How to Use a Tarp to Kill Grass
If you are looking for a way to kill some unwanted grass for a new garden bed, solarizing it with a plastic tarp is an easy solution. It is much less labor intensive than digging up the grass for a new bed and it does not involve any harmful chemicals. Soil solarization uses energy from the sun to overheat and kill grass, weeds, fungi and other garden pests in the soil. It works best in hot, sunny weather, but can be used in cooler climates with a few modifications.
Mow the grass down to the soil. It should be as low to the ground as you can mow it.
Water the area of grass that you want to remove.
- If you are looking for a way to kill some unwanted grass for a new garden bed, solarizing it with a plastic tarp is an easy solution.
- It is much less labor intensive than digging up the grass for a new bed and it does not involve any harmful chemicals.
Spread a clear plastic tarp over the grassy area.
Place bricks, large rocks or other heavy objects around the edges of the tarp to hold it down. You can also bury the edges of the tarp in the soil to keep it in place.
Leave the tarp on the grass for four to six weeks during warm weather. If you are trying to kill grass with a tarp during the cooler months, leave the tarp in place for up to 10 weeks.
Remove the tarp and rake away the dead grass.
Kill Old Grass
Dig out grasses with a spade or cut large grassy areas into strips with a sod cutter, which you can often rent at a rental supply store. For larger areas, use a backpack sprayer and a glyphosate concentrate. Wear protective clothing, face mask and goggles. Mow the grass as short as possible, then moisten the soil with 1 inch of water. Rake the loose debris and discard or compost. Repeat several times until all the grass is removed.
- Spread a clear plastic tarp over the grassy area.
- Mow the grass as short as possible, then moisten the soil with 1 inch of water.
Tip
A black tarp can also be used to solarize the soil and kill unwanted grass, especially in cooler climates.
Warning
Do not disturb the tarp-covered area during the solarization process.
Related Articles
References
- Weekend Gardener: Soil Solarization--Kill & Prevent Weeds
- Oregon State University Extension: Harness the summer sun to kill weeds and soil pests
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Grass Removal Methods
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: How Much of Your Lawn is Affected?
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Kill the Existing Turf and Weeds
- Popular Mechanics: 6 Weeks To a Perfect Lawn
Tips
- A black tarp can also be used to solarize the soil and kill unwanted grass, especially in cooler climates.
Warnings
- Do not disturb the tarp-covered area during the solarization process.
Writer Bio
Tracey Bleakley has been writing for the last year. She has had numerous education articles published on both eHow.com and Brighthub.com. She has 10 years experience as an elementary school teacher. Bleakley received her Bachelor of Science in education with a specialization in reading from the University of Texas at Austin.
