Spring Has Sprung! How to Get Your Lawn Ready for the Season

As spring arrives in Minnesota, homeowners start thinking about bringing their lawns back to life. But successful spring lawn care isn’t just about the date on the calendar, it’s also all about timing, soil temps, and repairing winter damage before the season begins. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms is here to help homeowners turn tired, patchy lawns into lush, healthy landscapes this spring. Here’s how to get your lawn in tip-top shape for the season ahead.

Repairing Winter Damage: Voles, Snow Mold, and Dead Patches.. Oh My!

Minnesota winters can leave behind more than just melting snow and muddy puddles. As your lawn thaws, it’s important to assess and address any damage you find. 

Vole Damage

If your lawn suddenly looks like a road map, voles are likely to blame. Vole damage often appears as thin, winding trails across the lawn where these adorable yet infuriating little rodents tunneled under the snow over the winter. The good news is that it’s repairable with a little work, time, and patience. Lightly raking these areas helps remove dead grass and encourages new growth. Overseeding, fertilizer, and consistent watering will help regrowth. But if the damage is extensive, you may want to consider new sod.

Snow Mold

Another common issue that arises this time of year is snow mold. This will show up as matted, gray or pink patches after the snow melts. To get rid of it, gently rake the affected areas to improve airflow and promote healthy growth. If you find damage under the mold, you could aerate and overseed to get the area looking its best.

Thin/Dead Patches

If your lawn has smaller bare patches from winter damage, overseeding is one of the most effective ways to restore it. Spreading fresh grass seed improves density, fills in weak areas, and helps crowd out weeds before they can take hold. For best results, lightly rake the soil before seeding and keep the area consistently moist as the new grass establishes. If your lawn needs more extensive repair, fresh sod can be the fastest way to bring it back to life and restore a uniform, healthy appearance. 

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Once the soil is warm and you’ve fixed any damage, here are the actions you can take to make sure your lawn looks great this spring:

  • Fertilizer: Early spring is the perfect time to feed your lawn after a long winter. Applying a balanced fertilizer helps promote healthy root growth, improves color, and encourages thicker turf. A well fed lawn not only looks better but is also more resistant to weeds, disease, and stress throughout the season.
  • Aeration: While fall is the ideal time for aeration, spring aeration can still benefit lawns that feel hard, drain poorly, or struggle with uneven growth. After a few months of snow and foot traffic, soil can become compacted, making it harder for grass roots to grow. Aeration helps loosen the soil and allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deeper.
  • Remove Thatch and Debris: A layer of debris and thatch can build up over winter, blocking sunlight and nutrients from reaching your grass. After the snow is gone and your lawn is dry, gently rake away leaves, sticks, and matted grass to improve overall lawn health. (But avoid being too aggressive this early in the season!)
  • Check Your Equipment: Before mowing season begins, take the time to check your lawn equipment. Sharp lawn mower blades ensure a clean cut, while setting the mowing height to around 2.5 to 3 inches will encourage healthy growth.
  • Water: Spring often brings rain, but it’s still important to prepare for consistent watering as temps rise. Check your sprinkler system for proper coverage and leaks, and plan to water deeply – and less frequently – to encourage strong root systems.

Trust the Soil Temperature Instead of the Calendar

One of the most important (and overlooked) factors in spring lawn care is soil temperature. Many homeowners jump into lawn treatments based on the calendar, but if the ground isn’t ready it will make a major difference in results. For example, crabgrass prevention is most effective after the soil warms up and the soil temperatures reach 50 – 55ºF consistently. Applying too early reduces effectiveness, while applying too late allows crabgrass to germinate. A good rule of thumb is to watch for steady temperatures over several days, not just a single warm afternoon, but if you want to be sure, you can track real-time soil temperatures here. 

Get Your Lawn In Ship Shape for the Season

By addressing damage, using proper timing, and with a little preparation, you can set the stage for a lush, green yard all season long. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms understands the unique challenges of growing and maintaining lawns in Minnesota. Whether you need help repairing damage, improving your lawn’s health, or starting fresh with new sod, our team is here to help. Contact us today at 763-434-6572 to answer your lawn questions or to help get your lawn ready for spring.

Winter on a Minnesota Sod Farm: What Happens to Your Grass?

When you live in Minnesota, winter isn’t just a season, it’s a lifestyle. At B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, we get a lot of questions about what happens to grass once the snow flies. Does it survive? Does it die? Do we start over every spring? Let’s walk through what really happens to sod during a Minnesota winter.

How Do We Prepare Our Sod for Winter? 

Fall is one of the most important times of year for natural grass health. Before freeze-up, we:

  • Apply a late-season winterizer fertilizer to strengthen root systems
  • Continue mowing until growth naturally slows
  • Slightly lower the final cut height
  • Ensure proper field drainage to prevent ice damage

Strong roots going into winter are the key to healthy, harvest-ready sod in spring.

