What's the best way to clear a yard full of weeds?

Question

I recently bought a house and the backyard had not been done. So, right now it's full of weeds. I'd like to clear it out and put in some grass. What's the best way of doing this?

Answer 1

Round Up will kill everything. I believe you can replant after a week or two. I would not plant grass until fall, probably September if you are in the central or northern part of the country. Grass planted now will be very weak and probably not make it through the winter in very good shape because of the heat and lack of really good rain.
For planting your new seed, a slit seeder works very well, and can be rented at an equipment rental store. It cuts slits at the right depth for the seed, and plants the seed. No wasted seed for the birds, and better germination. Buy a quality seed, not from a big box store. You actually do get what you pay for. Unless you just want green, then use whatever.

Answer 2

There really is no "best way". If money is not a factor, the best way is to dig up the yard and haul it off, then lay sod (2 foot wide strips of grass rolled up.

It would be cheaper, and much more work and time to dig up the yard and plant grass. then put hay on top of the grass to retain moisture. some people use an official cotton like covering over the grass. you can buy it at garden stores but in my opinion it doesn't work to well. doesn't let sunlight through. I work as a landscaper and hay works very well. and is cheap. If you want to make this work much better,,, buy a few inches of top processed top soil. it'll do wonders if you don't have the best soil.

These 2 methods are for if you want to start over from scratch. If you don't want to start from scratch, then just buy professional weed killer and spray that on your lawn to kill off the weeds, then lay grass seed and hay.

Don't forget to lightly rake in your seed, or better yet put a very light covering of top soil over it. This will make your grass grow much much faster and thicker.



Ya, the first guy is right about not planting now. However, it can be done if you watter your grass every day. If you do not watter it every day the heat will dry up the watter and grass cannot grow. but if you do want to do it now just make sure you give it plenty of water and it will grow just the same.
Do not watter during the day, the hot sun on a wet lawn can "burn" the grass. water in the morning or evening when the sun isn't blaring down on the grass.

Answer 3

There is no easy way. If money is not an object then hire it done, if you are like most though you are on the sweat equity program.
This is what I did ........If you are not in a big hurry for grass. Just mow it down and clean it up then burn it off then in a week or so when it grows back mow it again, just keep mowing it. If you live in a zone with snow then wait till it snows then scatter the seed. The process takes more time but if you are like me you have more time than money. Make sure this fall you put some turf builder on and have your seed ready for the snow. In about April put more turf builder or 12-12-12 on and you will have nice grass done over a period of time and a fraction of the cost.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I would save yourself a lot of work and ignore some of these interesting ideas. If I was doing this I would spray with round up or something similar. When all if the weeds have died and you are ready to plant or sod scrape off the area and get it graded nice. Then plant your grass seed or lay your sod and water water water.

Answer 6

A lot of them "weeds" might be herbs or wild flowers just in case you're interested... lol... You could replant those... You could also purchase Scots turf builder + or something like that from Home depot or a gardening store.

Or... just till the whole yard and put sod on top... but you'd still have to put a weed killer/ fertilizer on it to prevent them from coming up again...

Good luck!!!

Answer 7

I go for the low-cost, 'natural/organic' route - have a friendly WORK PARTY: Invite tons of friends for an hour or two of work, followed by a cook out! Let them know exactly what you want pulled & dive in yourself. Fast, & fun!!

Answer 8

If it is not too dry use a flame thrower.