7 Fun Facts About Natural Grass

B&B Hoffman Sod Farm knows a healthy lawn is more than just a pretty patch of green. From cooling your neighborhood to filtering water, reducing noise, and even boosting your mood (and your home value), natural grass works hard behind the scenes every day. We’ve put together some fun facts about how your lawn is doing way more for you than you ever imagined. 

Air Purification: Natural grass is essentially nature’s version of a home air purifier. It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen back into the air. A 2,500-square-foot lawn will release enough oxygen for a family of four! 

It’s Cool! (Literally!): Lawns are 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 20 degrees cooler than bare soil – helping reduce urban heat. Would you rather watch your kid’s soccer game on hot turf or cool grass?

Erosion Control: Not only does sod stop soil from sneaking into your home during a rainstorm, but it also keeps dust from turning your living room into the Old West. It’s science!

Water Filtration: Grass filters rainwater and improves groundwater quality by trapping gunk like dust, debris, and pollutants before heading to the nearest stream or lake. Your grass is out there doing the hard work while you’re just grilling burgers.

Noise Reduction: All that lush green grass doesn’t just look pretty – it actually helps muffle street noise and neighborhood commotion. Your lawn is pretty much nature’s noise-canceling headphones.

Stress Relief: Feeling stressed? Your lawn might be the best therapist you never knew you had. Spending time around grass and greenery has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels and boost your mood – no couch or co-pay required. So go ahead, take a deep breath, touch some grass, and let nature be your happy place.

Curb Appeal: A lush, green lawn isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it can also boost your home’s value by 15% – 20%! You can’t afford not to invest in your lawn.

The next time you step outside and feel that cool grass under your feet, remember: your lawn is doing more than just looking good. It’s cleaning your air, calming your mind, and even adding value to your home. B&B Hoffman Sod Farm is proud to grow the grass that keeps your world greener, healthier, and a little more peaceful. If your lawn needs a boost – whether it’s looking just a little patchy or you need to completely resod – give us a call! We’ll get you set up with the same grass seed we use to grow our beautiful sod, or we can completely transform your lawn. 

 

Get Your Lawn Ready for Summer Events!

With the last snowflakes behind us and Minnesota finally in full bloom, now is the perfect time to get your yard looking its best—especially if you’re gearing up for outdoor celebrations like graduation parties, weddings, family reunions, or backyard barbecues. If your lawn is looking patchy, thin, or worn after the long winter, laying fresh sod is the quickest and most effective way to revitalize it. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms understands that timing is everything, and we’re ready to help you create a lush, picture-perfect lawn just in time for your next big event.

May: The Ideal Month to Lay Sod in Minnesota

Spring has arrived, and May brings the perfect conditions to establish a lush, healthy lawn. With warm—but not hot—temperatures, your new sod can take root without the added stress of summer heat. It’s the ideal time to give your yard a head start before outdoor events like graduations, weddings, and backyard celebrations kick off.

Sod Success Tips for a Celebration-Ready Lawn

Plan Ahead
If you’re planning to lay new sod before hosting a graduation party, wedding, or summer gathering, try to allow two weeks before your event. This will give the sod time to properly root and create a stable, green surface ready for foot traffic, tents, and lawn games.

Prepare Your Soil Like a Pro
A flawless lawn begins with a solid foundation. Clear debris, level uneven ground, and add dirt if needed. During extremely hot days, lightly moisten the soil before installation to reduce the risk of burning the delicate roots.

Pick the Right Day
While May typically brings mild temperatures, Minnesota weather can still be unpredictable. Choose a day without extreme heat to lay your sod—this helps minimize stress on the sod and promotes a smooth establishment. As an added bonus, it also reduces the chance of heat stroke and sunburn on you!

Prioritize Watering
Water is essential for new sod. Soak it thoroughly right after installation, then keep the lawn consistently moist in the following weeks. Avoid overwatering—your goal is steady, even moisture to support root development.  Long waterings in the morning are better than several short waterings all day.

