Deciding to replace your lawn with ground cover is a great step towards a more sustainable, low-maintenance landscape. But before you start planting, a crucial question arises: Do you have to remove the existing grass first? The answer isn’t always straightforward and depends on several factors. This guide will walk you through the considerations, helping you make the best choice for your specific situation and ensure your ground cover thrives.
Understanding the Importance of Site Preparation
Effective site preparation is the cornerstone of any successful landscaping project, especially when it comes to transitioning from grass to ground cover. Neglecting this step can lead to a host of problems down the line, hindering the growth and spread of your new plants and ultimately undermining your efforts.
Failing to prepare the soil properly can result in stunted growth for your ground cover. The existing grass, competing for resources like water and nutrients, can quickly outcompete the younger, less established ground cover plants. This competition deprives the ground cover of what it needs to thrive, leading to weak, sparse growth.
Weeds are another common issue. Grass, especially persistent varieties, can be difficult to eradicate completely. Any remaining grass blades or roots can quickly regrow, infesting your ground cover and requiring constant weeding to maintain its desired appearance. A thorough initial clearing minimizes this risk.
Ultimately, poor site preparation can significantly delay the establishment of your ground cover. Instead of creating a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape, you may find yourself constantly battling weeds and struggling to promote healthy growth. This extra effort and expense can be easily avoided with proper preparation from the outset.
Factors Influencing Your Decision: To Remove or Not to Remove?
The decision of whether or not to remove grass before planting ground cover hinges on several key factors. Evaluating these factors will help you determine the most effective approach for your specific landscape and chosen ground cover species.
The Type of Grass
The type of grass currently occupying your lawn plays a significant role in your decision-making process. Some grass varieties are more aggressive and persistent than others, making removal a necessity.
Aggressive grasses like Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass are notorious for their ability to spread rapidly through rhizomes and stolons (underground and above-ground stems, respectively). These grasses can quickly infiltrate and overwhelm ground cover plantings if not properly removed. Their vigorous growth habit makes them difficult to suppress, even with the most robust ground cover varieties.
Less aggressive grasses, such as fescue or ryegrass, may be more manageable. In some cases, you might be able to suppress these grasses with proper mulching and strategic planting. However, it’s still crucial to assess the density of the existing grass and the growth habits of your chosen ground cover.
The Chosen Ground Cover Species
The characteristics of your chosen ground cover species are equally important to consider. Some ground cover varieties are naturally more vigorous and competitive, making them better equipped to suppress existing grass.
Aggressive ground covers like creeping thyme, vinca minor, and pachysandra can often outcompete less vigorous grasses. These species spread quickly and form a dense mat, effectively blocking sunlight and limiting the grass’s ability to grow. However, even with these aggressive ground covers, removing particularly persistent grasses is still recommended.
Less aggressive ground covers, such as chamomile or certain sedums, may struggle to establish themselves if forced to compete with existing grass. These species require a clean slate to thrive and may need more intensive site preparation, including complete grass removal.
The Size of the Area
The size of the area you intend to cover also influences your decision. Smaller areas are generally easier to manage and may allow for more intensive preparation methods, such as manual removal or solarization.
For larger areas, complete grass removal can be a daunting and time-consuming task. In these situations, you might consider alternative methods, such as sheet mulching or herbicide application, or opt for a more aggressive ground cover species that can effectively suppress the existing grass. Breaking the project into smaller, manageable sections can also make the process less overwhelming.
Your Time and Resources
Ultimately, your available time and resources will play a significant role in determining the best approach. Complete grass removal can be labor-intensive and may require specialized equipment or professional assistance.
If you have limited time or budget, you might consider alternative methods that require less effort and expense, such as sheet mulching or using a less demanding ground cover. However, be prepared to invest more time in ongoing maintenance, such as weeding, to ensure the success of your ground cover.
Methods for Removing Grass
If you’ve determined that grass removal is necessary, several methods are available. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so carefully consider your options before proceeding.
Manual Removal
Manual removal involves physically digging up the grass and its roots. This method is best suited for small areas and is particularly effective for removing persistent grasses that are difficult to control with other methods.
The process involves using a shovel or spade to carefully dig under the grass, ensuring you remove as much of the root system as possible. This can be a labor-intensive process, especially in compacted soil. However, manual removal offers the advantage of avoiding the use of herbicides and allowing for immediate planting.
