How to Remove Grass: 5 Methods to Try

Americans fell in love with the grass-filled turf lawn back in the 19th century, but lawn alternatives have become an attractive option as we become more aware of water usage, runoff, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. However, removing grass from your yard can be a tricky task. Here are the top five ways to remove grass from your yard when you need to start from scratch.

When to Consider Lawn Removal

Removing the grass from your lawn may be a necessary—albeit major—step in several scenarios. Here are the top reasons to consider removing your lawn.

Eco-Conscious Lawn Design

Many homeowners are starting to consider the benefits of xeriscaping—or low-water and low-maintenance landscape designs. Additionally, non-grass lawn alternatives may simply be more attractive or require less mowing. To install this type of lawn alternative, you’ll need to remove your existing lawn design.

Adding a Garden

Homeowners may also want to remove a small section of grass to plant a flower or vegetable garden. Properly removing turf ensures that the grass and weeds will not grow back and take over your tomato patch.

Replacing Damaged Grass

You may also need to remove grass from your lawn when you plan to replace it with new grass. There are a few common ways to ruin your lawn, leading to irreversible issues such as:

• Untreatable grass disease

• Pests problems like grubs

• Weed takeover

• Over-fertilized or burnt grass

• Dry and dead grass

• Choosing the wrong grass for your area

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Grass?

Deciding whether to treat or replace your lawn may also come down to cost. Major lawn maintenance costs include services like dethatching for $175 per hour, or reseeding a lawn for an average of $1,000 for the whole project. The average cost to resod a lawn is $1,850—so it depends on the size of your project and the extent of your lawn damage.

Is It Hard to Remove Grass?

Removing grass from your lawn requires effort, regardless of your chosen removal method. However, some methods are more labor-intensive than others, and with strategic planning, the project doesn't have to be technically hard. In general, faster methods require more physical labor or specialized equipment, while slower methods require less machinery and less intense labor. 

Easiest Way to Remove Grass

The easiest way to remove grass depends on your circumstances. If you want to remove a small portion of your lawn to make room for a garden or other purpose that doesn't require eliminating the entire lawn, smothering and composting, using herbicides, or solarization are the easiest methods of killing the grass. However, despite being more labor-intensive, using a sod cutter combined with a shovel or two for small areas is the easiest and fastest way to remove large amounts of grass. 

Tools to Remove Grass

The necessary tools for removing grass vary depending on the removal method and the size of the area. A shovel may be all you need to remove small areas. You may need a turf cutter or sod cutter to remove an entire lawn or a large section of it. Other tools may include a garden tiller, herbicide sprayer, or a rake for moving mulch and other materials.  

How to Plan to Remove Your Grass

There are two basic ways to remove grass. The first requires physically removing it from the premises by mechanical means. The second method involves various ways of killing it and removing the leftovers if necessary. Using a sod cutter or shovel removes the grass while it's alive, while killing the grass involves smothering or solarizing it or using herbicides. 

Planning how to remove your grass depends on how much you need to remove and how quickly you need to do it. 

5 Methods for Removing Grass from Your Lawn

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Before pulling up your lawn, always double-check if your homeowners association or local municipal organizations regulate making major changes to your lawn. For example, chemical removal may be out of the question in some areas. Other areas may require special permits to mark your lawn for water and electrical lines before proceeding. With these factors in mind, consider the best option below.

1. Use a Sod Cutter to Remove Grass

Rent a walk-behind sod cutter from your local landscape or hardware store to avoid the difficult work of removing sod with a shovel. Sod cutters create an even slice several inches below your turf to remove the grass, roots, and the top layer of soil. This deep cut will keep grass and weeds from growing back, and it leaves an even layer of soil.

1. Mark large obstructions in your yard, such as sprinkler heads, buried rocks, large tree roots, and utility lines, and plan your sod-cutting route.

2. Put on safety gear, including eyewear, ear protection, gloves, and closed-toe or protective footwear. 

3. Follow the machine's instructions to cut the sod.

4. Roll up and remove strips of cut turf. 

2. Digging Grass Up

Removing smaller grass areas is doable with a shovel, but it’s far more labor-intensive. The grading beneath your shoveled grass will not be as even as when using a sod cutter. It is also easier to miss persistent weed roots with this method. However, removing grass with a shovel is an option for small flower beds or when replacing a trouble spot in your lawn.

1. Mark out the area of lawn you wish to remove with marking paint or stakes.

2. Dig out the desired section and level off with a garden rake or equivalent tool. 

3. Use a garden tiller to help break up the soil before or after digging the grass. 

3. Try Out Solarization

If you have bright, direct sunlight on your lawn—and between six and eight weeks to complete the process—solarization is a trustworthy way to remove grass, weeds, and pests without chemicals. 

This grass-removal process requires you to cover your lawn with a thick, clear plastic sheet for six to eight weeks to kill off the grass and weeds underneath it, using heat from the sun. 

You can use black or dark plastic as an alternative method that uses the ground's heat for a similar effect. Using dark plastic also kills the lawn by not allowing photosynthesis. This dark-plastic method is often more effective than using clear plastic in Northern regions that don't experience as much direct sunlight. 

1. Roll out and securely stake the large plastic sheeting in place. Using heavy objects such as smooth stones or sandbags can hold it down without damaging the plastic. 

2. Wait between four and eight weeks. 

3. Remove the plastic and rake away the debris if necessary. 

4. Use Sheet Mulching or Smothering and Composting

Sheet mulching is another chemical-free way to remove grass. Many people refer to the process as smothering and composting. Either way, the process breaks down any plants beneath a layer of newspaper or cardboard—known as a weed barrier—and mulch without damaging the soil. When executed correctly, the grass will decompose in four to six months.

1. Fully cover the grass you intend to remove with a single layer of newspapers or untreated and unwaxed cardboard. 

2. Cover the material with a roughly 3-inch layer of compost containing leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste. 

3. Allow the setup to work for up to six months. 

5. Spread Herbicides on Grass

There's no question that a nonselective herbicide is the least labor and time-intensive way to remove grass, but it's not ideal in all situations. Some local municipalities do not allow the extensive use of herbicides, especially if your lawn is prone to runoff into local water systems.

If you’re removing grass with herbicides, wear protection over your eyes, ears, hands, and skin. You should also fence off the edge of your lawn before applying to keep people and pets from exploring the area.

1. Wear protective clothing, including safety goggles, a protective suit, gloves, and closed-toe footwear.

2. Apply the herbicide by carefully following the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen product.

3. Wait seven to 14 days and rake away the debris.

What to Do After Removing Grass from Your Lawn

After you remove the grass from your desired area, remember to check the quality of your soil, look for the presence of remaining weed roots, and treat pests problems like grub infestations. A local landscaper can also help guide you through the recultivation process—whether you're starting fresh with new turf or hoping to give your lawn a new look. Common steps include one or several of the following tasks. 

• Test the soil and amend it with lime, compost, or other materials if necessary.

• Repair the grading using tools, adding new soil, or eliminating unwanted amounts. 

• Treat for pests or lawn diseases if necessary. 

• Use grass seed or sod to replace the lawn. 

• Consider lawn alternatives like imitation grass, various landscaping ideas, or a rock garden. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While some grass-removal methods are possible to execute on your own, it’s best to hire a local lawn care professional to carry out this important job. The last thing you want is a torn-up or half-removed lawn, so hiring lawn care pros who can help you determine the best removal method based on your lawn and desired outcome is the right way to go. Plus, professional lawn removers will ensure high-quality results that will prepare your lawn for its next phase.