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.

Fall Lawn Prep: Winterize the Right Way

It’s autumn in Minnesota – time for beautiful weather, brightly colored trees, and pumpkin spice everything. Folks are able to enjoy their valuable weekends at apple orchards or football games instead of spending their time on lawn care. Before you put away the mower for the season, B&B Hoffman Sod is here with tips to keep your yard in tip-top shape over the winter.

Don’t Forget the Tuna Can! (Yes, you read that right!)

Before you put away the hose or blow out your sprinkler system, remember that despite cooler temperatures and the many rainy days Minnesota had this past summer, your lawn still needs water. A healthy lawn needs approximately an inch of water per week, especially if it is less than three years old. It is best to water very deeply once a week—or twice a week if we are enjoying unseasonably hot weather. New sod needs watering everyday with the drought we are currently experiencing. 

One way to make sure your lawn is getting enough moisture is to set out empty tuna cans. To ensure you are watering the right amount, place empty tuna cans in the areas where you are sprinkling. When there is about an inch of water in the can, you’ll know your lawn has gotten enough moisture to get into the roots and stay healthy. 

Feed Your Lawn With Fertilizer

Who doesn’t like a bedtime snack? Mid-October is a great time to start putting winterizing fertilizer down. Winterizer gives your yard a boost of nitrogen for your grass to store through the winter while it’s sleeping under the snow. This nitrogen will help your yard be one of the first on the block to turn green once spring arrives. Be sure to water it in since we are not scheduled to get any rain for the next few weeks.

B&B Hoffman Sod has the fertilizer your lawn needs for each season available for purchase at our farm. Call us at 763-434-6572 to reserve your bags in time to feed your lawn for the winter.

For more information on how to care for your new sod or general yard care, explore the B&B Hoffman Sod website! We have a ton of tips for watering, lawn care, installation, and more!

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 Should I Take Care of My Lawn During a Drought?

In general, you should only be watering your lawn when it needs it, but knowing when your lawn needs watering might be difficult!

Grass needs to be watered about 1” to 1½” per week and you shouldn’t water any lawn every day. However, on the days you do, water the sunny spots more frequently than the shaded spots. If the grass is newly planted there will be more watering requirements to assure healthy root development. Make sure you never overwater because it can lead to shallow root systems and can drown new grass shoots, especially during drought season. 

Speaking of drought season, here are some methods and remedies that can help your lawn make it through in one piece!

Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently before 10 a.m. is essential to ensure you’re not wasting money away. If you start to see thin or bare patches of dirt, overseeding helps repair these areas. However, if the patch is too far gone reach out to us, B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, for help with sod applications. 

Before a drought, begin nourishing your grass with the correct fertilizer so your grass can store up what it needs. Whenever mowing never cut off more than ⅓ of your grass and drought conditions can stunt the growth of your grass, so the rule applies more than ever. 

If you have more questions about lawn care during a drought or the products that B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers, visit us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 763-434-6572. 

Improve your lawn with new sod, even in late summer heat!

If you’ve spent most of the summer trying to get grass seed to sprout, only to have a mud pit in your yard, consider trying sod. Available in multiple sizes, sod is easy to install and maintain, offering a lush, beautiful lawn before the leaves begin to fall.

Preparation. To create a thriving lawn, it is important to first prepare the soil. Loosen the top six to eight inches of soil by raking or tilling, adding any amendments your particular soil may need (such as clay, sand, or peat moss). Level the surface with a rake and grade toward walkways or driveways as needed. 

Installation. Sod can be installed anytime, but in August homeowners need to be diligent with watering. If you have the opportunity, lay sod on a cool, overcast day to minimize plant stress. Stagger rolls in a brick-like pattern and place seams together without overlapping. 

Water regularly. Moisten the soil to a depth of 4 inches or until you can lift the sod and see that the water has penetrated through and saturated the ground underneath. Remember to water at least once or twice a day for 8 days. After 8 days, the grass will tell you if it needs water by appearing bluish in color. After 8-10 days gently tug at the sod, if you feel a little resistance, then you know the roots are starting to anchor in the soil and it is safe to mow. 

Mowing and Maintenance. Mowing stimulates root growth; therefore, you want to mow around the 10 day mark. Ensure your mower is on the highest setting to help evenly distribute the moisture it receives and slow the spread of disease. Consider bagging the clippings the first few times to stimulate further root development. Allow your lawn about a month of growth, then feed it with fertilizer to counteract any nutrients that may have been lost due to heavy watering in the beginning of the process.

Turfgrass sod creates a soft, clean, and safe playing surface for children and pets, provides a great environment for  lawn games, and improves family entertaining. Learn more about sod and the products B&B Hoffman Sod Farms offers by visiting us online at bbhoffmansod.com or call 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.

Tips on How to Plan Your Dream Lawn

This Minnesota snow has me daydreaming of days spent outside soaking up the summer sun. But, since there is still snow on the ground it is a great time to start daydreaming and planning your ideal lawn.

Designing a lawn is like designing any part of your landscape. You will need to consider how you plan to use the space and what your needs are. Here are a few tips for designing your perfect lawn.

Using the space: ‘how do you use the lawn?’ If you have kids, they’re going to want a large open, grassy area to kick the ball or play catch. While, if you’re an older couple, you may prefer just enough grass to provide an open, clean look to occasionally entertain on.

Initial installation: In comparison to planter beds or patios, a lawn can be inexpensive to install. That being said, a larger lawn will require more resources which has an impact on price. If you are debating on what to start your lawn with check out this resource on sod vs. seed.

Proximity to your home: Lawn can double as a great pathway or entertaining area, it is nice to have lush green grass just off your patio or back door to expand the usable space in your landscape.

Maintenance: A beautiful lawn requires mowing, edging, fertilizing, aeration, and occasional weed control to keep it looking lush. If you start your lawn out by laying sod, you will have an instant lawn with mature density and a solid root system. While a lawn that is started with seed can take two to three years of dedicated work to mature. 

Drainage: Sod or seed won’t grow in an area that is constantly pooling with water. If you have an area of your property that is known to have bad drainage be sure to create a drainage system first.

Highlight your garden: A carpet of green lawn looks beautiful surrounding a garden. The openness of a grassy area makes a good visual contrast to the varied shapes and colors of trees and shrubs.

The Minnesota winter is a great time to start planning your dream yard. Follow these tips and head to Pinterest for some inspiration. 

When you’re ready to chat about starting your lawn out with sod reach out to B&B Hoffman Sod, we would love to help! Turfgrass sod creates a soft, clean, and safe playing surface for children and pets, provides a great environment for lawn games, and improves family entertaining.