Converting Grass to River Rock: Removal Methods and Underlayment

A homeowner wants to replace large grass areas with 1-inch river rock and asks about grass removal and underlayment (weed block vs. plastic).

Grass Removal Options

1. Best (Pro): Skid steer (bobcat) with 1/2-yard bucket
2. DIY Mechanical: Herbicide (Roundup) → wait → rototill (rent both)
3. Lowest Effort: Cover dead grass directly after herbicide kill

Underlayment: Avoid Plastic

Plastic fails long-term: Within a year, wind-blown debris creates soil on top → weeds root in debris → penetrate plastic → nightmare removal (plastic comes up with weeds). Plastic also blocks water from soil—ecologically harmful.

Better Approach

Use quality weed barrier fabric (not thin cloth) or skip underlayment entirely with proper rock depth. Fabric allows drainage while suppressing weeds from below.

Expert Sean Murphy emphasizes: plastic creates future problems; fabric or proper installation depth are sustainable solutions.