CORVALLIS, Ore. — Grass lawns are the default for most yards, but some people want other options, like edible or ornamental landscaping, mulch or low-maintenance groundcover.

"Maybe you have a lawn full of difficult-to-control weeds like annual bluegrass or rough bluegrass and you want to start over," said Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University's Grover Family Endowed Sustainable Urban Landscapes Specialist. "Or you want to switch from grass to lawn alternatives like groundcovers."

In either case, removing the existing lawn is the first step — and Kowalewski offers two main approaches: an organic technique that uses no pesticides and a chemical method.

The organic method begins with plastic sheeting installed directly over the lawn.

"You need something that will totally stop the gas exchange of the atmosphere," Kowalewski said. "You're essentially suffocating the plant." In the heat of summer, solarization can take two to three weeks to kill turfgrass.

The chemical method uses a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate, applied in early morning and away from desirable plants. A second application two weeks later helps kill newly germinated weeds. Organic, OMRI-listed alternatives containing vinegar or acetic acid are also available. Regardless of product type, always follow pesticide label directions and wear protective clothing.

Prepare the site for new planting

After the grass has died, mow as low as possible and aerate the soil. Because living root fragments can persist, removing sod entirely is recommended. Rent a hand- or gas-powered sod cutter, set it to ¼–½ inch depth, and roll or lift sections using a square shovel or pitchfork.

Dispose of removed sod in the garbage or compost. With the turf cleared, the site is ready for replanting — whether that means edible beds, ornamental shrubs, or groundcovers that require less maintenance than grass.

Want to keep your lawn instead?

Extension offers resources for homeowners who want turf to look and perform better:

• Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation
• Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon
• Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass (video)

Previously titled When it’s time to say goodbye to lawn, uproot it first