Hold Off on Mowing
Give your new lawn (and yourself!) a break from mowing for at least 7-10 days, then mow gently. Never remove more than one-third of the height of your grass. Early care is key to protecting delicate new roots.

Limit Foot Traffic Early On
To protect your investment, minimize foot traffic until the first mowing. If you’re hosting an event soon after installation, consider temporary walkways or stepping stones to reduce the risk of the rolls shifting while trying to root down in high-use areas.

Get Your Lawn Party-Ready with B&B Hoffman Sod

With summer celebrations around the corner, now’s the perfect time to refresh your yard. Whether you need to patch winter damage, fix thin spots, or start from scratch, B&B Hoffman Sod has everything you need—from premium sod to the same high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass seed and fertilizer we use on our farms.

Give us a call at 763-434-6572 to schedule a sod delivery or to speak with one of our natural turfgrass experts. Let’s create the perfect green space for your upcoming celebration!

Waking Up Your Lawn: Spring Tips from B&B Hoffman Sod

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s almost time for backyard BBQs, outdoor games, and sunny afternoons! Spring also means the winter break from yard work is over. B&B Hoffman Sod has some springtime tips to help your grass wake from its winter nap and start looking green and healthy again. 

Start with a Gentle Rake

Once your yard has dried out a bit and isn’t wet or mushy, give it a light raking* to remove dead grass and debris. This helps get fresh air down to the roots, which encourages new growth and jumpstarts your lawn’s recovery. 

*Pro Tip: be careful not to rake too aggressively while the grass is still waking up—you want to revive it, not rip it out.

Time for Fertilizer

Give your yard a glow up! Fertilizer is a vitamin boost your yard needs to look and feel its best. Applying fertilizer every 4–6 weeks throughout the season* can make a huge difference, helping your grass grow thicker, greener, and healthier than ever. 

*Pro-Tip: April, May, and June are the prime growing months to get the most benefit from fertilizer.

Prevent Weeds With Pre-Emergent

When the ground temperature reaches a consistent 50–55°F, it’s the perfect time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide*. This helps prevent crabgrass and other pesky weeds before they have a chance to sprout. Don’t miss this timing—it’s one of the most important steps for a weed-free yard all season! 

*Pro Tip: Fertilize first, make sure to water well, and apply pre-emergent 4 days later. You can buy the same fertilizers used by B&B Hoffman Sod Farms! Contact us for details.  

Patch Up Pet Damage

Did your homeowners association give you a deadline to fix pet damage to your grass? If your furry friend wasn’t so friendly to your lawn over the winter, we’ve got you covered! We’ll be opening soon for sod pickup, so you can easily replace those worn-out patches and bring your lawn back to life. Our high-quality sod blends in beautifully and gets your yard back in shape fast (and keeps the HOA happy). 

*Pro Tip: If pet damage is minimal but you have some patchy areas that you’d like to seed, we sell the same sod-quality seed used for growing our sod!

Following these tips now will help your yard look its best all summer long! Need help or have questions? Call 763-434-6572 or email office@bbhoffmansod—we’re always happy to help you grow your best lawn yet.



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!

How Does Your Lawn Survive Winter?

Winter can be a tough time for your lawn, especially in cold climates like Minnesota. As the temperatures drop, your once lush, green lawn will turn brown and seem bare, and you might even wonder if it’s dead. Fear not! This natural process is known as dormancy—a survival mechanism that helps your grass survive the cold winter months. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to sod during winter and why dormancy is actually a good thing for your lawn’s health.

What Is Dormancy and How Does Grass Prepare for Winter?

Dormancy is when plants and grass slow their metabolic processes to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. The dormancy process is crucial for survival in regions with cold winters (like here in Minnesota). As the weather cools, grass enters a state of rest where growth stops, and resources are conserved until warmer temperatures return in spring. This process is a natural defense mechanism, allowing grass to survive freezing temperatures and snow cover without needing to actively grow.

