The Grass Doctor

If you plant grass seeds, how long should you wait to walk on it?

I live in Santa Cruz, CA and I dug up the dirt in my backyard and threw down some grass seeds. The section I planted is growing great but I was wondering how long I should wait to walk on it and if there is a suggested watering amount. Any tips on growing grass in general are welcome too.

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't walk on it til it's mature and the blades are thick enough to spring back up!
2. it is rec commended that you not walk on a seeded lawn until it is thick and mature and looking like it needs a mow. perhaps upwards of 2-3 months. i live just south of you, (about an hour) and if we get good sun and weather you should be doing ok to walk upon it by the last weeks of October. try re-seeding any areas that come in thin, and try to keep pets off the lawn as well. fertilize it about every 3 weeks use a liquid variety that can be sprayed on or a type that can be broadcast with a seed spreader. if you use the liquid, be sure to use a gentle water setting so as not to disturb the soil.
3. about 2-3 weeks
4. Walking on it right away is good for it.
5. Wait until you absolutely have to mow before you walk on them. In general, you should wait until spring to seed lawns, as the heat can cut down on germination. The more you water the better... unless you're washing away the topsoil, or making it mold.
6. Definitely wait until the grass is matured to walk on it. Some types of grass is more suitable to walk on than others. I know Bahia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, & Zoysia Will hold up pretty well However, try to avoid walking on any type of sod as much as possible.