This heatwave and drought have really got us re-thinking the lawn. Water restrictions are starting to happen in some places in Utah and now is the time to re-evaluate our landscapes. Basically, keep some lawn where you will use it and enjoy it. Remove lawn where it is not being used or where it is difficult to keep it watered. Consider replacing it with waterwise ground covers or drought tolerant perennials.
There are 3 ways to kill or remove your lawn:
1. Dig it up or rent a sod cutter to dig it up. This is a lot of work and you will need to let the area sit for several weeks to see what you missed and where grass is trying to come back. Then dig the re-growth out.
2. Kill it with grass-killing chemicals. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and always use safety precautions if using something toxic. You can't plant anything there for a while because of the chemicals. Also, the chemicals are not safe to use in hot temperatures. They can drift onto other plants (and people and pets) when they evaporate.
3. Solarize with black plastic. You can buy black plastic sheeting in the paint department of the local hardware store. Spread in out over the grass and pin it down with landscape fabric staples or rocks or bricks. Make sure no light or water can get under it. Make sure it is secure enough so the wind won't blow it away. The heat of the sun on the plastic will kill the grass. In summer, this should take about 4 or 6 weeks.
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