Thank you for your interest in lawn replacement! Replacing lawn with native plants offers numerous benefits for both homeowners and the environment. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to traditional lawns, reducing water usage, chemical inputs, and labor costs. By providing habitat and food for local wildlife, including pollinators and birds, native plantings support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
To remove lawn and replace with natives begin by envisioning your desired yard appearance and consult local regulations from your municipality, neighborhood, or homeowners’ association. Once you've identified a small area for conversion, follow these straightforward steps:
- Apply 6-10 layers of newspaper (black & white only) or brown cardboard over the turf grass, overlapping each section to prevent grass and weeds from emerging.
- Ensure thorough coverage with the newspaper or cardboard.
- Dampen the newspaper or cardboard.
- Spread a generous layer of mulch or soil (4-6 inches) over the newspaper or cardboard.
- Allow the turf grass and weeds to decompose over the next 4-6 weeks.
- Plant directly into the mulch and newspaper/cardboard layers. For future tree or shrub planting, dig holes beforehand and incorporate the newspaper/cardboard layers around them."
You can find information on getting started with lawn replacement here.