed.

Since sod is already sprouted and established before it ever arrives at your property, it greatly reduces the amount of time you’ll spend caring for your lawn. In addition, you’ll get to enjoy your sodded lawn much sooner than one from seed.

Myth #2: Sod is too expensive.

While sod does require a larger up-front investment than seed, the long-term value is undeniable. Since sod is already sprouted and grown in dense patches that are weed and pest free, you’ll be ahead from day one of your sod installation versus trying to use only seed. Plus, sod has a much better chance of evenly rooting across your lawn, while seeds tend to sprout unevenly and require multiple reseeding attempts to get full coverage.

Myth #3: Sod is bad for the environment.

Rooted in the false idea that sod producers use tons of pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds in their sod, many mistakenly believe that the runoff of these chemicals is hurting the environment. The truth is that modern sod varieties, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, grow dense root mats, preventing weeds from breaking through the surface with minimal need for weed killers. These sod varieties are also engineered to resist common pests. As a result, reputable sod farms, like B&B Hoffman Sod in Minnesota, have less and less need to use chemicals in order to grow premium-quality sod.

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.

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.

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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.

 

Everything to Know about Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most beautiful varieties of lawn grass out there. When given its preferred growing conditions, this grass produces a dense, lush, green lawn that lives up to its reputation. KBG is known as one of the more durable varieties on the market, making it a perfect choice for yards with high traffic, pets, or kids. Here is a guide on what to expect when choosing Kentucky Bluegrass sod for your lawn.

Physical properties of Kentucky Bluegrass. KBG is a cool-season lawn grass that is a great fit for northern climates with warm to hot summers but cold winters. It is a premier sod choice for Minnesota homeowners due to these properties. The easiest method of identifying KBG is to look at the tip of the blade of grass. Each KBG blade resembles the shape of a canoe boat, where it is tapered off at the top and bottom.

Kentucky Bluegrass Maintenance. 

  • Watering and drought tolerance: Bluegrass has the natural ability to survive several weeks or longer of drought. KBG has a shallow root system, so if it doesn’t rain, it will need to be watered a couple of times a week during the summer to keep it green.
  •  Fertilization: Use a blend of fertilizer similar to 5-14-42 during the summer (every 6 weeks after sod is installed), and when you winterize your yard use 20-10-10.
  • Mowing: Start mowing your sod 7-10 days after installation at 2-2 1/2 inches.
  • Weed prevention: Spray with a weed killer as you see fit. If you see weeds starting, take care of them as soon as possible to prevent spreading.

Have more questions? Reach out. We are available to help answer your questions regarding Kentucky Bluegrass or sod! Just give us a call or send us a message. We are committed to growing a superior product at a low price, and we pride ourselves on impeccable customer service.