How Soon Can You Walk on a Newly Laid Sod Lawn?

Laying Sod

• When laying sod, install it so you are always on the soil and not kneeling on the newly laid sod. Work your way back with your backside to the area still in need of sod. This will prevent any unnecessary walking on the sod, which could pack down the areas you walk on and not other areas.
  
  

Rolling

• After all sod is laid, you will need to use a drum roller to tamp down the sod so there are no air pockets underneath. Removing air pockets will ensure that the roots will be able to grow down into the soil and become established. If you don't use a roller to remove air pockets, the roots may not be able to make a connection with the soil. The sod could die in spots.
  
  

Watering

• Use a water sprinkler and garden hose to water the new sod daily. You can walk on the sod to place the sprinkler at the farthest distance from where you can stand without being on the sod. When you are done watering one area, pull the hose to move the sprinkler closer to you and to the next area to water. You will water the sod for about four weeks so the sod is kept moist. After three weeks, try to lift up on a corner of the sod. If the sod doesn't move, the roots are established. If the sod lifts up a little, it still needs more time to establish a root system in the soil.
  
  

Mowing

• During the third week or after the sod roots are established in the soil, after following a proper watering schedule, you can mow the sod if the grass blades are at least 3 inches long. The sod must be dry before mowing or the mower could rip out the sod. Although you will continue with a reduced watering schedule, you can walk on the new sod whenever you want after the third week.