6 Ways to Kill Grass On Your Lawn

If you’re done with your patchy, high-maintenance lawn, this one’s for you

A man playing with his dog on the lawn
Photo: andresr / E+ / Getty Images
A man playing with his dog on the lawn
Photo: andresr / E+ / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

There are perfectly understandable reasons for wanting to get rid of the grass on your lawn. Maybe it’s full of weeds that are impossible to control. Or you want to pull it up in order to install a low-maintenance lawn alternative. Whatever your reason, here are some ways to kill your grass.

And if you want to keep your lawn, consider this a guide for what not to do. 

1. Cut the Grass Very Short

For a healthy lawn, experts recommend keeping grass over 3 inches tall. Slightly longer blades give the plant nutrition and help it manage moisture and temperature. So, if you want to kill your grass, cut it as short as your mower will go. Cut it several times, making sure to bag any clippings that would give the lawn good nutrition—this is not the time for grasscycling.

2. Spray Vinegar On the Lawn

Herbicidal vinegar, or acetic acid, is much stronger than the vinegar you use on a salad and it’s not for human consumption. Herbicidal vinegar will do a number on your lawn. So, if it’s lawn removal you’re after, give herbicidal vinegar a try. Be sure to wear the proper protective equipment and follow the instructions on the label. It might take a couple sprays and several weeks to kill all the grass.

3. Cover the Lawn

After mowing your lawn on the shortest setting, cover the lawn with a dark plastic tarp or a sheet to smother it. Letting it roast under the summer sun while starving it of rain is a surefire way to kill the grass. If you go this route, make sure to anchor your tarp down with bricks or other heavy objects so it stays in place on windy days. It could take several weeks to kill the lawn thoroughly.

4. Go the Herbicide Route

A professional spraying the lawn
Photo: Huntstock / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

If you want the lawn gone as soon as possible, herbicide is the quickest way to kill it. Spray a product like glyphosate on the lawn while carefully following the package instructions. It might take up to two weeks for the lawn to completely die.

Glyphosate is a serious product, so take precautions. The Environmental Protection Agency has called it safe to use in residential areas only when used as indicated on the label instructions.

5. Dig Out the Lawn

Another option for getting rid of your grassy (or annoyingly weedy and patchy) lawn is to grab a shovel and dig it out. Once you’ve pulled out the grass and weeds, solarize the area. Smooth out the surface, dampen it, and then cover it in clear plastic sheets for four to six weeks. Do this in the warm summer months to warm the soil.

6. Till the Land

For a larger area, you’ll want to use a rototiller to remove the grass and weeds. A rototiller turns the soil over, giving you a fresh surface to work with. Once you’ve pulled up grass and weeds, rake up the debris and put it in yard waste. Then till it again, switching the direction.

Tilling also preps the land for a new purpose, like installing a garden.

I Killed My Grass. Now What?

If you killed your problem grass in order to start on a fresh lawn, wait until the lawn is completely dead then rake up the debris. Aerate the area if the soil is compact, and then lay a fresh layer of sod with compost to give the grass seed some nutrition.

If you had a problem with your grass before, talk to the pros at your local lawn care company, hardware store, or nursery about your needs. They can help you find a grass seed blend that works with your soil, sun exposure, and foot traffic patterns.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to lawn fertilization and treatments
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Brother and sister running in front yard
Jan 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024
Wondering how much fertilizer costs?’ We’ve got you covered, with answers based on the size of your yard, type of fertilizer, and whether you hire a pro.
power seeding machine on large lawn
Jan 18, 2024
Jan 18, 2024
Power seeding is an efficient way to plant new grass in your yard. Find out what power seeding costs by lawn size, type of grass, and other top factors.
Fresh green carpet grass
Feb 20, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
The answer to your question about what zoysia grass is can be found in our guide, which takes you through the pros, cons, and tips for growing and maintaining it.
Father and son playing with their dog
Feb 20, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
For a lawn that turns neighbors green with envy, your grass seed needs the best chance at survival from the start. Find the best grass type for your yard and region.
Single family home with landscaping
Feb 8, 2024
Feb 8, 2024
The secret to having the perfect Bermuda grass lawn comes down to maintenance. Keep reading to discover how to make Bermuda grass thicker in your yard.
House with botanical garden
Feb 8, 2024
Feb 8, 2024
There are a few reasons your grass is turning white, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s why your grass is turning white.
Share project details to get started.