What to Know About Losing Your Lawn
Learn why you might want to replace your turfgrass, how to do it and and other considerations for losing the lawn
Marianne Lipanovich
May 31, 2023
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find me writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects... More
An expansive green lawn may be a hallmark of American landscapes, but a growing number of people are looking for more water-wise, wildlife-friendly or low-maintenance alternatives. If you’re ready to embrace a different landscape look, your first step will be to remove the existing lawn. Read on to learn about steps you can take to lose the lawn as well as other tips and ideas for transforming your landscape.
A dog-friendly and water-conscious backyard makes the most of the lawn removal.
Reasons for Losing or Reducing the Lawn
The reasons to remove a lawn can vary. Homeowners in arid regions may want to conserve water and reduce their water bills. Wanting a more natural-looking or wildlife-friendly yard, such as a meadow or a native garden, also may be a factor.
Location and terrain also may play a role. Grass in shady areas or riddled with tree roots may be sparse and unhealthy. A slope may make it difficult to mow and control runoff. In these circumstances, the best move may be to replace the lawn with plants that are better suited to the growing conditions.
Lawns also require regular and sometimes extensive maintenance, from watering and mowing to feeding, reseeding and dealing with weeds and pests. A large stretch of lawn does not provide the biodiversity needed for a healthy garden and soil.
The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn
Reasons for Losing or Reducing the Lawn
The reasons to remove a lawn can vary. Homeowners in arid regions may want to conserve water and reduce their water bills. Wanting a more natural-looking or wildlife-friendly yard, such as a meadow or a native garden, also may be a factor.
Location and terrain also may play a role. Grass in shady areas or riddled with tree roots may be sparse and unhealthy. A slope may make it difficult to mow and control runoff. In these circumstances, the best move may be to replace the lawn with plants that are better suited to the growing conditions.
Lawns also require regular and sometimes extensive maintenance, from watering and mowing to feeding, reseeding and dealing with weeds and pests. A large stretch of lawn does not provide the biodiversity needed for a healthy garden and soil.
The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn
This native garden replaced a front lawn. The rusted windmill is an unexpected connection with the original lawn.
Whom to Hire
If your lawn area is small, you may consider doing some of the work yourself. However, even simply digging up a patch of lawn takes time and effort. Some removal methods require extra preparation and equipment, additional materials or both, compared with just digging with a shovel or spade.
A landscape contractor can provide the expertise and experience to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Look for contractors who focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices, as they also can help you with eco-friendly lawn disposal options.
If you’re working with a landscape designer or architect as part of a larger outdoor renovation, he or she will be able to help you and recommend pros for the project.
10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Contractor | Find a landscape contractor near you
Whom to Hire
If your lawn area is small, you may consider doing some of the work yourself. However, even simply digging up a patch of lawn takes time and effort. Some removal methods require extra preparation and equipment, additional materials or both, compared with just digging with a shovel or spade.
A landscape contractor can provide the expertise and experience to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Look for contractors who focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices, as they also can help you with eco-friendly lawn disposal options.
If you’re working with a landscape designer or architect as part of a larger outdoor renovation, he or she will be able to help you and recommend pros for the project.
10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Contractor | Find a landscape contractor near you
The right mix of plants creates a cohesive flow with plenty of interest year-round.
Design Considerations When Removing a Lawn
Deciding to remove the lawn is your first step, but you’ll also want to consider what you want to replace it with. You can browse through the landscape photos on Houzz to find starter ideas or, if you already have a landscape style in mind, to narrow your options. Create an ideabook to capture what appeals to you to share with your designer.
Walk through your neighborhood or surrounding areas as well. Are there front yard designs you like? Do any plants call to you? Snap some photos as a memory aid. A knowledgable landscape designer in your area will be able to help refine your vision and get you started.
See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns
Design Considerations When Removing a Lawn
Deciding to remove the lawn is your first step, but you’ll also want to consider what you want to replace it with. You can browse through the landscape photos on Houzz to find starter ideas or, if you already have a landscape style in mind, to narrow your options. Create an ideabook to capture what appeals to you to share with your designer.
