How Do I Clear My Grass Area?

Clearing a grass area can be done through several effective methods, ranging from physical removal to more natural, passive approaches.

The primary ways to clear a grass area include manual digging, solarisation, and smothering.

Methods for Removing Grass

Here are the common techniques for clearing a lawn area:

Manual Digging

Manual digging is a popular method involving physical effort. As mentioned in the reference, it "Simply us[es] a bit of strength, elbow grease and a good garden spade is the most popular way of removing lawn."

Steps:

1. Use a sharp spade or turf cutter.
2. Slice under the turf, lifting sections of grass and soil.
3. Shake off excess soil back into the area.
4. Remove the lifted turf sections (these can often be composted or stacked to decompose).

This method offers immediate results but can be labor-intensive, especially for large areas.

Solarisation

Solarisation is an environmentally friendly option if you prefer "nature take its course," as stated in the reference. It uses the sun's heat to kill the grass and weeds underneath a protective covering.

Process:

1. Mow the grass as short as possible.
2. Water the area thoroughly.
3. Cover the area with clear plastic sheeting, securing the edges tightly with soil, rocks, or stakes to trap heat.
4. Leave the plastic in place for several weeks or months during the hottest part of the year.

The trapped heat kills the vegetation, making it easier to clear away the dead plant matter afterward.

Smothering

Smothering is another passive technique mentioned in the reference. This involves covering the grass area with opaque material to block sunlight, effectively killing the grass and weeds over time.

Materials often used:

• Cardboard (remove tape and labels)
• Newspaper (in thick layers)
• Black plastic sheeting
• Tarps

Steps:

1. Mow the grass short if possible.
2. Lay the chosen material over the grass area, ensuring complete coverage and overlapping edges to prevent light penetration.
3. Weigh down the material or cover it with mulch, compost, or soil for aesthetic purposes and to help decomposition.

This method takes several months to a year depending on the materials used and climate, but it requires minimal physical effort and helps improve the soil structure as the underlying material decomposes.

Method	Effort Level	Speed	Environmental Impact	Good For...
Manual Digging	High	Fast	Low	Small areas, immediate results
Solarisation	Low	Slow	Very Low	Sunny climates, weed suppression
Smothering	Low	Slow	Very Low	Improving soil, large areas

Choosing the best method depends on the size of the area, how quickly you need it cleared, and your willingness to engage in physical labor versus waiting for natural processes.