Pros of a Grass-Free Base for Landscaping Stones
If you leave grass beneath landscaping stones, some of it will die eventually. When it does, the soil in the bare spots could sink and form depressions where water will puddle. Meanwhile, weeds and new grass will sprout between the stones, displacing them.
To minimize these issues and prevent small stones from settling, install a barrier beneath the decorative rocks. You can apply either landscape fabric or mulch. These materials require a grass-free base to work effectively. Otherwise, the turf will create a lumpy surface that worsens as the grass dies. Remove the sod before installing a weed barrier and landscaping stones.
Methods of Grass Removal
Choose from the following techniques:
- Digging up the turf
- Smothering the grass with plastic
- Applying chemical herbicides
- Spraying the grass with a vinegar solution
When weighing your options, consider any potential health and environmental risks. Some treatments take substantial time. Other influential factors are the type of grass, your budget, and how much effort you want to expend.
Below are the pros and cons of each removal method and the steps involved.
Digging Up Grass
This process works well on shallow-rooted turf. If you’re landscaping a large area, schedule a full day for the job and enlist someone to help you.
Damp roots are easier to extricate than dry ones, so the day before digging up your grass, water the soil, moistening but not drenching it. Then, using a sharp spade or edger, cut the sod into strips measuring roughly 1 foot by 1 foot. Work with each strip separately, lifting the end with a garden fork. Then sever the grass roots with your spade and shake off the loose soil.
Next, load the sod pieces into a wheelbarrow. If the grass looks healthy, consider planting it elsewhere on your property. If not, use the sod for compost or filling depressions in the ground. Finally, level the landscaping area by adding aged compost or manure.
Smothering Turf
Sod gradually dies when you block its access to light and water. To speed up the process so you can place your river rock or Mexican beach pebbles sooner, cover the grass with plastic, anchoring it with large rocks or bricks. Heat will build up beneath the plastic and bake the turf. This smothering method suits both shallow and deep-rooted grass. For the greatest efficiency, use black plastic that’s 2–6 mil thick.
Cut the plastic with a sharp utility knife or scissors. If your turf has rhizomes or taproots, such as what’s common with Bermuda grass, cover the ground two feet beyond it.
During summer, the grass will die in about six weeks. In winter, smothering grass takes about three months. At that point, remove the dead sod or till it into the soil.
Warning: Smothering grass with plastic also kills any shrub or tree roots beneath it. Thus, if there is any nearby vegetation you want to keep, use a different grass removal strategy.
Applying Herbicides
Killing grass with chemicals is fast and easy. However, herbicides can poison wildlife, native plants, and local water sources. Chemicals can also harm pets and people. Plus, herbicides are costly, especially for large treatment areas. Only consider this method for a tough job, such as a large expanse of deeply rooted grass.
Most commercial herbicides are sprays. Purchase one that targets grass, not broadleaf vegetation, and heed the label warnings.
Choose a sunny day with minimal wind. This way, there’s no risk of rainwater diluting the product or wind sending it elsewhere. Also, wear protective gear, including gloves and a face mask. When you’re done spraying, keep pets and kids out of the area for the time specified on the product label.
Note: Tap-rooted grass may need another application. Moreover, any grass seeds in the soil can germinate in the future.
Using a Vinegar Solution
Consider this strategy for a small grassy area. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which draws vital moisture from plant cells. Consequently, grass should die within 24 hours of a vinegar application. Adding dish soap to vinegar helps it stick to plant surfaces, and salt pulls more water from the cells.
To make this natural grass killer, mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, one cup of salt, and one gallon of white vinegar in a plastic bucket. Stir well with a long-handled spoon. Next, using a funnel, pour the solution into a plastic spray bottle.
Choose a calm sunny day for application, and keep pets and kids away from the treatment area. Then put on gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and goggles. This gear will protect your skin and eyes from the acetic acid and its burning effects.
Saturate your grass with the spray. Store any leftover solution in a plastic container that’s labeled and tightly capped. It will keep indefinitely in a dark, cool location.
Next, till the soil to a 5-inch depth and level it with a garden rake. Now, your ground is ready for a weed barrier and gorgeous landscaping stones.
No matter what kind of landscaping project you’re planning, decorative rocks, stones, and pebbles can give it additional depth, character, and beauty. Whether you’re looking for the finest Mexican beach pebble or gorgeous polished black river rock, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0770.
