Converting Sloped Lawn to Juniper Groundcover Without Herbicide

Replace sloped lawn with juniper groundcover using solarization instead of chemicals: mow low, wet thoroughly, cover with clear plastic (not black) for 4-6 summer weeks. Heat kills grass, weeds, and seeds. Remove plastic, plant junipers directly into dead turf—no tilling needed.

Space junipers per mature width (typically 4-6 feet). Mulch heavily between plants. They'll knit together in 2-3 years. Drip irrigation establishes them efficiently.

If herbicide preferred: glyphosate application, wait 2 weeks, plant through dead sod. But solarization builds soil health while clearing vegetation.

Junipers need full sun and drainage. On slopes, they're excellent—roots stabilize soil. Choose varieties: 'Blue Rug', 'Bar Harbor', 'Prince of Wales' for low, spreading forms.