How to Remove Grass From The Garden

• Lower Maintenance: Grass requires regular mowing, watering, and fertilising to keep it looking healthy. By removing grass, you can reduce the amount of maintenance required and save time and money on lawn care.
• More Space: Removing grass can give you more space to work within your garden. You can create new garden beds, add pathways, or install a patio or deck to create a more functional outdoor living space.
• Water Conservation: Grass requires a lot of water to stay green, which can be a concern in areas with limited water resources. By removing grass, you can reduce your water consumption and create a more sustainable garden.
• Increased Biodiversity: Grass lawns provide very little biodiversity, whereas planting other types of vegetation can support a wider range of wildlife, such as birds, bees, and butterflies.
• Better for the Environment: Lawnmowers and other lawn care equipment like petrol strimmers emit pollutants into the air and contribute to noise pollution. By removing grass, you can reduce your environmental impact and create a more eco-friendly garden.
• Pests & Diseases: Grass can be a host for pests and diseases that can harm other plants in your garden. Removing grass from your garden can make it easier to maintain and keep it tidy.

1. Hand Digging: This method involves using a garden spade or shovel to remove the grass and topsoil layer by hand. It’s the most labour-intensive approach, but it’s also the most precise and allows you to preserve the existing soil structure.
2. Sod/Turf Cutter: A sod/turf cutter is a specialised machine that cuts through the grass and roots, making it easier to lift up large sections of turf for removal. This method is faster than hand digging and requires less effort, but it can be more expensive if you need to rent the equipment.
3. Solarisation: This method involves covering the grass with clear plastic for several weeks to kill it using the sun’s heat. This approach is best for small areas and can be effective in warm, sunny climates.
4. Herbicide: Chemical herbicides can be used to kill the grass, but it’s important to choose a product that’s safe for your garden and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This method is effective but can potentially be harmful to the environment and other plants in your garden.
5. Smothering: This method involves covering the grass with a layer of cardboard, newspaper, and mulch to smother it and prevent it from receiving sunlight through the photosynthesis process. This approach is best for small areas and can take several months to be fully effective.

1. Prepare the tools and materials: The tools required for hand digging include a spade or garden fork, a hand trowel, mulch or compost, and water.
2. Moisten the soil: Before starting, moisten the soil to make it easier to remove the grass.
3. Start digging: Mark out your area of grass to be removed. Using a spade or garden fork, start digging to lift and remove the top 2in (50mm) of grass, making sure to remove as many roots as possible. Work your way across the area, digging small sections at a time, and avoid lifting large sections of turf as it can be heavy and difficult to manage.
4. Remove any remaining roots: Use a hand trowel to remove any remaining roots or grass.
5. Clear the area: Once all the grass is removed, clear the area of debris, stones, and any other materials left that could impede future plant growth.
6. Add compost or mulch: Cover the area with mulch or compost to add nutrients to the soil and help suppress weed growth.
7. Water the area: Water the area well to help settle the soil and ensure the new plants have a good start.

1. Prepare the tools and materials: The tools required for sod cutting include a sod cutter, a spade, a wheelbarrow, and mulch or compost.
2. Mark the area: Mark out the area of grass to be removed using stakes and string or spray paint.
3. Moisten the soil: Before starting, moisten the soil to make it easier to cut.
4. Use the sod cutter: Begin at one end of the marked area and use the sod cutter to cut the grass and soil into small sections. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the sod cutter and ensure you adjust the blade depth to about 2in (50mm) to avoid cutting too deeply into the soil.
5. Remove the sod: Use a spade to lift and remove the cut sections of grass and soil, placing them in a wheelbarrow. Repeat this process until all the grass has been removed.
6. Clear the area: Once all the grass is removed, clear the area of debris, stones, and any other materials that could impede future plant growth.
7. Add compost or mulch: Cover the area with mulch or compost to add nutrients to the soil and help suppress weed growth.
8. Water the area: Water the area well to help settle the soil and ensure the new plants have a good start.

