You can walk on new sod two weeks after you’ve laid it since walking on the freshly sodded lawn would affect root development. Therefore, you need to allow your new sod to develop roots before you do any activity on it.
Even if two weeks have elapsed since you laid your sod, you still have to inspect it to determine whether walking on or doing any activity on it is safe. Carrying out intense activities such as playing, driving, or even allowing many people to walk or dance on the sod will harm the roots.
To be safe, give your new sod ample time to heal before you do any activity on it. You can do that by slightly pulling the edge of the sod to see if it has taken root. If it hasn’t, give it time.
The Right Time to Walk on New Sod
The right time to walk on new sod is 2 weeks after you lay it. During that time, the sod would have started to take root, but you may need to wait a while longer until you are sure the sod has taken enough root.
Fourteen days aren’t many days to wait before you walk on the newly laid sod. Think about this: how long would you wait to walk on the lawn if you used seed instead of sod? You’d probably wait at least two months before walking on your lawn.
Besides, don’t allow your impatience to wash away all the money you’ve used to purchase the sod.
While you’re waiting, keep yourself occupied by watering your lawn. In addition, you need to pad the sod as much as possible to encourage rooting. When the time comes for you to walk on the new sod, walk carefully by maintaining soft steps.
What Happens If You Step on New Sod Before It Roots?
Walking on new sod before it takes root is not advisable because it won’t survive many days. Your sod will only thrive if you give it ample time to take root. If you play on the sod before it takes root, it will wilt and eventually die.
So, the best practice is to wait until two weeks have elapsed or your sod has developed roots before you walk on it. Otherwise, you will lose the new sod that had started turning your yard into a lush and beautiful garden.
How Long Should I Keep My Dog Off New Sod?
You are not the only one that should avoid stepping on your new sod. Like you, your dog should not step on your new sod for two weeks. We are emphasizing the fourteen days to allow your sod to grow roots.
While a dog may not exert weight on the sod, the roots of freshly-laid sod are weak. The constant movement of the dog, scratches and even your pets playing on the sod will hinder its growth.
You can divert human and pet activity elsewhere until the sod is stable.
Dog urine contains harmful chemicals such as salt, urea, nitrogen, and others that hinder sod root development. And because sod roots take nearly two months to break down pee, you must keep your dog away from new sod for now.
Besides, dogs nibble on grass whenever they develop stomach upsets. Often, they gnaw on the grass in their quest to treat their problem. The gnawing action will pull off the sod that had started to gain roots.
So, again, wait for at least two weeks for you or the dog to walk on new sod.
How to Prevent Dogs from New Sod
It is not an issue to block your dog from new sod. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from walking on new sod:
a) Erect a Temporal Fence
A fence is one of the best ways to protect your dogs from the sod. A nicely-done temporal fence can go a long way in saving your new sod. You can erect a two- or three-foot-tall fence with wood, plastic, or even metal.
b) Train Your Dog
Dogs are beautiful pets. Yes, they are. They follow instructions fast. Give your dog instructions not to step on the sod. You can increase the chances of obedience by giving your pet incentives such as homemade treats and snacks.
c) Provide Alternative Forms of Entertainment
Health dogs love running around the compound. But your yard is not the only place they can use their energy. If your new sod is in the front yard, now divert your dogs to the backyard. Besides, you can take your dog for a walk in the park until your new sod grows.
How to Water New Sod Without Walking on It
Since you are not supposed to step on your sod, you may ask, how can I water the sod? Sprinklers come in handy. You can get a sprinkler such as WOVUU Lawn Sprinkler (pictured) for as low as $20.
Final Thoughts
You have to wait at least two weeks to walk on new sod because if you start soon, you will break the weak developing roots. Erecting a temporal fence, introducing alternative forms of entertainment, and training your dog not to walk on new sod will help your sod develop roots and grow faster.
Besides, when watering your lawn, start from the center and finish toward the edges. Alternatively, get yourself a sprinkler to ease the job.
