Get Your Lawn Ready Before the Chaos of Fall Begins!

As summer winds down and schedules start filling up with school supply runs, sports practices, and after-school activities, your yard might be the last thing on your mind. But late summer is one of the best times to install sod or refresh your lawn, and at B&B Hoffman Sod, we’re here to help you get it done before the busy season hits.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Sod Installation

Whether you need a brand-new lawn or just want to fill in some bare spots, installing sod in late summer sets you up for success. Here’s why it’s smart to schedule your sod project now:

Ideal Weather for Root Establishment

Late summer and early fall bring cooler nights and more consistent moisture, which make perfect conditions for sod to take root quickly and grow strong before winter. The earlier you lay it, the better it can establish before the ground freezes.

Beat the Back-to-School Rush

Once school starts, your calendar fills up fast! Getting your lawn project off your to-do list now means one less thing to worry about later. Plus, it’s easier to complete outdoor work before fall schedules take over and weekends are full with soccer practices, birthday parties, and football on Sundays.

 Ready for Game Days and Gatherings

Are you hosting a team party or having the neighbors over to watch a big game? A lush, green lawn is the perfect backdrop for the end-of-the-season party, one last BBQ before the snow flies, or some backyard football. Refresh your yard now so it’s game-day ready!

Sod Solutions for Every Yard

At B&B Hoffman Sod, we grow and deliver premium Kentucky Bluegrass sod that’s perfect for Minnesota yards. Whether you’re tackling a full install, touching up high-traffic areas, or repairing summer damage, we have the high-quality sod and advice you need.

We work with:

  • Homeowners ready for a lawn makeover
  • Athletic fields that need to recover from summer wear
  • Contractors and landscapers prepping for fall installs

If you just need to fix up a few patches that were damaged over the summer and don’t need to completely re-sod your yard, we’ve got you! Did you know we sell the same sod-quality seed and fertilizers we use on our own sod farm? You can seamlessly patch up pet spots or damage left behind from summer yard games without redoing your whole yard!

Don’t Wait: Schedule Your Sod Delivery Today

You can have a fresh, beautiful lawn in time for back-to-school season. Call us today at 763-434-6572 or visit our website to learn more about sod delivery, get installation tips, and find maintenance resources. Let B&B Hoffman Sod help you create a yard you’ll be proud of all season long.



Tips For Watering New Sod in July (Without Wasting a Drop!)

B&B Hoffman Sod’s Guide to Beating the Heat and Saving Your Lawn

It’s July. It’s hot… and your brand-new sod is thirsty. But with rising temps and the occasional watering restriction, keeping your lawn alive (without blowing up your water bill) can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, B&B Hoffman knows all about how to water new sod in hot summer weather, avoid heat stress, and stick to an efficient watering schedule that keeps your lawn lush and healthy.

How to Water New Sod Without Wasting Water

New sod in July is gorgeous to look at, but it also needs a lot of attention. And while adequate watering is crucial in the first few weeks, there’s no need to turn your lawn into a swamp. We’re sharing our best tips to keep your lawn looking its best without wasting water or blowing your monthly budget. You’re going to need an alarm clock (or an automatic timer) and a tuna can (yes, really), but you’ve got this!

💧 Smart Watering Tips:

  • Water Early*: Start watering at 4 AM and be done watering by 9 AM. Cooler temps = less evaporation and less chance of disease.
  • Use a Timer or Smart Irrigation Controller: Automated watering ensures consistent coverage without forgetting or overdoing it. (And you can skip the 4 AM alarm clock!)
  • Water Deep: Aim for a solid soak, not a light sprinkle. This helps roots reach down for moisture and builds drought resistance. One long watering in the morning is better than several short waterings throughout the day.
  • Avoid Making Pools: If water pools or runs off before it soaks in, split watering into two shorter cycles, 30 minutes apart.

*In areas with water restrictions, check with your city! They often allow new sod exceptions with a permit or temporary variance.

What Heat Stress Looks Like (And How to Fix It!)

If your new lawn starts looking a little crispy, don’t panic! Summer heat is no joke, and sod can show signs of heat stress if it’s under-watered or over-exposed. 

