Can You Walk on Sod? When to Start Walking on New Sod?

This blog discusses the benefits of waiting until the right time to walk on new sod as well as the drawbacks of doing so too soon.

You certainly wouldn’t anticipate damaging newly installed sod on your lawn. However, can you walk on sod? When can you begin walking on freshly laid sod?

Once your newly installed sods have taken root, you can begin to enjoy them. In just two weeks, new sod develops roots strong enough to withstand light traffic. Give new sods two to six weeks to fully establish themselves before putting them under heavy traffic.

This article will discuss the ideal time to walk on freshly laid sod as well as the precautions you can take to make sure it succeeds.

When Can You Walk on New Sod?

If your new sod has shallow roots, you can begin walking on it after 14 days, though the exact number of days depends on whether the sod has taken root.

If you think this is a long time, remember that you would have needed to wait at least two months longer if you had used seed instead of sod. Your patience will be rewarded if you can wait two weeks as opposed to two months.

You should avoid stepping on sod that easily pulls with little effort because it hasn’t yet been rooted. Lifting the sod with a lot of resistance demonstrates that the roots have grown stronger and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

You must water your sod properly, which necessitates walking on it, in addition to waiting the required two weeks. You just need to pay as little as you can because it is necessary.

Therefore, tread lightly and cautiously as you mow newly planted sod for the first time, and heed the instructions. It’s also worth noting that warm weather allows grassroots to establish themselves more quickly in the soil beneath.

Therefore, waiting until the appropriate time establishes your lawn firmly on the ground and prevents drifting or suffering from damaged roots as a result of foot activity.

Why Can’t You Walk on New Turf Too Early?

Your turfgrass has a lower chance of thriving if you start walking on it before it forms a solid anchorage system because the foot pressure wears down some of the turfs or even causes the new sod to turn brown.

Therefore, waiting for proper root establishment is the best course of action. The most you can do is increase the rate at which root establishment occurs in an effort to reduce the waiting period. You can achieve this by:

1. During the first 14 days, make sure to water the new sod frequently.
2. Do not overwater your new sod because too much moisture in the soil prevents rooting.

If you must walk on your new sod during the first six weeks after installation, try to avoid repeatedly taking the same path through the lawn and alternate your sod routes as much as you can.

Due to heavy foot traffic, this will lessen the likelihood that certain areas of the sod will become worn down.

You can use plywood to cover your new sod to protect it from excessive foot traffic. However, you should try to avoid covering your new turf for too long because doing so prevents direct sunlight exposure. Additionally, it’s wise to stay away from human urine.

Can Dogs Walk on New Sod?

No, you should try to keep your pet away from your freshly seeded lawn. What about fresh sod, though? Pet urine can easily seep into the soil and damage such developing roots because new sod has shallow roots.

Dogs should not be allowed near new sod until deeper, more robust roots have taken hold.

How to Block Off New Grass from Dogs?

It’s not as difficult to keep your dog off fresh grass as many people believe. It only requires a small amount of time and effort. Keeping your pet off the freshly laid grass will help it develop properly, so it is worthwhile.

Look at some of the most successful methods for keeping dogs away from new lawns:

Make a Temporary Fence

One of the most effective ways to keep dogs away from brand-new grass is to erect a temporary barrier. It allays your concerns about your dog destroying the freshly laid sod while you are away or peeing on it.

You can construct a temporary fence in your yard using steel, wood, net, or plastic after determining the size of your dog. Alternatively, you can rent or buy a temporary fence.

Provide Alternative Forms of Entertainment

Dogs need to play and take walks to burn off their energy. They accomplish this by jogging around the front or backyard. You could take your dog on a long walk or to a park after installing new sod to burn off some energy.

They will be so worn out from this activity that they won’t beg to play on the grass.

Train Your Dog

If your dog is trainable, teaching him to stay off the grass could pay huge dividends. Giving it incentives such as snacks and affection for keeping off the turf.

How to Water New Sod Without Walking on It?

Sprinklers are the best way to water newly planted sod without stepping on it. If you must hand water the grass because there are no sprinklers in place, be careful to tread lightly. Aside from that, avoid dragging your feet to see if the sod will slip.

Avoid walking on wet, soggy grass when watering it because it will be more likely to sustain wear damage. To achieve this, water the lawn starting at the farthest point and moving inward.

Conclusion: Can You Walk on Sod?

Before walking on freshly laid sod, wait two weeks. It can be harmful to walk on newly sodded grass before its roots have a chance to take hold.

Walking on wet sod may leave imprints that cause the lawn to become lumpy, cause gaps to form between rolls, and possibly cause the grass to die. If at all possible, discourage people from walking on the sod.

FAQs