How to Remove a Lawn Without Chemicals: Sheet Mulching for a Greener Garden

Whether you want a front-yard farm, native plant oasis, or ornamental grass meadow, a new world awaits once you remove that thirsty, chemical-dependent lawn. "Anytime is the right time to get rid of your lawn," says Kathy Kramer, coordinator of Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour (www.bringingbackthenatives.net), which helps homeowners remove lawns in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. While plastic smothering kills soil biology—a poor start for a new garden—try these two methods:

Sheet Mulch It

Best for less-invasive grasses, not pernicious types like crabgrass or Bermuda. Smother the lawn with layers of cardboard, compost, and mulch, which decompose into well-amended soil perfect for planting.

• Put down several 2-3 layers of cardboard. Buy rolls or recycle boxes (remove tape/staples). Rolled cardboard is thin—easily punctured but manageable for large areas. Bicycle and furniture shops are great sources. "No matter how much you think you'll need, you'll need more," says Kramer.
• Prevent sprouts two ways: overlap rolls 6-8 inches. Also, dig a 3-inch wide/deep trench where grass meets concrete (driveways).
• Top with 2 inches of compost, then 4 inches of woodchips. Work in small sections to prevent cardboard blowing away.
• Wait 6 months—"The perfect amount of time to plan your new garden," says Kramer—then plant.