Solarization
Solarization is a non-chemical method that uses the sun’s energy to kill grass and weeds. This technique involves covering the area with clear plastic sheeting during the hottest months of the year.
The plastic traps heat, raising the soil temperature to lethal levels for most plants. This method is effective for killing grass and weed seeds but can take several weeks or months to complete. It is most effective during the summer months in areas with high solar intensity. After solarization, the soil is typically ready for planting without further amendments.
Herbicide Application
Herbicide application involves using chemical herbicides to kill the grass. This method can be effective for large areas but requires careful application to avoid damaging desirable plants or contaminating the soil.
Choose a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate, that will kill all vegetation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and apply the herbicide on a calm day to prevent drift. It may take several applications to completely kill the grass. After the grass is dead, remove the dead thatch and prepare the soil for planting.
Sheet Mulching
Sheet mulching is a sustainable method that involves layering organic materials to smother the grass and create a nutrient-rich soil for your ground cover. This method is also known as “lasagna gardening.”
The process involves layering cardboard or newspaper over the grass, followed by layers of compost, straw, and other organic materials. The cardboard or newspaper blocks sunlight, killing the grass underneath. As the organic materials decompose, they enrich the soil and provide nutrients for your ground cover. This method takes several months to complete but is a sustainable and effective way to prepare the soil.
Preparing the Soil After Grass Removal
Once you’ve removed the grass, preparing the soil is crucial for ensuring the success of your ground cover. This involves amending the soil with organic matter, improving drainage, and adjusting the pH if necessary.
Amend the soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic materials to improve its fertility and drainage. This will provide your ground cover with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Work the amendments into the top few inches of soil.
If the soil is compacted, till or aerate it to improve drainage. This will allow the ground cover roots to penetrate the soil more easily. Check the soil pH and adjust it if necessary. Most ground covers prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). You can use a soil testing kit to determine the pH and add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
Planting Your Ground Cover
After preparing the soil, you’re ready to plant your ground cover. Follow these tips for successful planting:
Choose the right time of year to plant. Spring and fall are generally the best times to plant ground cover, as the weather is cooler and the plants have time to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Space the plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper spacing is essential for ensuring that the ground cover spreads evenly and effectively.
Water the plants thoroughly after planting. This will help them establish their roots and get off to a good start. Mulch around the plants with organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Maintaining Your Ground Cover
Once your ground cover is established, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure its long-term health and beauty. This includes watering, fertilizing, and weeding.
Water the ground cover regularly, especially during dry periods. The amount of water needed will depend on the species of ground cover and the soil type. Fertilize the ground cover as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for ground covers.
Weed the ground cover regularly to prevent weeds from competing with the plants for resources. Hand-pulling weeds is the most effective method, but you can also use herbicides if necessary. Prune the ground cover as needed to maintain its desired shape and size. Some ground covers, such as creeping thyme, can become invasive if not properly pruned.
Alternatives to Removing Grass Entirely
While complete grass removal is often recommended, there are alternative approaches that may be suitable in certain situations.
Suppressing Grass with Mulch
In some cases, you can suppress the grass by applying a thick layer of mulch. This method is most effective with less aggressive grasses and vigorous ground cover species.
The mulch blocks sunlight, preventing the grass from growing. Over time, the grass will decompose and enrich the soil. However, this method may require ongoing maintenance to prevent the grass from regrowing.
Overplanting with Aggressive Ground Cover
Another alternative is to overplant with a very aggressive ground cover species. This method relies on the ground cover’s ability to outcompete the grass for resources.
Choose a ground cover that is known for its vigorous growth habit and ability to spread quickly. Plant the ground cover densely to give it a competitive advantage. This method may require ongoing maintenance to prevent the grass from spreading.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to remove grass before planting ground cover depends on several factors, including the type of grass, the chosen ground cover species, the size of the area, and your available time and resources. While complete grass removal is often recommended for optimal results, alternative methods may be suitable in certain situations.
By carefully considering these factors and choosing the appropriate preparation method, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape with your chosen ground cover. Remember, thorough preparation is key to a successful transition from grass to ground cover.
Why is removing grass important before planting ground cover?
Removing grass before planting ground cover is crucial for the successful establishment and spread of your chosen ground cover plants. Grass competes with the ground cover for vital resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Leaving grass in place will significantly hinder the ground cover’s ability to thrive, leading to stunted growth, thin coverage, and ultimately, the potential failure of your planting project.
