Ways to Eliminate Grass from Your Lawn

Project Summary

• Duration: 25 minutes to 1 hour
• Overall Duration: 25 minutes to 1 hour
• Output: 9 square feet of area

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $0

Eliminating grass from your yard can be a daunting task for any gardener. Whether your goal is to create a pathway, establish a garden bed, excavate a pond, or install wiring for landscape lighting, the first step is to find a way to permanently clear the grass from the desired area. There are various methods to effectively remove grass, utilizing tools such as a sod cutter, shovel, or a grass removal machine like a tiller. A tiller, which is a gas-powered device equipped with blades to break up the soil and roots, is the most efficient option for grass removal, as it works quickly and effectively. However, if you find yourself without access to power tools, you can still accomplish the task using manual tools.

Our tutorial demonstrates how to achieve this without straining yourself or incurring the typical cost of $1.75 per square foot for professional assistance. The outcome is a pristine surface ready for topsoil application, allowing you to finish your gardening project.

Fundamentals of Hand-Weeding Grass

A grass removal method exists that results in neater cuts, alleviates the physical strain of the task, and facilitates the transplanting process. Utilizing the right equipment, like a sod cutter, significantly contributes to achieving a successful outcome.

Given the heaviness of the grass layer, it’s advisable to utilize a transport tool that stays close to the ground. Opting for a standard wheelbarrow requires lifting the sod an extra foot or two, only to set it back down at a similar height. Instead, consider using a ground-level sliding tool, such as a contractor’s bag, a sturdy piece of plastic, or a garbage can lid.

A collapsible garden cart presents an excellent solution that combines versatility and convenience. This adaptable tool can be positioned flat on the ground, enabling you to easily load the grass layer onto it, and then it transforms into a wheelbarrow, allowing you to transport the grass layer effortlessly.

Prior to Beginning

Be aware that you will be excavating complete layers of sod to thoroughly eliminate the grass. This process involves not only the grass itself but also the soil that is connected to it. While it may seem challenging, it is actually much simpler to extract the grass along with the soil. The greater the amount of soil you can take with the grass, the smoother the task will be. Typically, the depth of the sod that you will be removing ranges from 3 to 6 inches.

Nonetheless, removing grass by hand can be one of the most physically demanding and exhausting landscaping tasks you may encounter. While the dense grass can be cut horizontally with relative ease, relocating it proves to be quite challenging. Additionally, the process of manually removing the lawn is time-consuming and can stretch over several weeks or even months to finish an entire yard.

Safety Factors to Keep in Mind

Typically, building regulations and permits do not govern the removal of lawns on privately owned single-family residences, although restrictions from homeowners associations may be in effect. It is advisable to contact your local utility marking service to have vital underground utilities indicated with spray paint.

When to Take Out Your Lawn

The grass should be as dry as possible prior to its removal, which makes this task most appropriate for the period from late spring to early autumn.

Requirements You’ll Need

Gear / Instruments

• Sod removal tool or level-blade shovel
• Garden spade

Materials

• A flat-lying transport apparatus that either glides or rolls along the surface.

Instructions

Divide the lawn into segments.

Using a sod cutter or a spade, cut the grass into manageable pieces. If you plan to relocate the grass to a different area of your yard, aim to make the pieces as large as you can comfortably handle. A recommended maximum size is approximately 18 by 18 inches, as larger pieces can be unwieldy, while smaller ones may not transplant effectively. Position the sod cutter or spade at the desired cutting point, then tilt the tool forward, away from you, until it stands upright. Apply pressure with one foot, and if it doesn’t penetrate deeply, use both feet to push down.

Angle the Grass to the Side

Once you have created the vertical cuts, insert the blade into the incision. Angle the tool away from your body, using it as a lever to lift the sod. With the piece of grass standing upright, utilize the trowel like a knife to remove any excess soil from the base of the sod.

Tilt the grass onto the transport equipment.

When utilizing a rigid tool like a sled, angle it sideways to align with the slope of the grass layer. Allow the sod and sled to gradually return to a flat position. This technique helps to preserve the integrity of the sod and minimizes any disruption. If you’re working with a flexible tool, like a contractor’s bag, carefully allow the grass layer to settle flat onto the bag. Lastly, move the grass layer to the desired transplant site.

Alternative Techniques for Eliminating Grass

In addition to manually digging out grass with a shovel or tiller, there are several alternative approaches to consider:

• Chemical herbicides offer a method for eliminating grass by applying a chemical solution. After applying the herbicide, it typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the grass to completely die. This approach is less labor-intensive, as it eliminates the need to manually uproot healthy grass.
• Suppressing Grass: One effective technique for eliminating grass involves placing a transparent plastic sheet over the lawn on a warm, sunny day. This approach, while effective, requires a significant amount of time and is most suitable for the summer months when the sun is strong. If a plastic sheet is unavailable, you can achieve a similar effect by using layers of leaves, compost, or cardboard to block sunlight and suffocate the grass.

Suggestions for Eliminating Grass

• To ensure accuracy in the dimensions of the sections, create a grid on the lawn using marking paint or string.
• Refrain from cutting too far ahead of time, as the cutting lines can easily become indistinct and hard to find, unless they are clearly indicated beforehand.
• Clear the grass thoroughly after rainfall or watering. Wet grass and its soil base are significantly more difficult to handle when saturated compared to when they are dry.
• Create a designated space covered with plastic sheeting to remove any excess soil using a trowel. Removing this soil on the surrounding grass could damage the lawn.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

Taking out an entire yard of grass manually might be a task better suited for a professional landscaping service. Equipped with machinery and a team of workers, landscapers can complete the lawn removal process much more quickly than a homeowner could manage on their own.

How difficult is it to pull out grass manually?

Manually removing grass with a shovel requires a significant amount of effort. Using a sod-cutter can simplify the task a bit, and smothering the grass can also be effective. All three of these techniques are more desirable than applying herbicides, which can be detrimental to the health of your soil’s ecosystem.

What permanently eliminates grass and weeds?

Combining white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap in a yard sprayer and applying it to your lawn will effectively eliminate grass and weeds for good, making it an excellent environmentally friendly choice.

What is the fastest method to get rid of a lawn?

The quickest method to eliminate a lawn is to slice the grass into strips and roll them up. This allows them to decompose naturally, or you can prepare them for collection by a service.

What are the methods for eliminating grass from a garden?

To eliminate grass from your garden, you can choose to dig it out, till the soil, or cover it to suffocate it. Digging is the best option for small patches, while tilling or smothering is more effective for larger areas.