How to kill off an area?

[oldkicker]

We are looking to sod a large area in the yard, around our pool this year. It's the part of the yard that was dug up by the construction work. It has become overrun with all manner of nasty weeds.

I'd like to do it without using chemicals (I don't want the sod to suffer!)

Any recommendations?

Are there any things I should do to prepare the area for the sod?

Also - If anyone has any ideas about plantings to keep a very steep slope from sliding away, I'd appreciate that too!

TIA!

 

[Snowwark]

Here's a site that might help you with the slope problem, Bernie, and also suggests the possiblity of building a terrace.

Plants for steep inclines

Your first question, I'm not sure. Is the sod overrun with weeds, or is it basically bare ground, enhanced with some unwelcome growth?

 

[oldkicker]

It is bare ground, Kim. Except for the nasty things that have begun sprouting up. Once I get it under control, I'd like to lay the sod. I don't know if I need to till the land ahead of time or exactly what needs to be done to ensure the sod will prosper!

Thanks for the site link!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I think you are pretty safe with Round Up as long as you wait the reccomended time after.

 

[cgcw]

We just laid some sod in our yard. Here's what we did. We raked all of the junk out of the area down to a shallow layer of decayed mulch (we didn't have to worry about clearning the area -- it used to be under our playset and has been worn down for years). Anyway, once down to the point we couldn't rake anymore easily, we rototilled it just a couple of inches and then smoothed it out so it was even and just a little bit above the existing ground level.

In laying the sod make sure you stagger your seams. This is suppose to help prevent errosion. By staggering, the seams will look like bricks on a house -- every other seam will be even (does that make sense?).

Then the watering. I read that the sod shouldn't dry out. Fortunately for us, it's been raining here yesterday and today. A couple of weeks and we'll be done. Much easier than seed.

 

[Snowwark]

Bernie, if you don't like the Round Up idea (that's what we would probably do), you could try covering the worst areas with black plastic for about 10 days. That should kill the weeds. Others you would have to remove the old-fashioned way....manually!

As cgcw suggested, rototilling after the weeds are dead, and then, if necessary, amending your soil, and rotilling again, might be a good idea. Of course, then you have all that fun raking and levelling to do.

Keep us posted on how it goes, okay?

 

[oldkicker]

Thanks folks!

I'm a little reluctant to use Round up becuase much of the area we're trying to clean out abuts our neighbor's yard, and their yard is downhill from mine. I'd hate to cause any unintentional burn-off on their property.

We did give a small section a go using the old manual method. I quickly concluded that I needed to come up with another option!!!

I think we're going to try the plastic covering, followed by rototilling, levelling, and then applying the sod.

Thanks again for the good info and ideas!

I'll let you know how we do!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I don't know if this helps but round up won't move to adjacent area's. As long as you spray on a wind free day, once it hits the soil you won't have to worry about it...this is from www.roundup.com
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, binds to soil particles and will not move in or on the soil to untreated areas. Once in the soil, Glyphosate breaks down over time into natural materials such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen and does not have any herbicidal activity. In fact, Roundup is the trusted choice of many zoos to keep their animal exhibits weed-free and beautiful. In addition, Roundup products are used by farmers and ranchers to care for their land. As stated on the label, Roundup should not be applied to bodies of water such as ponds, lakes or streams as Roundup can be harmful to certain aquatic organisms. Always read and follow all label directions when using Roundup

 

[oldkicker]

Wow! Thanks, Alex - that is pretty compelling! You are starting to convince me!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I love round up... it seems so destructive....
kind of like napalm for the garden

 

[oldkicker]

LOL, ALex!

I can see where this type of gradening can be quite cathartic!