⚠️ Signs of Heat Stress in Sod:

  • Gray or dull blue-green color
  • Wilted or rolled blades
  • Footprints stay visible after you walk on it
  • Dry, crunchy texture when you touch the blades
  • Gaps at the seams between sod pieces due to shrinkage (these gaps will not go away, you want to prevent this with diligent watering)

Quick Fixes:

  • Water immediately and deeply! Soak about 1/2 inch of water on the affected area.  Watering hack: To make sure you’re actually using enough water, use a tuna fish or cat food can to gauge the amount of water getting into your lawn! (We told you you’d need a tuna can!)
  • Stay off the lawn until it perks back up.
  • Avoid mowing until the sod recovers.
  • Resume regular watering schedule once color and texture normalize.

Pro tip: Lift a corner of your sod—if the roots haven’t started grabbing into the soil underneath by Day 7–10, it needs more hydration!

Week-by-Week Watering Schedule for July Sod Installation

On days with 🔥HOT🔥 temperatures, be sure to lay your new sod on the day of delivery. Once your sod is installed, consistency is key! Here’s a general watering plan for new sod in the middle of summer:

💧 Week 1: Establish Moisture

  • Water immediately during installation. Water more than you think you need.. Water so much that water has penetrated through the grass and has saturated the ground underneath.. Water until your lawn is bog-like. And for good measure, give it one last little drink of some more water.
  • Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist.
  • Avoid walking on the sod while roots are settling in.

💧 Week 2: Start Deep Watering

  • Water once daily, preferably in the morning.
  • Each session should soak 6–8 inches deep.
  • Roots should start establishing and grabbing hold. (See pro tip above – if you can lift a corner of the sod, water more!)

💧 Week 3: Transition to Normal Schedule

  • Water every other day, depending on rainfall and heat.
  • Keep an eye out for stress signs like wilting or discoloration.
  • Mow only when the sod is rooted and 3–4 inches tall, and never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once.

💧 Week 4 and Beyond: Maintenance 

  • Water 2–3 times per week, depending on the weather.
  • Early morning watering is still best.
  • Fertilize only if recommended and avoid applying during high heat.

It’s All About Balance

New sod in summer heat requires attention, timing, and a little TLC, but it’s absolutely doable (and totally worth it!). At B&B Hoffman Sod, we grow our premium Kentucky Blue Grass to be as tough as it is beautiful, so it’s ready to root and thrive when you plant it! With smart watering and a watchful eye, your new lawn will beat the heat and thrive all season long.

Need Sod This Summer?

B&B Hoffman Sod grows our premium Kentucky bluegrass locally, cut it fresh, and have it ready to take root on your lawn! Call us at 763-434-6572 for tips, orders, or questions about watering, installation, and lawn care.

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!

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.

How to Mow Your Lawn Less (Yes, Really!)

Summer brings beautiful weather, fun outdoor activities, and… yardwork! Are you tired of spending your limited summer free time mowing your lawn instead of sitting by a pool or enjoying lunch on a patio with friends? Maybe you have kids in sports that take most of your free time and your lawn looks overgrown. We have some good news for you: Being smart about yard care can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn with less effort. B&B Hoffman Sod has put together a guide to help you spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your summer!

Choose the Right Grass Variety

Selecting a grass type that is well-suited to your climate can reduce the amount of mowing required. B&B Hoffman Sod’s premium Kentucky Bluegrass is an ideal choice for our erratic Midwest climate!

Mow High

Keeping your lawn mower blades set higher (around 3 inches) allows the grass to grow thicker, which shades the soil and reduces weed growth. Taller grass also holds moisture better, reducing the need for frequent mowing.

Use a Mulching Mower

Mulching mowers produce clippings that decompose quickly and return nutrients to the soil. This reduces the amount of waste to dispose of and helps your lawn grow more heartily – potentially reducing the need for frequent mowing.

Regular Aeration

Aerating your lawn helps to alleviate soil compaction, improve water and nutrient absorption, and encourage deeper root growth. Healthier grass can grow more evenly and require less frequent mowing.

Water Wisely

Watering deeply and less frequently encourages deeper root growth and a more resilient lawn. Shallow watering can lead to shallow roots and a lawn that grows more quickly and needs more frequent mowing.

