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Lawn Reduction
For gardeners who want to transform existing turf grass lawn into new native garden beds
Smothering Grass
It turns out, it's pretty easy to kill grass!
(if you know what you're doing)
There are many factors I take into consideration ahead of a lawn reduction process. There are site details to consider and selecting the right method for the site/client.
Site Considerations:
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I use low-disturbance methods to kill conventional turf grass. These will not work on invasive species, especially waxy vines and Bermuda ("wire") grass. If these are present, invasive remediation will need to occur before smothering.
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Steep slopes may require special consideration and strategy.
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Sites with poor access may influence how we get materials there.
Supported Methods
I currently support either the "Smother Sheet" method and the "DIY Deep Chip" method.
The Smother Sheet Method
This method uses a large roll of virgin kraft paper to create a temporary gas barrier that kills grass, then degrades and restores gas exchange to the soil. The paper is held in place by a thin (2-3") layer of conventional mulch (or wood chip, if available on the site). This thin layer is left in place indefinitely. Generally I recommend giving the smother sheet a month or two before planting into it, as grass and weeds will be able to come up through any punctures in the sheet early on.
Vibrant Gardening directly rolls out the sheet and spreads the mulch for you.
- A note about cardboard -
The smother sheet method has several advantages over smothering grass with recycled cardboard. Virgin kraft paper is free of the microplastics, dyes, glues, and tapes found in recycled cardboard. Additionally, it breaks down much faster, both restoring gas exchange more quickly to the soil and making it easier to plant into.
The DIY Deep Chip Method
This method involves bringing in a large quantity of arborist wood chips (~20 cubic yards) and spreading them ~8-12" deep per square foot over the area to be smothered. During the warmer months, this will kill and hot compost away grass in about 5-7 weeks. The wood chip is generally free from getchipdrop.com or from working with a local arborist.
This is a DIY process because I do not currently support the high level of manual labor to spread the chip. However, I can help plan your project and assist with creating effective edges (a critical step). I will also integrate your smothering period into your project plan. Generally, a group of five people and a wheelbarrow can get the wood chip in place in an afternoon. The wood chip is then generally removed (or at least reduced) prior to planting.
Smother Sheet Pricing
Average Costs:
Recent projects have ranged between $2-3/square foot.
This only includes materials and labor for grass smothering (not invasive grasses such as Bermuda grass). Garden designs, plants, and project management are all separate costs.