What Happens to Grass During a Minnesota Winter?

Once soil temperatures drop into the low 40s, our cool-season grasses go dormant. The blades turn brown, but the crown and roots remain alive beneath the surface.

When the ground freezes, growth stops completely, — but the plant is essentially in hibernation. Under consistent snow cover, grass is actually insulated and protected.

The biggest stressors for grass in winter? Ice sheets, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and poor drainage.

Does Sod Survive Freezing Temperatures?

Yes, absolutely!

We grow hardy, cold-tolerant perennial natural grass varieties specifically selected for Minnesota’s climate. We do not have to replant our fields every spring, but we do replant after each harvest. The natural grass we plant after each harvest will have established before the end of the growing season and come back ready for spring!

If we had to regrow everything each spring, we’d never keep up!

@shellyhoffmanwatt

♬ Cold - Chris Stapleton

Do Winter Conditions Affect Sod Quality?

They can.

Extended ice cover, poor drainage, or heavy snow mold pressure may thin natural grass in isolated areas. That’s why fall preparation is so critical.

A steady snow blanket is actually beneficial. Ice buildup is what causes the most damage.

Can Newly Laid Sod Survive Winter? 

Yes! Sod installed late in the fall will succeed, even if it hasn’t fully rooted before freeze-up. The key factors for survival are:

  • Proper soil preparation
  • Good soil-to-sod contact
  • Avoiding heavy foot traffic

Even if rooting is minimal before freeze-up, sod will establish once soil temperatures warm in spring.

What Are the Best Grass Varieties for Cold Climates?

Not all grass is created equal – especially in Minnesota! 

We primarily grow blends bred specifically for Upper Midwest winters. Our farm grows and sells varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, which have excellent cold tolerance and recovery.

What Does a Sod Farm Do All Winter?

We may not be harvesting, but we’re busy:

  • Planning next season’s acreage
  • Ordering seed and inputs
  • Servicing equipment
  • Meeting with builders and contractors
  • Quoting spring pre-orders
  • Managing snow (because… Minnesota)

Winter is our planning season.

Can Homeowners Winterize Their Grass Like We Do?

Absolutely.!

Here’s what you can do:

  • Apply a late-fall winterizer fertilizer
  • Keep mowing until growth stops
  • Remove leaves before snowfall
  • Limit foot traffic on frozen grass

Good fall lawn prep makes a major difference in spring.

What Should You Avoid Doing in Winter to Keep Your Grass Safe?

Dormant grass is tougher than it looks, but it’s not indestructible. Keep your grass safe this winter: 

  • Avoid repeated walking on frozen grass
  • Don’t pile salt-heavy snow onto lawn areas
  • Don’t leave thick leaf mats under snow
  • Don’t assume brown grass is dead
When Can I Schedule Spring Sod Delivery?

You can schedule spring sod delivery as soon as the ground is thawed and conditions allow harvesting. Depending on frost depth and weather, sod harvesting will typically begin sometime iat the end of April.

Minnesota spring keeps everyone guessing, but we begin scheduling early.

How Should I Plan Now for Spring Sod Installation?

Winter is actually the perfect time to measure your yard, plan grading or irrigation, and line up contractors before everyone else gets the same idea. Spring schedules fill quickly once the snow melts.

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To get on our spring schedule or to ask us your grass questions, give us a call at 763-434-6572 today! We’ll be ready for sod season as soon as Minnesota is.


 

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!

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!



Springtime Sod in Minnesota

Minnesotans were lucky to experience a warm and mostly dry winter over the last few months rather than the bitter cold and snow we are used to. Now that spring is here, many of us are realizing that our lawns weren’t as happy as we were with the warmer temps and lack of snow. If your lawn is looking bare or patchy, consider laying new sod or reseeding the bare spots.

If your lawn is only bare in a few small areas, B&B Hoffman Sod Farm has high-quality fertilizer and seed available for our customers. This is the same seed and fertilizer we use on our premium sod fields, so you can be assured that your new grass will look beautiful as it comes in.

Larger bare areas may be harder to seed. Wind, heavy rain, children, and pets can blow away or damage freshly laid seed and fertilizer. If you need to grow large areas of grass, you should skip the seed this spring and contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farm for a quote on high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Our sod is bred to be dark green, soft, and durable to withstand harsh climates. 

An added bonus to installing sod – freeing up your weekends! Weeds love to grow in areas where grass is thin or sparse. The sod grown at B&B Hoffman Sod Farm is carefully managed, fertilized regularly, and watered as necessary to produce grass that is resistant to weeds. Less weeds = less yardwork time!

Now is the perfect time to seed or sod your lawn. Contact B&B Hoffman Sod Farm to ask about our seed, fertilizer, or sod. Our beautiful grass is available for delivery or pick up, in big and small rolls for any size job.