Without proper grass removal, the existing turf can quickly overwhelm the young ground cover plants. The dense root system of grass, particularly aggressive varieties, will outcompete the developing roots of the ground cover, preventing them from becoming firmly established. This competition can result in weak and unhealthy ground cover that is susceptible to diseases and pests, requiring more maintenance and potentially leading to costly replacements.
What are the different methods for removing grass prior to planting ground cover?
Several effective methods exist for removing grass before planting ground cover, ranging from manual techniques to chemical applications. Manual methods, such as digging or using a sod cutter, are labor-intensive but offer precise control and avoid the use of herbicides. Solarization, another option, involves covering the area with clear plastic to bake the grass and its seeds, offering an eco-friendly approach.
Chemical methods utilize herbicides like glyphosate to kill the grass. While efficient, it’s crucial to follow all safety instructions carefully and consider the potential environmental impact. Sheet mulching, also known as lasagna gardening, involves layering cardboard or newspaper over the grass and topping it with organic matter like compost and wood chips. This method smothers the grass while enriching the soil, creating an ideal planting bed for your ground cover.
When is the best time to remove grass before planting ground cover?
The optimal time to remove grass before planting ground cover depends largely on the method you choose and the climate you live in. For manual removal, spring or fall are generally ideal as the soil is moist and easier to work with. These seasons also provide favorable conditions for the ground cover to establish itself before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter arrive.
If using solarization, the hottest months of the year are most effective as the intense sunlight will quickly kill the grass and its seeds. For herbicide application, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but typically it’s best done when the grass is actively growing. Sheet mulching can be done anytime, but fall is often preferred as the organic materials have time to decompose over the winter, creating a nutrient-rich planting bed for spring.
Can I plant ground cover without removing all the grass?
While it’s possible to plant ground cover without completely removing all the grass, it is generally not recommended for optimal results. Small patches of grass might be manageable with diligent weeding, but a significant amount of existing turf will severely hinder the ground cover’s growth and establishment. The competition for resources will make it difficult for the ground cover to thrive.
If you choose to plant without removing all the grass, select a very aggressive ground cover variety that is known to outcompete grass. You will also need to be extremely vigilant about weeding and providing extra water and fertilizer to the ground cover to give it a fighting chance. However, even with these measures, complete removal is still the most effective approach for long-term success.
How long after removing grass can I plant ground cover?
The waiting time after removing grass before planting ground cover varies depending on the removal method used. If you’ve used a manual method like digging or a sod cutter, you can typically plant the ground cover immediately after preparing the soil. This allows the ground cover to take root quickly and start establishing itself in the newly cleared area.
If you’ve used herbicides, it’s crucial to wait the recommended time specified on the product label before planting. This waiting period ensures that the herbicide has dissipated and won’t harm the new ground cover plants. For solarization, allow the soil to cool down after removing the plastic before planting. With sheet mulching, it’s best to wait several weeks or months, especially if you’ve used thick layers of cardboard, to allow the materials to decompose and enrich the soil.
What kind of soil preparation is needed after grass removal before planting ground cover?
After removing the grass, proper soil preparation is essential for ensuring the success of your ground cover planting. Begin by removing any remaining debris, such as rocks, roots, or dead grass. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6-12 inches using a garden fork or tiller. This will improve drainage and aeration, allowing the ground cover roots to penetrate more easily.
Next, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss. This will improve the soil’s fertility, water-holding capacity, and overall structure, providing a healthy foundation for the ground cover. Consider adding a slow-release fertilizer formulated for ground cover to provide essential nutrients. Finally, level the soil surface and lightly compact it before planting.
What are some common mistakes people make when removing grass for ground cover?
One common mistake is not completely removing all the grass and its roots. Leaving behind even small pieces of grass can lead to regrowth and competition with the ground cover. Another mistake is not properly preparing the soil after grass removal, neglecting to amend it with organic matter or improve drainage, which can hinder the ground cover’s growth.
Another frequent error is planting the ground cover too soon after using herbicides, not allowing enough time for the chemicals to dissipate and potentially harming the new plants. Finally, neglecting ongoing maintenance, such as weeding and watering, after planting can allow weeds to take hold and outcompete the ground cover, undoing the initial efforts of grass removal.