Walk through your neighborhood or surrounding areas as well. Are there front yard designs you like? Do any plants call to you? Snap some photos as a memory aid. A knowledgable landscape designer in your area will be able to help refine your vision and get you started.
See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance shrubs are a lively replacement for a lawn on this sloped entry.
4 Methods for Removing the Lawn, and When to Do It
There are four basic methods for removing lawns in an eco-friendly manner. Each has its pros and cons, depending on the amount of lawn you plan to remove, your timeline and your personal preferences.
The first two options listed below will allow you to replant fairly quickly. The second two require more time until you can replant. Whichever method you use, you will want to incorporate fresh soil and compost to help the new plants thrive.
10 Steps to Help You Get Ready for Landscape Construction
4 Methods for Removing the Lawn, and When to Do It
There are four basic methods for removing lawns in an eco-friendly manner. Each has its pros and cons, depending on the amount of lawn you plan to remove, your timeline and your personal preferences.
The first two options listed below will allow you to replant fairly quickly. The second two require more time until you can replant. Whichever method you use, you will want to incorporate fresh soil and compost to help the new plants thrive.
10 Steps to Help You Get Ready for Landscape Construction
These plants replaced a small lawn along a sidewalk entry.
1. Dig it out. If you have a fairly small patch of lawn, digging out the sod with a spade or flat-head shovel may be the logical choice. You can do it yourself, if you feel able, or hire someone with experience to take on the task for you. Some pluses include not having to rent equipment or maneuver it into place. You also can replant fairly quickly.
This process will take time and a great deal of physical effort, even for small spaces. You’ll need to work in small sections and remove enough of the grass to get the roots out without taking out too much of the good soil beneath.
Pro tip: Water the area you want to remove beforehand so it is moist but not soggy, to make digging easier.
1. Dig it out. If you have a fairly small patch of lawn, digging out the sod with a spade or flat-head shovel may be the logical choice. You can do it yourself, if you feel able, or hire someone with experience to take on the task for you. Some pluses include not having to rent equipment or maneuver it into place. You also can replant fairly quickly.
This process will take time and a great deal of physical effort, even for small spaces. You’ll need to work in small sections and remove enough of the grass to get the roots out without taking out too much of the good soil beneath.
Pro tip: Water the area you want to remove beforehand so it is moist but not soggy, to make digging easier.
An uninspiring lawn was turned into this thriving pollinator habitat.
2. Cut the sod. For larger areas that you want to replant immediately, using a sod cutter is the best option. The sod cutter will cut the grass out in strips, allowing it to be easily removed. You can also transplant grass removed this way.
While both digging and cutting the sod out will remove the majority of grass seeds, some may still remain and germinate. You will need to watch for wayward patches of grass in the future and weed them out.
2. Cut the sod. For larger areas that you want to replant immediately, using a sod cutter is the best option. The sod cutter will cut the grass out in strips, allowing it to be easily removed. You can also transplant grass removed this way.
While both digging and cutting the sod out will remove the majority of grass seeds, some may still remain and germinate. You will need to watch for wayward patches of grass in the future and weed them out.
Wintertime sheet mulching killed the many weeds near the entrance to this home and also enriched the hard soil, a plus for the newly planted shrubs and perennials.
3. Sheet-mulch it. This method smothers the existing grass while adding nutrients to the soil. It works in sun and shade. Layers of organic materials, including cardboard, newsprint and compost are laid over the grass, topped by mulch. The layers cut off the sunlight, causing the grass to die. The organic materials also decompose, adding nutrients to the soil.
Sheet mulching is not a quick solution. Plan on a minimum of six months to a year before you can replant. You’ll also need to keep the layers of materials in place throughout that time. While you can install new plantings in the space, you’ll need to protect them and their roots from being smothered as well as ensure that they get the water and nutrients they need to grow.
