How to Convert a Lawn Into a Flower Bed

Quick Lawn Removal

• 1

  Water the lawn for 2 to 3 days before removing the grass to soften up the soil. Digging up dry grass makes getting the entire root system out difficult.

• 2

  Cut the grass with an edger into 1-foot-wide by 2-foot-long pieces. Slide a spade between the grass and soil to cut the roots.

• 3

  Lift pieces of sod off the soil. Shake the sod to remove excess dirt. Roll the sod up to dispose of it.

• 4

  Break up the soil with a tiller. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost and work it into the first 6 inches of topsoil.

• 5

  Plant ornamental flowers in the spring. Dig planting holes twice the diameter of the root ball of the ornamental flowers and at the same depth as they are planted in their container. Place each flower inside a hole and pack soil around the base.

Slow Lawn Removal

• 6

  Lay four to six layers of newspaper over the lawn in the fall. Make sure that grass is not peeking out in between pieces.

• 7

  Spread a 2-inch layer of manure over the newspaper. Avoid walking on or using the lawn while the grass is decomposing.

• 8

  Plant ornamental plants in the spring through the manure. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the flower beds to prevent weeds from popping up through the manure.