What is the easiest way to destroy the grass in my lawn. I want to plant a variety of local flowers, grass and ferns.
I don’t want to use anything that would harm insects and I would prefer not to take it up in sod because the loam is very thick in rocks.
Would a power tiller work to destroy the grass? Maybe a tarp over the grass?
Thanks in advance.
Solarizing is the easiest way to do this, but it takes a lot of patience. Depending on your area you may need to start now to have your site ready for spring planting. Search for a guide on exactly how to do it, but basically you cover the grass in clear plastic to create a greenhouse effect that will kill the grass and any seeds. You water before putting down the plastic to encourage seeds to germinate. Once you’re done (four weeks minimum, more is better) you remove the plastic and plant your plants.
Depending on the type of grass you have, tilling may not be effective. It also may be very difficult if your area is as rocky as you say it is.
Another option is to use a shovel to dig up strips of sod and flip them over. This should be almost as effective as solarizing, but it’s much faster (no waiting) and much harder work.
I think this is the option I will go with. Might have to apart next year though because we won’t be getting much more in the way of sunshine soon.
If you have the time to do it, it’s absolutely the best and easiest way. It’s hard to postpone landscape projects, but doing them in the right season is setting up your project for success. Good luck, and don’t forget to take progress pictures!