What Happens to Grass in Winter?

As winter sets in, the energy needed for new shoots or leaves is reserved. During the dormancy period, the grass may turn brown, but the roots remain alive and protected underground. Though the grass blades appear dormant above the soil, the root system continues to stay active—although at a much slower rate—ensuring that the grass can “wake up” when the weather warms up in spring.

The Role of Snow as Insulation

Love it or hate it, Minnesota typically gets a decent blanket of snow each winter. Snow isn’t just pretty (or annoying if you’re the one who has to shovel); it actually plays a vital role in protecting your lawn during the winter months. As snow accumulates on your lawn, it acts as a natural blanket, insulating the soil and helping to maintain more consistent soil temperatures. This protection prevents the roots from freezing solid, allowing them to remain viable through the colder months. Snow cover also helps to buffer temperature extremes, which can be especially beneficial during periods of thawing and refreezing.

Common Misconceptions About Dormant Grass

Many homeowners worry when their grass turns brown or seems to die off during the winter. It’s a common misconception that dormant grass is dead. In fact, brown grass is completely normal and is simply a sign that the plant is conserving energy and preparing to survive through winter. Dormant grass may appear lifeless, but it’s just taking a break! As long as the grass has been properly cared for leading into winter, it will rebound once the weather warms up. The key to a healthy lawn is making sure it’s well-prepared for dormancy by having strong roots going into the season. (Pro tip: See our previous blog posts for useful lawn care tips!)

Your Lawn Will Bounce Back in Spring

While your lawn may look brown and barren during the winter, dormancy is a necessary survival strategy. With the right care and preparation in the fall, your sod will emerge in the spring refreshed and ready to grow again. The roots will still be intact, and when temperatures rise, the grass will come out of dormancy, refreshed and ready to green up again. And don’t worry – when it’s time to wake your grass from its winter nap, B&B Hoffman Sod will be here with tips to make it lush and green!



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.

Fall Lawn Prep: Winterize the Right Way

It’s autumn in Minnesota – time for beautiful weather, brightly colored trees, and pumpkin spice everything. Folks are able to enjoy their valuable weekends at apple orchards or football games instead of spending their time on lawn care. Before you put away the mower for the season, B&B Hoffman Sod is here with tips to keep your yard in tip-top shape over the winter.

Don’t Forget the Tuna Can! (Yes, you read that right!)

Before you put away the hose or blow out your sprinkler system, remember that despite cooler temperatures and the many rainy days Minnesota had this past summer, your lawn still needs water. A healthy lawn needs approximately an inch of water per week, especially if it is less than three years old. It is best to water very deeply once a week—or twice a week if we are enjoying unseasonably hot weather. New sod needs watering everyday with the drought we are currently experiencing. 

One way to make sure your lawn is getting enough moisture is to set out empty tuna cans. To ensure you are watering the right amount, place empty tuna cans in the areas where you are sprinkling. When there is about an inch of water in the can, you’ll know your lawn has gotten enough moisture to get into the roots and stay healthy. 

Feed Your Lawn With Fertilizer

Who doesn’t like a bedtime snack? Mid-October is a great time to start putting winterizing fertilizer down. Winterizer gives your yard a boost of nitrogen for your grass to store through the winter while it’s sleeping under the snow. This nitrogen will help your yard be one of the first on the block to turn green once spring arrives. Be sure to water it in since we are not scheduled to get any rain for the next few weeks.

B&B Hoffman Sod has the fertilizer your lawn needs for each season available for purchase at our farm. Call us at 763-434-6572 to reserve your bags in time to feed your lawn for the winter.

For more information on how to care for your new sod or general yard care, explore the B&B Hoffman Sod website! We have a ton of tips for watering, lawn care, installation, and more!

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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