How Long Do You Have to Stay Off New Sod? - Sod Depot (2024)

It can be exciting to see your yard looking clean and green again when new sod is installed. However, just because your yard looks ready doesn’t necessarily mean it is ready. You have to wait until the new sod has established itself properly on your soil.

How can you know when that moment is? There are a few signs to look for, but if you need additional assistance Sod Depot is here to help. We are the top sod installation in Orlando, and we can answer any of your sod questions.

How Long Will You Wait?

It can be tempting, as a homeowner, to use your beautifully sodded lawn. However, you must make sure that the sod has reached the point where it has knitted with the soil below. The reason for this is that if you step on the sod before the roots have taken to the soil, you disturb the delicate roots. Any mild disturbance will prevent the roots from winding down into the soil and allowing the sod to take hold.

For many, the recommendation that is given by the sod installation company is two weeks. There is a way, though, to make sure that the sod is ready for you to walk on. All you have to do is simply lift up a corner of the sod and check its resistance. If the sod offers little resistance to you tugging it up, that means that the roots have not yet taken hold. If the sod offers quite a bit of resistance, that means that the roots have established themselves in the soil. When dealing with an entire yard, you want to make sure to check a couple of pieces of sod with this method to ensure that the sod has evenly established itself across the lawn.

How to Care for New Sod

To help your new sod to develop strong roots and to give you a beautiful, green lawn, there are a few things you can do. The first of these is to make sure that the soil itself is ready before you place new sod on it. Since the soil is such a critical part of your lawn’s results, it only makes sense that you start there. The next thing to worry about is whether or not you are watering the sod enough. You want to make sure that the sod never dries up, so water the sod frequently and enough to properly soak the sod. However, keep an eye on the sod to ensure that you are not overwatering it.

One final thing to keep in mind is that you will have to mow the lawn about a week after the new sod is installed. This may seem like contradictory advice, but it is necessary for the sod’s development. If you are uncertain about it or you are afraid to disturb the sod, don’t be afraid to make a call to the installers. Make sure to consult with them to ensure that you are following all the necessary steps and directions.

Looking for Sod Installation in Orlando?

The key to any successful sod installation is having the right installers. You want someone who is knowledgeable and experienced to answer your questions as they come up. They also have to be able to get everything right the first time so that you wait less time between when the sod is installed and when you get to use your yard. That is where we at Sod Depot can help. We are experts in sod installation in Orlando.

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How Long Do You Have to Stay Off New Sod? - Sod Depot (2024)

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to Stay Off New Sod? - Sod Depot? ›

It is best to wait at least 2 weeks to walk on your new sod. That way you give your new sod roots time to grow.

How long do you have to stay off sod after installation? ›

The best thing to do during the first 2 weeks after your sod installation is to stay off of your lawn. A general rule is to stay off of your new sod until after the first mowing, which should occur 14 days following installation.

Can I walk on sod right away? ›

If you walk on your sod before its roots have established, you're lessening your chances of success. How long must you wait to use your new sod lawn? The general recommendation is to wait two weeks – but the number of days you wait is really dependent on determining that the lawn has, indeed, taken root.

How long do dogs need to stay off new sod? ›

Brand new grass hasn't yet had a chance to establish roots, which means it's more vulnerable to spots being killed by dog urine. You can give your sod the best chance to survive by keeping your dog off the lawn for the first two months when it's most susceptible.

How long does it take for new sod to look good? ›

Sod takes a long time to root! It takes on average 2 weeks for newly installed sod to truly take hold, meaning you must follow a regimented watering schedule to ensure its health. On average it will take your new sod between 10 and 14 days to root following sod installation.

What should you not do with new sod? ›

Avoid These Mistakes When You Lay Sod
  1. Improper Preparation. The work of laying new sod begins long before laying the first piece. ...
  2. Leaving Gaps. ...
  3. Not Flattening the Sod. ...
  4. Watering Too Much or Not Enough. ...
  5. Mowing Too Soon. ...
  6. Fertilizing Before Root Establishment.

How often should new sod be watered? ›

Proper watering is crucial for the roots to develop correctly and deeply. Newly sodded areas should be evenly watered daily, in the morning, between 2-10 am. Each zone typically needs 1-1.5 inches of water daily; however, your yard may need more if your soil is dense clay or compacted.

Is it OK if it rains after laying sod? ›

Twinwood Farms for Your Sod

A light drizzle is workable but heavy rain could ruin all your previous work and your newly-purchased sod.

Can you overwater new sod? ›

While your new lawn needs plenty of water, it is possible to overdo it. Too much water can lead to rot and actually prevent root growth. If your lawn appears to be holding water, or if you're seeing evidence of puddles in your lawn, you need to stop watering and give it time to dry out.

How long does it take the lines in sod to go away? ›

Yes, Your New Sod Has Lines

That means you'll see the lines between each section. But not forever. How long does it take for sod lines to disappear? Those lines will disappear in 4-6 weeks as the roots take hold and the sections of grass grow together.

Will dog pee ruin new sod? ›

The roots of new sod are short, near the surface and highly susceptible to urine damage. Until the roots become well established into the depth of the soil with enough probiotic activity surrounding them, the new sod is highly susceptible to urine damage. This can take a few months to achieve.

How do I know if my new sod is doing well? ›

Touch the soil and sod with your finger. Both should feel damp, but neither should be muddy. Sod should not feel like a sponge full of water.

When to mow new sod? ›

After the sod has fully rooted (approximately 3 weeks), regular mowing can commence.

What are the best months to lay sod? ›

You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen and you have adequate water for establishment and maintenance, although spring and early autumn are best. Cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.

What to do immediately after laying sod? ›

THE FIRST 5 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER YOUR NEW SOD IS INSTALLED
  1. Water Immediately and Deeply. Each square of sod needs to be soaked thoroughly with water within 30 minutes of it being laid out on the ground. ...
  2. Roll the Sod. ...
  3. Check the Soil. ...
  4. Mow When Necessary. ...
  5. Avoid Chemical Treatments.
Jun 11, 2018

What to do right after laying sod? ›

Begin watering newly laid sod within 30 minutes of installation. Apply at least 1” of water so that the soil beneath the turf is wet. Ideally 3”-4” of soil beneath the surface should be moist. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive.

Is it normal for sod to turn brown after installation? ›

New sod needs to make good contact with the soil beneath. Air pockets can form between the roots and soil if the soil settles after installation. This means the roots aren't able to take up water or nutrients, and the grass turns brown. Pull the sod where it's brown and fill it beneath with new soil.

When can you top dress new sod? ›

The right time of the year to top dress your lawn

You must top dress in the growing season, NOT in winter. It is usually best to top dress in spring or as soon as you have reached your regular weekly mow. The earlier in the growing season the better. Generally late spring to early summer is best.

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