Caring for your New Sod

Keep your Lawn Looking Fresh

Peanut grass, typically referring to Arachis glabrata (also known as perennial peanut or rhizoma peanut), is a popular low-maintenance groundcover.

Watering Your New Lawn

The initial period after installation is crucial for establishment.

Watering Tips

This is the most critical factor during establishment.
Water frequently and deeply after installation to ensure good root-to-soil contact. Many sources recommend daily watering for the first 2-6 weeks.
Once established, peanut grass is quite drought-tolerant, but it will perform best with about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry periods. Yellowing leaves can indicate a need for more water.

Seasonal Adjustments

Winter Dormancy: In colder regions (outside of USDA Hardiness Zones 8b-11), perennial peanut may lose its leaves and appear brown in winter. It will typically regrow from the rhizomes in spring. If a green appearance is desired year-round, you can overseed with ryegrass in the fall.

Fertilizing & Pest Control

Protecting Your Lawn from Stress & Pests

New sod experiences stress due to harvesting, transportation, and replanting. Weather changes, humidity, and lack of rain can also create conditions for fungus, disease, and pests.

📌 We highly recommend contacting a professional pest control company as soon as your sod is installed to prevent these issues before they arise.

👉 Recommended Company:
Eastern Exterminating – Jess Storey
📞 305-246-1889 (Free estimates available)

Fertilizing Guidelines

Weed Control: Weeds are the biggest challenge during the establishment phase, as they can easily outcompete the young peanut grass.
Hand weeding: This is the preferred method, especially in the beginning. Be diligent about removing weeds until the peanut grass has fully spread and created a dense cover.
Mulch: Applying a fine mulch (like hay or sawdust) between the newly laid rolls can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Herbicides: There are some herbicides approved for use on perennial peanut during establishment (e.g., Basagran for nutsedge, Prism for grassy weeds), but it's generally recommended to use them sparingly and with caution, always following label directions.
Fertilization: Peanut grass is a legume and can fix its own nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means it generally does not need nitrogen fertilizer. If your soil has low potassium or other minor elements, you might consider a balanced fertilizer without nitrogen (e.g., 0-0-22-22S-11Mg).

Mowing Your New Lawn

Mowing: Peanut grass typically doesn't require frequent mowing.

It's a low-growing plant and can be left unmowed for a more natural look.
Mowing occasionally (e.g., 4 inches high, a couple of times a year) can promote denser growth and more flowering.
If weeds are an issue, mowing just below the peanut grass height can help cut down weeds while allowing the peanut grass to eventually outcompete them.
Foot Traffic: While perennial peanut can tolerate some light foot traffic, it's not as resilient as traditional turfgrass. For frequently used areas, consider adding stepping stones or pavers to protect the plants.