1. Prepare the area: Clear the area of debris, stones, and any other materials that could impede future plant growth.
2. Moisten the soil: Before starting, moisten the soil to make it easier to work with and by creating a hot micro-climate under your sheeting.
3. Cover the area with plastic sheeting: Cover the entire area of grass to be removed with clear plastic sheeting, making sure to secure the edges with soil or rocks.
4. Wait for the sun’s heat to kill the grass: Leave the plastic sheeting in place for 4-6 weeks or as necessary, allowing the sun’s heat to penetrate the soil and kill the grass and its roots.
5. Remove the plastic sheeting: Once the grass has been killed, remove the plastic sheeting and any remaining debris.
6. Clear the area: Using a rake and hoe, clear the area of dead grass and roots and any remaining debris, stones, and other materials.
7. Add compost or mulch: Cover the entire area with mulch or compost to add nutrients to the soil and help suppress possible weed growth.
8. Water the area: Water the area well to help settle the soil and ensure the new plants have a good start.

1. Choose the right herbicide: Choose a herbicide that is specifically designed to kill the grass. It’s important to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
2. Mark the area: Mark out the area of grass to be treated using stakes and string or spray paint.
3. Mix the herbicide: Mix the herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and a mask to prevent contact with the skin and inhalation of fumes.
4. Apply the herbicide: Use a sprayer to apply the herbicide evenly to the grass. Make sure to cover the entire area of grass, including the edges.
5. Wait for the herbicide to work: Allow the herbicide to work for the recommended time as specified by the manufacturer.
6. Remove the dead grass: Once the grass has died, use a rake and a hoe to remove the dead grass from the area.
7. Clear the area: Clear the area of any remaining debris, stones, and other materials.
8. Add compost or mulch: After the prescribed time (manufacturer’s instruction for replanting), cover the area with mulch or compost to add nutrients back into the soil and also help suppress any weed growth.
9. Water the area: Water the area well to help settle the soil and ensure the new plants have a good start when replanting.

The smothering method is a natural and organic way to remove grass from a garden that involves depriving the grass of light and air, which kills it over time.

1. Clear the area: As with all the methods clear the area of any debris, stones, and any other materials that could impede future plant growth.
2. Cover the area with cardboard or newspaper: (We prefer newspaper as it degrades quicker than thick cardboard). Cover the entire area with a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper, making sure to overlap the edges to prevent grass from growing through the gaps.
3. Wet the cardboard or newspaper: Wet the cardboard or newspaper with a garden hose to prevent it from blowing away and to help it conform to the contours of the ground.
4. Add mulch or compost: Cover the cardboard or newspaper with a layer of mulch or compost to help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
5. Wait for the grass to die: Leave the cardboard or newspaper in place for 4-6 weeks or longer, allowing the grass to die due to lack of light and air.
6. Remove the cardboard or newspaper: Once the grass has died, remove the cardboard or newspaper if you prefer.  I prefer to work it back into the soil if possible.
7. Clear the area: Clear the area of any remaining debris, stones, and other materials.
8. Add compost or mulch: As with all methods, cover the complete area with mulch or compost to add nutrients back to the soil and help suppress any further weed growth.
9. Water the area: Water the area well to help settle the soil and ensure the new plants have a good start.

In addition, you should avoid using glossy or coated paper, as these materials may contain chemicals that could harm the environment. With these easy steps, you can successfully remove grass from your garden using the smothering method and prepare the area for planting.

• Spade or Garden Fork: Used to lift and remove the grass and dig up any large rocks or roots in the soil.
• Hand Trowel: Used to remove any remaining roots or grass.
• Wheelbarrow: Used to transport the removed grass.
• Garden Gloves: Used to protect your hands when applying the herbicide.
• Garden Sprayer: Used to apply the herbicide evenly.
• Sod/Turf Cutter: Used to cut the grass and remove it.
• Garden Rake: Used to clear the area of debris and loosen the soil.
• Hoe: Used to level the soil and create a smooth surface.
• Stakes, Rope, and Paint Spray: Used to mark out the area of grass to be removed.

• Clear Plastic Sheeting: Used in covering the grass in the solarisation process.
• Cardboard and Newspapers: Used for covering the grass in the smothering process.
• Herbicide: Used for spraying the area of grass to be removed.
• Mulch/Compost: Used to cover the area and add nutrients to the soil.
• Water Supply: Used to moisten the soil before and after removing the grass