"WiGard" wrote in message
news
On Tue, 03 Feb 2004 12:23:46 +0000, dd wrote:

This spring, we are taking the plunge and getting rid of our front lawn,
or what's left of it. It covers about 200 square feet. It will be a lot
of
work for me (older female) to dig out the sod. After I dig it out, I
will
have to put it in the garbage. (We have a small urban lot and there is
absolutely no place to compost the sold or hide it.)

So, will using Round-up kill the grass in a satisfactory manner? Will it
leave soil in which I can plant new plants in a month or so after the
grass is dead? Will the Round-up hurt the dogwood tree that is under the
grass? Will it hurt the birds who visit my garden?

Normally, I am not a fan of Round-up, but it does seem like a good
alternative to digging out all that sod.

Thanks for any help.

I have used Roundup. It works quite nicely. Once everything is dead and
the 2-3 week wait is done, till the soil 8-12" deep. Add peat by
spreading 2" over the tilled area. Retill to incorporate the peat into
the soil. Now the bed is ready for planting.

I'd recommend at least two applications of Roundup spaced 3 weeks apart if
that is the route you choose to follow. The roots of many lawn grasses tend
to be very persistant and the double dose seems to provide better results.

Peat is pretty much worthless as a soil amendment and is non-renewable
resource as well. Add some good quality compost instead. - not sterile and
with greater nutrient content than peat. Adds better pore space as well. I
do agree that taking the time to correctly improve your soil will be of
considerable benefit in the long run. BTW, digging up at least portions of
the sod (perhaps for pathways?) and piling it upside down on the areas you
designate for planting will give your little front garden some needed change
in topography that is visually stimulating and will accent your rock garden
plants and rocks better than a flat terrain. Ad a few dwarf conifers to
provide some height and year round color/interest, too.

pam - gardengal