Prepare Your Lawn for Winter: B&B Hoffman Sod’s Guide to Cold-Weather Lawn Care

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s time to give your lawn a little extra care before winter sets in. Winterizing your lawn properly helps protect your grass from cold weather damage and sets you up for a greener, healthier lawn next spring. Whether you recently installed all new sod or you already have an established yard, a few simple steps can make all the difference.

Keep Mowing 

As the growing season slows, continue mowing your lawn until it stops actively growing. (Sorry, you’re not off the hook yet!) Gradually lower your mower height in the final few cuts, but never cut more than ⅓ of the height at once or you could cause stress to the grass. Shorter grass helps prevent snow mold and other winter diseases while keeping your lawn looking neat before the snow arrives.

Pro tip: Aim for a final cutting height of about 2 to 2.5 inches.

Rake and Remove Leaves

Fallen leaves can suffocate your grass and trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold and pests. Rake up or mulch leaves regularly to allow your lawn to breathe before it goes dormant. A clean yard now means a stronger lawn in the spring.

Feed Your Lawn One Last Time

Late fall is the ideal time to fertilize. A slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer helps strengthen grass roots and store nutrients that carry your lawn through winter dormancy. This fall feeding gives your sod a head start once temperatures warm up again.

Pro tip: You can purchase the same high-quality fertilizer we use on our farm!

Water Until the Ground Freezes

Your lawn still needs water, even as the weather cools down. Keep watering your grass until the ground freezes to help your sod store moisture and nutrients before winter dormancy. If you’ve installed new sod this fall, maintaining consistent moisture is especially important for root establishment.

Pro Tip: Don’t blow out your sprinkler system too early! If you’ve already shut down your irrigation system, make sure to hook up a garden hose and sprinkler to make sure your lawn is properly watered before going dormant for the season.

Avoid Heavy Traffic on Frozen Grass

Once your lawn freezes, it becomes more fragile. Try to limit walking or driving on frozen grass to prevent breaking grass blades and compacting the soil. If you have pets or kids, consider setting up a designated pathway to protect your turf during the snowy months.

Plan Ahead for Spring

Proper winterization is one of the best ways to ensure a lush, green yard once spring arrives. If you’ve been thinking about adding new sod or repairing bare spots, plan your spring sod order early with B&B Hoffman Sod so you’re ready to roll out fresh, healthy grass as soon as the weather cooperates.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to wait until spring to set up your lawn for success! You can lay sod all the way until the ground freezes this fall.

Give Your Lawn the Care It Deserves

You may think that you’re already done with your lawn care for the season, but a little prep now pays off later. By mowing, fertilizing, watering, and protecting your grass before the freeze, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant, mud-free, and healthy spring lawn. B&B Hoffman Sod is here to help you every step of the way, from installation to long-term care. Visit our website or give us a call at 763-434-6572 to learn more about our premium Kentucky Blue Grass, get fall lawn care tips, and how to prepare your yard for winter.


It’s Not Too Late! Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Lay Sod

When it comes to laying sod, most people think it can only be done in the spring and summer seasons. But did you know that you can successfully install sod all the way up until the ground is frozen? That means late fall (and sometimes even early winter!) is still an excellent time to transform your yard with fresh sod. B&B Hoffman Sod Farm is still open for the season and ready for you to get your lawn ready to look great this spring!

Why Late-Season Sod Works So Well

As long as the ground isn’t frozen, sod can still take root. Cooler temperatures actually help prevent stress on new grass, and with the right care, it will be ready to green up beautifully in the spring. You’ll need access to a hose and sprinkler system, so if you’re planning to sod before the end of the season, don’t blow out your irrigation lines just yet. But don’t worry! If you’ve already shut down your sprinkler system for the season, simply hook up a garden hose and sprinkler to keep your sod watered until the ground naturally freezes.

Avoid the Springtime Mud Pit!

One of the biggest perks of installing sod now is skipping the dreaded spring mud season. If your lawn has patchy spots, that bare soil plus melting snow will bring muddy footprints, messy paws, and endless cleaning. By putting down sod now, you’ll create a stable, grass-covered yard that’s ready to go as soon as the weather warms up (no mud boots required!).

Perfect for Families (and Puppies!)

