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Note: Today’s newsletter is an excerpt from a new guide I wrote. New readers this week will have received this as a PDF when they signed up. It will be new to most of you.
How to Kill Your Lawn
The Lawn Had it Coming
Lawns are America’s favorite bad habit. On the surface they signal belonging, tidiness, and civic virtue. However, in the face of a mass extinction event caused by Humans, an expansive lawn is growing to signal a disregard for the ecosystems outside our doors. Our lawns carpet America in what has been dubbed “green cement,” a monoculture maintained with a biweekly pass of the lawnmower that does little to support the ecosystems around our homes. Smoking is also a bad habit, but at least that makes you look sexy.
Meanwhile, a well-designed garden, even a modest one, creates real ecological value. You are trading a static, thirsty patch of grass for a living system. By choosing to plant flowers and native plants, you will create your own sanctuary for wildlife and relaxation. A space filled with butterflies on flowers, birds nesting in shrubs, and somewhere to disappear for an hour when you’ve hit your breaking point. A beautiful garden is a worthy motive to kill your lawn.
This gravel garden was designed by Jeff Epping in Madison, WI. Visit that link to see his work.
Lawns are not all bad. They have their place as a small play area or a lounging spot, and are good for recreation. But be honest with yourself: when was the last time you sprawled out on the grass in your front yard? My neighbor Kathy did that once and had a wellness check called on her within an hour. I wonder how she is. Her episode is just another reason we need to reduce the lawn around the homes we own or rent and in our public spaces.
This guide is not about blindly hating the lawn, but it is about how to kill it.
How to kill your lawn
No matter where you live, there are only a handful of reliable methods to remove turf. This guide will walk you through four methods. Three of the methods are patient, and one will give you instant gratification if you work for it. Let’s dive into the tried and true methods for restoring your landscape by removing turf grass.
Sheet Mulching
Best for: Patient people who also want to improve their soil.
Method:
Lay down overlapping cardboard over the lawn.
Add three inches of compost.
Add three more inches of mulch on top of the compost.
Water lightly to help the cardboard begin breaking down.
Wait two to four months.
Pros: Builds rich soil and kills most weeds.
Cons: Takes time and is not ideal for immediate planting.
Solarization
Best for: People who love drama and live in hot, sunny climates.
Method:
Mow the lawn short.
Water deeply.
Stretch clear plastic tightly over the area and seal the edges.
Leave for four to eight weeks during peak summer heat.
I don’t live in a warm climate, so here is a helpful link to the University of Florida’s guide to soil solarization.
Pros: Kills grass, seeds, and many soil pathogens.
Cons: Requires strong sun and is unattractive during the process.
Digging it Out
Best for: Impatient people with too much energy
Method:
Use a sod cutter or this flat spade
Slice under the roots and roll up the turf like carpet.
Shake out soil or reuse the grass to create berms.
Pros: Immediate results.
Cons: Physically demanding and exposes soil, so mulch to prevent weeds.
Tarping (Blackout Method)
Best for: Weedy or neglected areas, large zones, people who prefer the set-and-forget approach.
Method:
Lay down a heavy black tarp.
Add weights around the edges.
Leave for three to eight weeks depending on climate.
Pros: Heat and darkness do the work for you.
Cons: Does not improve soil structure like sheet mulching.
Another stunning design by Jeff Epping in Madison, WI. The fall colors add a depth of emotion that a lawn could never give you.
Now you know why you should kill your lawn and how to get away with it. Promise me you won’t get overwhelmed in the process, because we need your help improving our world. Just take it easy and do one section at a time. Remember that gardening is a long game, and you are part of a community of Plotters who are eager to help you succeed.
Field Notes
With all the snow that fell in Madison last weekend, it is finally starting to feel like a season of rest. Rest and boredom are just as important as action in building beautiful gardens, so embrace the well earned break. Remember, you’re in this for the long run.
Thank you to Jeff Epping, Max Kanter and the users of r/fucklawns for contributing photos to this newsletter!
Plotter’s Commons
For today’s question, I need your help to plan the Winter editions of the newsletter.
What do you want to read about most this Winter in The Plot? |
Community Board
A Longwood Christmas (PA) | 550,000+ lights, jewel-toned displays, and fountain shows.
Holiday Train Show & Glow Nights – NY Botanical Garden (NYC) | Mini NYC landmarks made from plants, plus glowing evening trails.
Lightscape – Chicago Botanic Garden (IL) | A glowing mile of lights, soundscapes, and immersive installations.
Las Noches de las Luminarias – Desert BG (AZ) | 8,000 lanterns, desert plants, live music, Sonoran Santa.
12 Days of Christmas – Mitchell Park Domes (WI) | Poinsettia-filled floral parody and Santa storytime inside Milwaukee’s glass domes.
Holiday Express – Olbrich Gardens (Madison, WI) | Festive model trains wind through whimsical foliage and festive scenes in Olbrich’s warm conservatory.
Winter Wonder – Queens BG (NYC) | Crafts, Santa, a lantern-lit walk, and tree lighting.
Written for 231 beautiful readers. 💌
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Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch
Ken Welch is a horticulturist by training and research professional at UW–Madison. He’s drawn to native ecosystems, community gardens, and helping others grow confidence in their craft.