Fertilize Right

Fertilizing your lawn is a must, but did you know that over-fertilizing can lead to rapid growth and more mowing? Use a fertilizer with slow-release nutrients to keep growth steady and manageable. 

Watch the Weather

Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day to minimize evaporation. High temps also make it hard for your lawn to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer so save the 90º days for the pool, not for fertilizing your lawn. 

 

Following these tips can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn with less effort. If you decide you still don’t want to spend the few free hours you have out in the yard, there’s no shame in outsourcing! Hire a lawn care service, find an entrepreneurial teenaged neighbor, or invest in a robotic lawn mower to minimize your time doing yardwork and maximize your time doing something fun. 

If your lawn is looking patchy and bare call 763-434-6572 or email sales@bbhoffmansod.com to see how our premium Kentucky Bluegrass seed or sod can make all the difference in your yard!



Keeping Your Sod Green: Tips for Watering During a Drought

Keeping Your Sod Green: Tips for Watering During a Drought

Despite a rainy start to our summer, the weather is finally heating up. While we may have a surplus of water now, Minnesotans know the weather can change on a dime, and a heat wave can change things quickly. In times of drought, maintaining a lush, green lawn can be a challenge, especially when it comes to newly laid sod. Proper watering is crucial to ensure the health and establishment of your sod, even in dry conditions. Let the experts at B&B Hoffman Sod help you navigate watering your sod during a drought.

Proper watering ensures sod health and longevity even in the dryest of weather conditions
Water Deeply and Infrequently

Instead of light, frequent watering, which encourages shallow root growth, water your sod deeply and less frequently. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture is more consistent. Aim to provide at least 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.

Timing is Everything

Water your sod in the early morning hours to minimize water loss due to evaporation. This allows the soil to absorb moisture more effectively and ensures that the sod has access to water throughout the day. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, as this can lead to water loss and may stress the sod further.

 

Consider Water Restrictions and Use Proper Irrigation Techniques

To adhere to local water restrictions or guidelines during drought conditions, make the most of any rainfall and use water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize waste. If using a sprinkler system:

  • Ensure it is calibrated to water evenly across the entire area of sod. 
  • Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid runoff and ensure water penetrates the soil effectively.
Monitor Soil Moisture

Regularly check the soil moisture level to determine when your sod needs water. Use a soil moisture meter or simply insert a screwdriver into the soil to gauge moisture depth. Ideally, the top 4-6 inches of soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Protect Your Investment

Remember, investing time and effort into watering your sod during a drought pays off in the long run. Properly established sod not only enhances the beauty of your landscape but also provides numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and capturing carbon dioxide.

By understanding your sod’s needs, implementing proper watering techniques, and considering water conservation strategies, you can help ensure its health and longevity even in the dryest of weather conditions. For more tips on caring for your lawn or assistance with installing our premium Kentucky Bluegrass sod, reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod by calling (763) 434-6572 or visiting our website. We’re here to support you in creating and maintaining a vibrant, healthy lawn year-round.

Get Your Yard Ready To Host Summer Events!

Get your yard ready for summer events with B&B Hoffman Sod Farms

Minnesota summers are perfect for hosting outdoor gatherings like weddings, graduation parties, birthday parties, and family reunions. When you host an event in your backyard, it becomes the backdrop where memories are created and treasured. If your lawn is looking patchy or bare, laying sod is a great way to quickly establish a lush, green backdrop for an outdoor event. If you’re unsure about when you should start or what you need to do to get your lawn ready, B&B Hoffman Sod is here to help make your yard the ideal backdrop for hosting. Here are the most important things to consider for making your outdoor space the best it can be on the big day:

Timing

Ideally, you should lay sod at least 2-3 weeks before the event. Allowing enough time before your gathering allows the sod roots to establish themselves in the soil, giving it a better chance to withstand foot traffic and activities during the event.

 

Preparation 

Before laying sod, prepare the soil thoroughly by leveling it, removing any debris, and adding any necessary soil amendments or fertilizers. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly soggy.

 

Weather 

Aim to lay sod during mild weather conditions, typically in spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler. Avoid laying sod during extreme heat or cold, as these conditions can stress the sod and affect its establishment.

