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.