You know, there’s nothing quite like raising a dog. the simple pleasure of walking beside your pal in the fresh air, throwing a stick, and taking some quiet time away from the world with your very best friend. Unfortunately, dogs can be tough on our yards. If you’ve just had newly laid sod installed, you’re probably wondering how long you should keep your pup off of it to give the grass a chance to take root. We have the answer!
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How long should I keep my dog off new sod?
The short answer in our experience is 4-6 weeks. While the new grass hasn’t had much time to establish new roots, it’s more vulnerable to patches of the grass being killed off by dog urine. Their urine contains nitrogen and salts which can be harmful to the new grass. For best results, keep your dog off the freshly laid sod for at least 6-8 weeks. This will give the sod time to take root and become more resistant to wear and tear.
Dogs walking on new sod
Dogs can damage the fresh grass by compacting the soil, which can make it harder for new roots to take hold. If you have a particularly rambunctious pup, it might be best to keep them off the new sod until it’s had a chance to really get going.
You also run the risk of your dog tearing up the turf whilst they are running and playing, so it’s best to keep them off until the sod has had a chance to become more established.
Solution 1.
One of the easiest ways to prevent dogs from walking on new sod is by cornering off the new turf. This can be done by putting up a temporary fence, or by using some stakes and plastic netting. You can also use things like landscape fabric or chicken wire to keep your dog out of the new sod.
Remember, the key is to give the new sod time to take root so that the root system can become strong.
Solution 2.
Walk them right away in the morning. If you have a dog that needs to relieve itself first thing in the morning, try to take them for a walk before they go in the yard. This way they will be less likely to want to stop and go on the new sod.
Take them for a walk after work. If you can’t take your dog for a walk in the morning, try to take them for a walk when you get home from work. This will give them the chance to go to the toilet, help tire them out and make them less likely to want to play in the yard.
Dog urinating on new sod
New sod can be ruined if your dog frequently uses it as a toilet. The reason for this is because dog urine contains nitrogen and salts which can harm the grass. The slightly acidic urine ph can also cause patches of the natural grass to die off.
Solution 1.
The best way to solve this problem is to train your dog to go to the toilet in a specific spot in the yard. You can do this by taking them to the spot on a leash and rewarding them when they relieve themselves there.
Solution 2.
Hose off the spot where they relieve themselves. This will help to dilute the urine and prevent it from harming the grass.
Pests
Pests can also be a problem for new sod. Things like grubs, moles, and voles can damage the grass by eating the roots. If you suspect that your dog has been digging up pests, it’s best to keep them off the new sod until the problem has been resolved.
Solution
Use safe pest control to get rid of the pests. There are many safe and effective pest control products on the market that will not harm your dog.
Conclusion
Dogs can be tough on yards, especially if you have just installed new sod. So let’s summarise:
The key is to keep them off for 4-6 weeks so that the new sod can take root and become stronger
You may either fence off the new grass or take them for a walk the first thing in the morning or after work.
Hose off the spot where they relieve themselves to help prevent the urine from harming the grass.
If you suspect that your dog has been digging up pests, use safe pest control to get rid of them.
People Also Ask
How long should dogs be on sod?
After you’ve installed new sod, keep your dog away for at least four to six weeks. The grass will have time to grow roots and become stronger this way. If possible, professional gardeners advise keeping your dog off new sod for two months. When sod is first placed, the roots will be extremely short and near to the earth’s surface.
Can dogs go potty on sod?
No this is not a good idea. Dog urine contains nitrogen and salts which can harm the grass. Urine can also cause patches of the grass to die off. If this does happen, use a hose to wash the urine away as well as you can.
How do I grow grass with my dog?
The best way to grow grass with your dog is to train your dog to go to the toilet in a specific spot in the yard. You can do this by taking them to the spot on a leash and rewarding them when they relieve themselves there. Another way to do this is by fencing off the grass you are trying to grow.
How long does sod take to root?
What is the average time it takes for new sod to root? Your new sod should root in 10-14 days after application. After installing grass, mow it for the first time and trim it to the highest setting possible to avoid injuring your roots.
How often should you water new sod?
If the weather is extremely hot and dry, you may need to start irrigating completed areas before the entire site is finished. Water new sod twice a day, in the morning and afternoon—thorough, deep watering is ideal until the soil is saturated but not puddling.
How wet should new sod be?
Water the new sod so that it is evenly moist, but not soggy. The best way to know if your sod needs more water is to lift up a corner and check the underside. It should be cool and moist, but not wet or muddy. If it feels dry, give it a good soaking.
Can you overwater new sod?
Yes, you can overwater new sod. When you over-water new sod, the roots are unable to get the oxygen they need and will start to suffocate. This will cause the freshly laid turf to turn yellow and eventually die. If you think you have overwatered your sod, stop watering it and let the soil dry out for a few days.
Is it normal for new sod to yellow?
Yellowing is a typical sight if you don’t give the sod enough water after installation, don’t water it often once it’s there, or leave it to dry while it’s waiting to be installed. Simply pause and water the new or freshly laid sod after a few pieces rather than leaving it to dry out completely.