 

Watering 

Immediately after laying sod, it’s crucial to water it thoroughly to help it settle and initiate root growth. Keep the sod consistently moist in the following weeks, adjusting watering frequency based on weather conditions.

 

Mowing and Maintenance 

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress on the newly established sod.

 

High-Traffic Areas 

If possible, restrict heavy foot traffic on newly laid sod until it has firmly rooted into the soil. Consider using temporary pathways or stepping stones to minimize damage in high-traffic areas.

 

If you’re planning to host an outdoor event and unsure about the timing or process of laying your sod, reach out to us at B&B Hoffman Sod Farms! We can provide the guidance you need to ensure your lawn is perfect for your event. Our beautiful Kentucky Blue Grass and expert knowledge will make your lawn a stunning backdrop for your special occasion.


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 Often to Water New Sod

As the intense heat of summer starts, be certain you’re tending to your new lawn to ensure that it will flourish going forward. Getting sufficient water onto new sod, and keeping it moist throughout the next few weeks is critical. Below is a breakdown of what your watering schedule should look like.

The day of installation.

As you install your new sod, be sure to have the sprinklers going right away. Start your sprinklers once you have an area installed large enough that you won’t get wet as you continue to lay your new sod. In dry or windy conditions, move your sprinklers often so no area goes too long without water.  Be sure to water long enough that when you lift a roll of sod, the water has penetrated through the sod and has saturated the ground underneath…. Bog like.

The next three weeks.

Keep the below-turf soil surface moist with daily (or more) waterings. Your sod is like a wet sponge– it is moist when it’s laid down and if it’s not watered immediately, the sod will shrink which can lead to cracks between each roll. If your sod looks dry or has a bluish look, water immediately! When you water every day it takes less water to keep the sod moist. Plan to water your new sod two to four times each day for the first seven to ten days after it is laid.

Tip one.

Water long enough so that when you step onto the sod it’s squishy, or set a tuna can out by the sprinkler and when it’s filled, move your sprinkler to a new area. If you use a pulsating sprinkler or a sprinkler system, it should take approximately 45 minutes. An oscillating sprinkler will take about one hour.

Tip two.

Water as early in the morning as possible. The morning usually has lower wind speeds and has less loss of water evaporation.

Tip three.

If you have issues with runoff on sloped areas before the soil is adequately moist, turn off the water when runoff begins, wait 30 minutes and restart the watering on the same area.

Tip four.

Make SURE that the areas being watered over-lap. Corners and edges are particularly vulnerable to drying out faster than the center of new sod.

Always monitor your lawn for signs of dryness. If you find there are spots your sprinklers aren’t reaching, use a handheld sprayer to spot-water those areas. Your vigilant work will be worth it when you have a lush green lawn to enjoy for years to come. B&B Hoffman Sod is available to answer any questions at 763-434-6572!

Summer Lawn Care Tips for Your Minnesota Lawn

As Summer is approaching quickly, keep these Minnesota lawn care tips in mind. With a little effort your lawn can be healthy and thriving all summer!

Check out a few of these pointers to keep your lawn looking its best.

Soaking sessions. Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week. Since the rainfall has been sparse, we suggest watering occurs through irrigation, ensuring water soaks 5-6 inches deep into the soil. Watering for a longer duration, less often, is preferred over daily watering. This routine prepares your grass for potential or continued drought and creates a hardier grass cover.

Timing is everything. The most efficient time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours, prior to 9 a.m. At this time, there is the least amount of sunlight and wind, and the lower temperatures allow for equal water distribution. Watering at night is not recommended as the lawn then sits with no sunlight, often causing moss, different types of weeds, algae, and possibly diseases to grow and spread. Always check with local watering restrictions in your area.

Adjust your clipping. Mow your grass to its specified type height, usually around 2 ½ to 3 inches. Taller grass is a natural weed repellent and allows deeper root growth. Shorter grass drys easily, often turning brown and spreading disease.

Fine-tune your tools. To ensure an efficient irrigation routine, make sure all sprinklers are aimed at grass, not pavement or hard surfaces. Repair hoses, fittings, and nozzles as needed to eliminate leakage and save on water waste.

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