Myths About Sod Debunked

If you’re debating between buying sod or seed when redoing your lawn, there’s a lot of information out there about the pros and cons of both methods. However, some of that information is not quite accurate, so we’re here to debunk common myths about buying professionally grown sod for your lawn.

Myth #1: Sod takes more work than seed.

Since sod is already sprouted and established before it ever arrives at your property, it greatly reduces the amount of time you’ll spend caring for your lawn. In addition, you’ll get to enjoy your sodded lawn much sooner than one from seed.

Myth #2: Sod is too expensive.

While sod does require a larger up-front investment than seed, the long-term value is undeniable. Since sod is already sprouted and grown in dense patches that are weed and pest free, you’ll be ahead from day one of your sod installation versus trying to use only seed. Plus, sod has a much better chance of evenly rooting across your lawn, while seeds tend to sprout unevenly and require multiple reseeding attempts to get full coverage.

Myth #3: Sod is bad for the environment.

Rooted in the false idea that sod producers use tons of pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds in their sod, many mistakenly believe that the runoff of these chemicals is hurting the environment. The truth is that modern sod varieties, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, grow dense root mats, preventing weeds from breaking through the surface with minimal need for weed killers. These sod varieties are also engineered to resist common pests. As a result, reputable sod farms, like B&B Hoffman Sod in Minnesota, have less and less need to use chemicals in order to grow premium-quality sod.

Spring is a great time to sod, allowing you to take advantage of our rainy season to help with watering. The cool temperatures also help with keeping on top of watering. B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River provides easy-to-use small rolls that make laying turfgrass yourself easy and efficient. There is no expensive machinery needed, making Small Sod Rolls the do-it-yourselfers product of choice.

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

When Should I Aerate My Lawn This Spring?

The best time to aerate your lawn is when it is actively growing. In Minnesota, the cool-season grasses are most actively growing in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Aerating while the roots are still active will help you achieve the healthy, green lawn you want.

How to tell if your lawn needs aerating. There are several signs that a lawn is in need of aeration. In addition to making aeration a regular part of your annual yard prep and/or clean-up, watch for indications that water is not penetrating the soil properly. Other signs to look for include brown or dead spots, thin and dull grass, or grass that just doesn’t seem to grow much (if at all).

How frequently should you aerate your lawn. As long as you are aerating at about the same time each year, an annual aeration should be all you need to support a healthy lawn.

When not to aerate your lawn. Aerating a lawn during times when the grass is dormant is never a good idea because it can open your lawn up to weed growth or other problems. You should also avoid aeration when your lawn is wet. It is best to wait until the grass is actively growing.

If the snow melting in the spring means a destroyed lawn for you, that even aeration won’t revive, reach out to B&B Hoffman for Kentucky Bluegrass sod. Kentucky Bluegrass is known for its dense, lush, and durable qualities making it the perfect choice for Minnesota yards.

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If you have a yard renovation on your mind or sod need for 2022, give us a call for a quote on high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass Sod. Each piece is grown in uniform thickness and bred to be dark green, soft, and durable to withstand harsh climates.

 

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms – April Blog

Spring is the perfect time to get your yard back in shape after the long winter. It’s time to patch dead areas, de-thatch and fertilize. Pre-emergent weed control should go down when the ground temperature reaches 50 degrees, which will be earlier this year than most because of the mild winter and warm spring in Minnesota this year.

Thatch is simply the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil surface and the green grass blades above. It can form a thick mat that prevents water and air from reaching the soil. To prevent this, de-thatching should be done once a year in the early spring, usually in April. If your lawn gets too green and too thick, it’s too late to de-thatch. De-thatching, which can be done to smaller lawns with a special rake, allows you to get the thatch out of the grass, allowing air to get at the base of the plant and gives it a healthy start in the spring after a long winter. Those with larger lawns may choose to rent a dethaching machine, which is similar in appearance to a push lawn mower.

Fertilizers are important to lawn care because they can expedite plant growth. Fertilizers make plants and crops grow more quickly and appear greener, fuller and healthier. Most nutrients for your lawn are water-soluble and, over time through rain or irrigation, the water will carry nutrients out of your lawn and leave it nutrient deficient. An unhealthy lawn is susceptible to disease, and fertilizer can replenish those nutrients and keep your lawn healthy.

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms can help get your yard back in shape with its supply of fertilizer. But for new lawns, sod is an excellent option to jump-start the growing process because it gives you an immediate green lawn with mature density and a solid root system. Lawns established with turfgrass sod are an immediate joy and source of pride, while lawns started with seed, sprigs, or plugs take from 2 to 3 years of constant work to mature. In an instant, turfgrass sod creates a soft, clean and safe playing surface for children, lawn games and family entertaining.

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms in Elk River provides easy-to-use small rolls that make laying turfgrass yourself easy and efficient. There is no expensive machinery needed, making Small Sod Rolls the do-it-yourselfers product of choice.

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