3. Sheet-mulch it. This method smothers the existing grass while adding nutrients to the soil. It works in sun and shade. Layers of organic materials, including cardboard, newsprint and compost are laid over the grass, topped by mulch. The layers cut off the sunlight, causing the grass to die. The organic materials also decompose, adding nutrients to the soil.
Sheet mulching is not a quick solution. Plan on a minimum of six months to a year before you can replant. You’ll also need to keep the layers of materials in place throughout that time. While you can install new plantings in the space, you’ll need to protect them and their roots from being smothered as well as ensure that they get the water and nutrients they need to grow.
A tropics-inspired landscape is a bright alternative to a traditional lawn.
4. Solarize it. This lawn removal method uses sun power to kill the grass and sterilize the top few inches of soil. A sheet of clear plastic is placed over a wet lawn and held in place around the edges. The heat of the sun, accelerated by moisture, kills off the grass as well as any weeds, pathogens and bugs in the soil.
This process is best done in summer and takes about six to eight weeks from start to finish. After the lawn dies off and turns a straw-like brown, wait another two weeks and then remove the plastic. Add amendments to the soil to ready it for planting.
While solarization is effective and faster than sheet mulching, some garden experts question the process, as it kills off beneficial insects and bacteria.
See before-and-after photos of a lawn transformed into a prairie garden
4. Solarize it. This lawn removal method uses sun power to kill the grass and sterilize the top few inches of soil. A sheet of clear plastic is placed over a wet lawn and held in place around the edges. The heat of the sun, accelerated by moisture, kills off the grass as well as any weeds, pathogens and bugs in the soil.
This process is best done in summer and takes about six to eight weeks from start to finish. After the lawn dies off and turns a straw-like brown, wait another two weeks and then remove the plastic. Add amendments to the soil to ready it for planting.
While solarization is effective and faster than sheet mulching, some garden experts question the process, as it kills off beneficial insects and bacteria.
See before-and-after photos of a lawn transformed into a prairie garden
Low-water shrubs paired with aloes and agaves are a vibrant replacement for a front lawn.
Other Considerations When Losing the Lawn
Regulations and permits. Check for any local regulations or homeowners association rules regarding landscaping before removing your lawn. Also, make a plan for disposing of the resulting soil and lawn outside of a landfill.
You’ll also want to note underground electrical, plumbing and irrigation lines as well as sewer channels, to avoid disturbing them.
Other Considerations When Losing the Lawn
Regulations and permits. Check for any local regulations or homeowners association rules regarding landscaping before removing your lawn. Also, make a plan for disposing of the resulting soil and lawn outside of a landfill.
You’ll also want to note underground electrical, plumbing and irrigation lines as well as sewer channels, to avoid disturbing them.
A thirsty lawn was replaced by low-water plants at the top of the hill to control erosion, and by more water-loving plants at the bottom to capture runoff. A bonus is the beneficial insects the plants attract.
Local incentive programs. Many cities, counties and states, especially those in the western United States, have programs to encourage replacing lawns with more eco-friendly options. These often specify a ratio of hardscape-to-plant replacement and include recommended plant lists, which can be extensive. Rebates and grants also may be offered.
Good places to learn about these programs are county agencies and university extension offices. They can direct you to resources designed for your locale.
State water resource and conservation offices also may be able to provide help. For example:
Local incentive programs. Many cities, counties and states, especially those in the western United States, have programs to encourage replacing lawns with more eco-friendly options. These often specify a ratio of hardscape-to-plant replacement and include recommended plant lists, which can be extensive. Rebates and grants also may be offered.
Good places to learn about these programs are county agencies and university extension offices. They can direct you to resources designed for your locale.
State water resource and conservation offices also may be able to provide help. For example:
- Arizona Water Facts, a resource created by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, provides desert landscaping and watering guides and information on rebates.
- The California State Water Resources Control Board has information on water conservation, drought resources and useful links, and provides links to regional water boards.
