Mark out the patio area with a garden hose. Alternatively, install a stake in each corner of the site and stretch twine between the stakes to mark out the edges.
Apply a non-selective glyphosate herbicide to the marked-out patio area two weeks before installation of the pavers. Follow the package application directions and precautions for the herbicide.
Push the blade of a shovel 6 inches into the turf around the edges of the patio after the turf has died. Form a trench around the edges of the entire patio area, using the shovel blade.
Slide the shovel beneath the turf, beginning at the edges where you formed the trench. Lift the dead sod out of the patio bed and place it in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp for later disposal. Repeat until all the turf is removed from the patio.
Dig out and remove any remaining roots in the cleared patio once all the turf grass is removed. Rake the area to level the soil surface.