A well-tended lawn is the perfect finishing touch to any home. There’s something about a lush green expanse that just looks welcoming and inviting. However, achieving this look takes time, patience, and a lot of work. Your work doesn’t end after seeding – in fact, it’s only just beginning. It’s a delicate process, and any misstep can result in a less-than-perfect lawn. This article will answer the question, ‘does walking on grass seed kill it?’
Does Walking on Grass Seed Kill It?
If you’re new to lawn care and this is your first time seeding, you might be wondering – can I walk on grass seed? While it’s true that different grasses have various tolerance levels when it comes to foot traffic, grass seeds are different. Seedlings are much more delicate and can be easily damaged.
Simple answer – walking on grass seed is discouraged. If you absolutely must walk on your lawn while the grass is still sprouting, take extra care to avoid any areas that have been newly seeded. Giving it some time to grow and establish themselves will result in a much healthier lawn in the long run.
3 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Walking on Grass Seeds
Reaching a certain point of maturity and growth is key for any grass seed. Once the seedlings are strong enough, they’ll be able to withstand foot traffic without making any problems.
However, until they reach that point, there are several reasons why you should avoid walking on them. This is especially true for newly seeded lawns:
Can Compact the Soil
This is one of the biggest dangers of walking on newly seeded lawns. When you walk on grass seed, you run the risk of compacting the soil. There’s a reason why you aerate the soil before seeding – it helps to ensure that the seedlings have enough room to grow.
Walking on compacted soil can prevent the grass from getting the air and water it needs to grow. The roots will have a harder time penetrating the compacted soil, stunting its growth. In extreme cases, your lawn might not grow at all.
Can Damage the Seedlings
During the germination period, the grass seed is vulnerable. The slightest misstep can damage the seedlings, and they might not recover. Once they’ve been damaged, it’ll be harder for them to grow and thrive.
Its stems are fragile, and once it’s damaged, the grass may not be able to properly photosynthesize. This, in turn, will stunt their growth and leave you with a patchy lawn.
Can Kill the Grass
It’s common to see brown patches in newly seeded lawns. This is usually due to people walking on the grass before it’s had a chance to grow. When you walk on wet grass seed, it can cause the seedlings to rupture and die.
When Is It Safe to Walk on Newly Seeded Lawn?
It’s normal to feel anxious and excited about your newly seeded lawn. After all, you’ve put in a lot of time and effort to get it to this point. The best thing you can do is to be patient and give it some time to grow.
However, the absence of visible sprouts doesn’t necessarily mean that the seeds aren’t growing. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. Stay off the lawn during this period until the newly sprouted grass has reached at least three inches tall. Depending on the grass variety, some fast-growing grasses can reach this height in as short as 4 weeks.
Once it has reached at least three inches, you can mow your lawn weekly. Still, you have to avoid walking on it unless absolutely necessary. Mowing is an important part of lawn care. During this point, it helps your new grass to become more dense and thick.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a healthy and lush lawn in no time. Just remember to be patient and take extra care not to damage your newly seeded lawn. With a little time
It’s safe to say that you can walk freely on your lawn once you’ve mowed your lawn about 3-5 times.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing you should avoid when it comes to your newly seeded lawn, it’s walking on it. Walking on grass seed can damage the seedlings, compact the soil, and kill the grass. All of these things will stunt the growth of your lawn and leave you with a patchy mess.
While it might be tempting to walk on your new lawn, it’s best to resist the urge and give it some time to grow. If you have pets or small children, keep them off the lawn as well. Once the grass has reached about three inches, you may start to mow it weekly. After a few mows, your lawn will be strong enough to withstand some foot traffic.
Related Article: When to Mow After Overseeding?