- In Colorado, Denver Water provides landscaping and watering guides, regulations and resources for residential properties.
- In Idaho, the city of Moscow’s Environmental Services Department provides irrigation and landscaping guidelines and rebate forms for residents.
- The Southern Nevada Water Authority provides information on watering guidelines, conservation resources, regulations and rebate programs.
- In Oregon, the city of Portland’s Water Efficiency Program shares water-wise landscaping information.
- The Utah Division of Water Resources provides water conservation information, watering guides and rebate information.
- In Washington, the Saving Water Partnership, which is composed of 19 water utilities, offers water-efficient gardening and watering guides. The city of Spokane has its own turf replacement program, outdoor water conservation tips and water-wise rebates.
This lawn replacement is both low-maintenance and generally weed-free.
When to do this project. Where you live and the method you choose will determine when to start this project. In all cases, if you live where it snows or is very rainy and muddy during winter, you’ll want to wait until the snow melts or things warm up.
If you’re considering digging up the lawn or cutting the sod, any time you can work the soil is fine. Keep in mind that you’ll want to replant relatively quickly after you remove the soil, so choose a time that’s optimal for putting in new plants — generally spring or fall.
You can sheet-mulch year-round whenever the soil is reasonably dry. You’ll ideally want to be ready for either spring or fall planting. Solarization is best done in summer, to take advantage of the summer sun.
How long it will take. Digging up the soil or cutting the sod generally takes a few hours to a day or two, depending on the size of the project. You can do it right before you plan to plant.
With sheet mulching, it can take up to a year for the soil to be ready for planting. You can add some plants during this time, although you’ll need to be sure they get moisture and sunlight. Plan on six to eight weeks for the entire solarization process.
Next: 7 Landscape Design Ideas to Replace a Traditional Lawn
More on Houzz
15 Ways to Create a Beautiful Water-Wise Landscape
Read more about earth-friendly design
Work with a drought-tolerant-landscape pro near you
Shop for gardening tools
When to do this project. Where you live and the method you choose will determine when to start this project. In all cases, if you live where it snows or is very rainy and muddy during winter, you’ll want to wait until the snow melts or things warm up.
If you’re considering digging up the lawn or cutting the sod, any time you can work the soil is fine. Keep in mind that you’ll want to replant relatively quickly after you remove the soil, so choose a time that’s optimal for putting in new plants — generally spring or fall.
You can sheet-mulch year-round whenever the soil is reasonably dry. You’ll ideally want to be ready for either spring or fall planting. Solarization is best done in summer, to take advantage of the summer sun.
How long it will take. Digging up the soil or cutting the sod generally takes a few hours to a day or two, depending on the size of the project. You can do it right before you plan to plant.
With sheet mulching, it can take up to a year for the soil to be ready for planting. You can add some plants during this time, although you’ll need to be sure they get moisture and sunlight. Plan on six to eight weeks for the entire solarization process.
Next: 7 Landscape Design Ideas to Replace a Traditional Lawn
More on Houzz
15 Ways to Create a Beautiful Water-Wise Landscape
Read more about earth-friendly design
Work with a drought-tolerant-landscape pro near you
Shop for gardening tools
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sim320 I agree with your whole comment!
We have one side of our front driveway with lawn which will not survive beyond 2.5 years without becoming bare patch and weeds. With FL heat and mature oak tree shade plus surface roots, no grass survives. The sole alternative is garden beds around the scant patches of grass that DOES manage to survive in dappled sunlight. Not cutting down trees.
HU: many varieties of bromeliads thrive under oak trees in Florida. The epiphytic ones (most of them) don't care about roots -- you can literally sit them on the ground and they'll root themselves. And they supress weeds beautifully.
Another alternative, which I don't like as much, is asiatic jasmine. It's can be hard to control/keep weeds out. But I saw a gorgeous bed with a variegated version this week that looked like it was covered with pink begonia blooms. It's called Snow-N-Summer. Available at Home Depot, so it's got to be common.