Thinking about adding a puppy to the family this Christmas? Or do you have little ones eager to play outside at the first hint of spring? Laying sod now means they’ll have a dry, grassy space to enjoy instead of a muddy mess that gets tracked through your home.

Get Ahead of Next Season

Installing sod in late fall is like giving your yard a head start. You’ll avoid the stress and mess of spring seeding, and your lawn will be established and ready for use sooner. So don’t wait until spring! If the ground isn’t frozen, it’s not too late to sod! Call B&B Hoffman Sod at 763-434-6572 and roll out that lush green carpet to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful lawn before the season is over – and to avoid that springtime mud!

How Late Can I Lay Sod in Minnesota?

As summer winds down in Minnesota, many homeowners assume the window for installing sod has closed. But here’s the truth: you can successfully lay sod well into the fall season in Minnesota. Depending on the weather, you can lay sod through October and sometimes even into November, and early fall is actually one of the best times of the year to install! B&B Hoffman Sod is here to discuss how cooler weather and natural conditions set your new grass up for success, so you can enjoy a lush, healthy yard next spring.

Why Fall Is Ideal for Sod Installation in Minnesota:

Cooler Temperatures Mean Less Stress

Unlike the intense heat of summer, Minnesota’s fall weather provides mild, consistent temperatures that are much gentler on sod. This allows the grass to focus on root development instead of battling dehydration and heat stress.

More Reliable Moisture

Fall typically brings more frequent and steady rainfall, which is essential for helping sod take root. Combined with cooler weather, this reduces how often and how much you’ll need to water, saving both time and effort while ensuring proper establishment.

Fewer Weeds to Compete With

Luckily, weeds naturally slow down in the fall. This gives your sod a head start, so it can grow strong without being crowded out by dandelions or crabgrass.

Healthy Soil Conditions

By autumn, Minnesota’s soil has cooled from the summer heat, creating the perfect environment for sod roots to establish. Cooler soil not only encourages growth but also helps reduce the risk of disease that thrives in hot, humid weather.

How Late Is Too Late to Sod in Minnesota?

The general rule is simple: as long as the ground isn’t frozen, you can lay sod. Most years in Minnesota, that means sod installation is possible well into October and sometimes even in November. The earlier you install, the better chance your sod will have to develop roots before winter. Don’t worry if winter shows up unexpectedly before your sod takes root! Sod will go dormant and take off in the spring. 

Pro tip: Keep in mind you will need a water source if you choose to install sod late in the season. November can still be warm enough to have to water and mow, so if you’ve already shut down your irrigation system, make sure to manually water your new sod!

Tips for Successful Fall Sod Installation

  Timing: You can lay sod through October and into November so long as the ground isn’t frozen! Since you never know what the weather will bring, aim to lay sod early to mid-fall. 

  Prepare Your Yard: Remove debris, level the soil, and loosen compacted areas for better root contact.

 Water Regularly: Even in cooler temps, sod needs consistent moisture to take hold. Don’t rely only on rainfall; Make sure your sod gets adequate watering until it’s established.

  Limit Foot Traffic: Keep kids, pets, and heavy use off your new sod until you’ve mowed it at least once. 

  Work with a Professional Sod Supplier: High-quality sod makes all the difference. That’s where B&B Hoffman Sod comes in.

By following our installation and maintenance advice, your sod will take root and look amazing! B&B Hoffman Sod is available to help answer any questions regarding your new sod. Call us at 763-434-6572 or send us an email. We’re happy to ensure your lawn always looks its best!

Pro tip: October is the ideal time to winterize your lawn with a nutrient-rich fertilizer. B&B Hoffman Sod sells the same premium fertilizers we use on our own farm, so you can make sure your lawn will continue to look lush and green long after installation.

Get Your Minnesota Sod Installed Before Winter

Don’t wait until spring! Fall sod installation in Minnesota gives your yard a head start for next season. By laying sod now, you’ll avoid the heat stress of summer, minimize weed competition, and ensure your lawn is ready to turn green and vibrant the moment the snow melts.

B&B Hoffman Sod has been helping Minnesota homeowners and businesses with high-quality sod for decades. Whether you need to install sod for a new build, refresh a tired lawn, or repair problem areas, fall is the perfect season to do it. Contact us today at 763-434-6572 to schedule your sod installation before the ground freezes. Your lawn will thank you come spring!