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.

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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Installing Your New Sod

Congratulations! You decided to spruce up your yard by laying new sod this spring. The idea of installing your new sod yourself can be overwhelming, and now the rolls of sod have been delivered and you have no idea what to do with them. Don’t worry! B&B Hoffman Sod is here to walk you through the questions that arise during the installation of a beautiful new lawn. These are the most common questions we get about sod installation:

  • How long should I wait to lay my new sod?

    Sod must always be laid the same day as delivery.

     

  • Where should I begin?

    Begin laying sod at a straight edge such as a sidewalk, driveway, curb, or string between two stakes. If you’re sodding your entire yard, we recommend working from the backyard to the front.

     

  • How should I lay the sod?

    Stagger the rows as if you were laying bricks with the seams butted together tightly but not overlapping.

     

  • Is there anything special I should be doing with the sod as I lay it?

    Keep the sod moist and prevent it from drying out. Once an area of approximately 200 square feet is installed, begin watering immediately. Keep rotating sprinklers onto freshly laid sod while continuing to install the remainder of your yard. Water enough that it has penetrated through the sod and saturated the dirt underneath, bog-like.

     

  • My sod looks lumpy – how can I fix it?

    If you see lumps in your yard and wish to roll them out, you should do so within the first week. Rolling is not necessary, but it is an option if you feel it would improve the appearance. If you do opt to roll it, rollers can be rented from a local rental store. Be sure your lawn is very damp before you begin and when using the roller, we recommend you pull it along rather than push it. 

 

Now that you’ve laid the new sod, proper care is crucial to keep it looking its best. It may seem obvious, but the most important thing to do is WATER, WATER, WATER! 

 

If you still have questions about installing or caring for new sod, we are always happy to help! Contact B&B Hoffman Sod with any questions you may have to keep your new sod looking as lush as the day we cut it.

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.

 

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!”

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.

Contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farms For Your Next Lawn Project

As you gear up for summer and plan hours of outdoor entertaining, contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farms located in Elk River, MN for all your sod needs. From fixing a small patch of lawn to installing a whole new turf, our seasoned professionals are here to help.

Our family sod farm grows, harvests, and delivers the highest quality Kentucky Bluegrass Turf in Minnesota. We are committed to growing a superior product at a low price, and we pride ourselves on impeccable customer service.

B&B Hoffman Sod offers convenient delivery services to homes and businesses to fulfill your sod needs. Our experienced drivers will strategically place pallets of sod around the yard for you, making installation easy. All turfgrass delivered in Minnesota is cut within 24 hours of delivery, ensuring the best possible product.

Are you ready to transform your lawn into lush green grass, with mature density and a solid root system? Within a few hours, 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. Our Kentucky Bluegrass sod is easy to install and maintain and will leave your yard with a beautiful instant upgrade! 

To see more photos or learn more about the products B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com, or call 763-434- 6572.

 

Avoid These Common Fall Lawn Care Mistakes

Even though the temperatures are starting to drop, it’s important not to abandon lawn care yet! Help ensure that your lawn is healthy and beautiful this spring by avoiding these common fall lawn care mistakes. 

Leaving Fallen Leaves

Minnesota autumn brings a vibrant display of leaves in hues of red and orange that are beautiful to view. However, once these leaves fall to the ground it can set your lawn up for trouble. You may be tempted to ignore them but too much leaf cover can suffocate your grass and prevent oxygen from reaching its roots. Leaf cover can also trap moisture and prevent oxygen from reaching your lawn, creating a good environment for lawn disease to thrive. Cleaning up fallen leaves or mulching them with your mower will help promote your lawn’s health.

Watering as Usual

As the weather gets cooler and the days grow shorter, your lawn will not need as much supplemental water to survive. Cutting back on how much you water in the fall will help prevent fungal growth and prepare your lawn for winter. However, if you have just installed your sod make sure you are watering adequately. Water your new sod every day for 1 week and long enough so that when you step onto the sod it’s squishy. Then after one week, (in the fall only) you can water every other or every three days; just don’t let it dry out.  Squishy isn’t necessary.  

Forgetting to Fertilize

While many homeowners may think fertilizer should be applied in the spring, fall is an ideal time to refresh your lawn before going dormant in the winter. Fall fertilization will assist in storing food and ensuring strong roots throughout the winter, and greener grass after the spring thaw. Apply fertilizer around the first week in October for the best results. We recommend a blend of 20-10-10, which can be purchased at our shop.

DON’T Avoid Planning Ahead for Spring

If you’ve been holding off until spring to lay sod, there is still time yet this year. Cool temperatures and regular rainfall this time of year encourages our natural sod grass to retain moisture. Consult with our experts, purchase sod, and find winterizing fertilizer at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River by visiting us online or calling 763-434-6572.

Can I Install Sod in the Fall? Learn What you Need to Do

Your time outside this summer may have you planning for how you can update your lawn for next year. If your grass is on the list for an upgrade, why not start this fall?! Due to the warm weather, it is often thought that summer is the best time to install sod, but this isn’t true! Sod can be installed at any time throughout the growing season. However, there are a couple of factors to consider when installing sod in the fall. 

Cool fall temperatures.

Fall usually brings cooler temperatures and the occasional rainfall. Not only are these cooler temperatures easier on your new grass, but it is also easier on you or the laborer laying the sod. By laying sod in fall weather, you have less risk of your sod overheating. You still have to water your lawn regularly, but you will need less water as it isn’t evaporating as quickly. You can still be successful when laying sod in the summer, however, summertime is usually busier and if you’re planning on going to the cabin every weekend, it is probably best to wait for the fall to lay sod. 

When is it too late to Install?

It’s never too late to install sod if we can harvest it in our fields. There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to watering your sod. If you are blowing out your irrigation system, you will still need a water source (think garden hose & sprinklers). If it’s JUST before winter, give it a good soaking and if it freezes it will go dormant and take off in the spring. However, if it warms up again you may need to drag out the hose/sprinklers. This usually occurs in the late October/early November timeframe. We do harvest sod up until the ground is frozen or the snow is too deep, but the rule of thumb is to try and have your project done by end of October as our Minnesota November weather is very unpredictable.

Fall is a great time to lay sod. Follow these steps when installing and caring for your sod in the fall, and don’t forget to fertilize your lawn (mid-October) with a 20-10-10. If you have any questions regarding the installation of sod feel free to contact us at 763-434-8231.