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!

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms – July Blog

When, and How Much, to Water Your Lawn

Our lawns need moisture to grow and thrive in the hot summer months, sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t take care of that for us and we need to water our lawns ourselves. But how much water does a lawn need? And when is the best time of day to do it?

A well hydrated lawn is a happy lawn. Most lawns need one inch to 1.5 inches of water every week and if that does not come from rainfall, it should be done through irrigation. Water should soak 5-6 inches deep into the soil for best results.

Homeowners should wait as long as possible between waterings without allowing the plants to go into water stress. Once a week should be plenty for most soil lawns. Those with poor soil may need to water twice a week. It is best to water a lawn heavily and infrequently. This causes plants to develop deep, strong root systems that can extract water from a much larger volume of soil than the shallow roots associated with light, frequent irrigations.

The most efficient time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours between 4-8 a.m. At this time, there is less sunlight and the temperature is lower so there is less water lost to evaporation. The wind is typically calmer in the morning hours, so distribution is improved. Mid-day watering is good for the plants because it cools the plant temperatures, but it is not efficient because some of the water will evaporate before it even gets into the soil.

Watering at night is not recommended because the lawn then sits wet all night. This can cause moss to grow, as well as different types of weeds, algae and possibly diseases.

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms can help keep your yard in shape with its easy-to- use small sod rolls that make laying turfgrass yourself easy and efficient. Don’t need sod? Check out B&B Hoffman’s supply of fertilizer to help your lawn build strong roots and keep your grass healthy and thick.

To learn more about summer lawn care and the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit them online at bbhoffmansodev.wpengine.com or call 763-434- 6572.