As the snow is (hopefully!) done for the season and temps are on the rise, many Minnesota homeowners are starting to think about their lawns. Whether you have a new build or your current grass is looking dead, dull, and patchy, the most effective way to get a lush, green yard before summer is sod installation! B&B Hoffman Sod is open for the season and ready to help get your lawn looking its best. We’re answering some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and landscapers this time of year.
Q: Is April Too Early to Install Sod?
A: Nope! The calendar isn’t the determining factor in when you can lay sod – the ground temperature is. As long as we can harvest sod, sod can be installed, will thrive and establish strong roots.
Q: Will My New Sod Be OK if There is a Late April Frost?
:A: Yes, new sod is resilient and can handle a frost.
Q: Sod vs. Seed: Which is Better in Spring?
A: Both sod and seed have their place, but in spring, sod offers several advantages, including:
- Instant green lawn vs. waiting weeks for seed to grow
- Less risk of washout from spring rains
- Fewer weeds compared to seeding
- Durability: Established sod is thicker, lusher, and less fragile than emerging seedlings
Q: How Much Sun Does New Sod Need?
A: Most sod varieties in Minnesota thrive in full sun to partial sun. Ideally, your new lawn should receive at least 50% of the daily sunlight or more.
Q: How Often Should I Water New Sod?
A: Watering new sod is critical in the first few weeks. Newly installed sod should be watered daily and kept consistently moist (but not soaked). Proper watering helps the sod establish into the soil and prevents drying out. For more information, we talk all about watering here.
Q: What Do I Have to Do to Prepare for New Sod?
A: Proper preparation is key to a successful lawn. Before installation, you should:
- Remove old grass, weeds, and debris
- Grade and level the soil
- Add topsoil if needed
A well-prepared base ensures your sod roots properly and grows evenly. Check out our installation and care instructions on our website for more information.
Q: How Soon Can You Walk on New Sod?
A: Though your new sod is thick and lush, you’ll want to limit foot traffic on it for at least 1 week, due to it being heavily watered often. Walking on a wet, newly installed lawn could cause it to shift or leave divots – foot indentations that will not go away and make for a bumpy ride when you mow it. You will mow your new lawn 7-12 days (NO LONGER) after installation, this will stimulate root growth. Once mowed, light traffic is fine, but full activity should wait until the sod is firmly established. (All the more reason to install early!)
Q: How Much Does Sod Installation Cost?
A: The cost of sod installation in Minnesota can vary depending on the size of your yard, site preparation, and the type of sod used. B&B Hoffman Sod uses a premium Kentucky Blue Grass seed blend suited for the varying temperature swings Minnesota is known for. While it’s typically more up front than seeding, sod provides instant results, reduces erosion, and requires less waiting time for your lawn to be used, making it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Get Your Lawn Ready For Summer
If you want a thick, healthy lawn in time for summer, now is the time to act. B&B Hoffman Sod is officially open for the season and ready to help with your sod installation needs. Call us at 763-434-6572 to get on the schedule and have your lawn looking its best this summer.













