how can i kill my grass in order to plant a better grass?

Answer 1

Most "bad" grass goes that way from being on bad soil. Your best solution (and also the cleanest and fastest with the best guarantee of working longer-term):

Rent a sod-cutter, cut under all the existing sod to a depth of 2". Simply roll it up and take it away (or have someone take it away for you).

Spread and pack a topsoil/compost mix 1" deep.

Roll out new sod on top.

Viola: instant lawn with the necessary ingredients to get it rooted well and keep it healthy for at least two seasons (before you'll need to aerate and top-dress it).

Answer 2

you want to be careful about this because if you put some grass killer in the ground it will stay for a while and you will not be able to grow grass there for a while if not ever. I would have to say just pull it up use a rototiller and get every last bit out then wait (if you live in a place where it snows) over the winter then in the mid spring plant the new seeds and keep it watered.

Answer 3

Roundup is the right answer. It kills everything and doesn't remain in the soil. It works on foliar contact, so if you hit your shrubs and flowers it will kill them, too.

If I'm not mistaken, there is a certain temperature range that roundup works best in. Read the label to be sure you're not wasting your time and $$$$. If it's too cold, it may not work.

If you're replacing your grass, you may want to consider tilling up the old lawn, re-leveling and amending your soil. I'd suggest a soil test to see what your soil needs before investing in new grass seed, etc. Many counties have extension services that can run a soil test for you and they can advise what to do to optimize your new lawn.

Answer 4

Of course. Ive walked many people through it successfully.

All you need to know (and more) is here:

http://doyourownlawncare.wordpress.com/2006/12/29/12-steps-to-lawn-renovation-success/

Just refrain from tilling the soil. You end up bringing more weed seeds toward the top . These now get Sun, Water and fertility like your new seed and Sprout up.
you just get frustrated that way.

The link will detail exactly how to do it.

Good luck

Answer 5

I live in a grass seed growing area and watch the farmers do this all the time.
They all use roundup. I mix it a little stronger than recomended.
It kills the plant not the ground
Steve www.traderoutesnw.com

Answer 6

cover with black polyetheline plastic to kill entire lawn.
if you are going to an aggressive lawn like st. augustine, just plug it in and it will snuff out the other grass in no time if you mow it and care for it

Answer 7

use round-up to kill unwanted grass. do this when it is growing like late spring. wait about 2 wks then rototill or use a sod cutter to remove..then use dirt seed or sod your new/preferrred grass.

Answer 8

I had to dig mine up and start over.

Answer 9

murderer.