How to Use a Tarp to Kill Grass

Whether you’ve decided to go natural with xeriscape, need to put in a new driveway or you just want to replace your lawn, a tarp can help you to kill off that unwanted grass. Since grass requires sunlight to thrive, blocking out the sun is the major consideration to killing it off. Grasses may differ in thickness, root systems and nutrient and water requirements. But no matter what type of grass you have, killing it off using a tarp is an effective method.

Tarp

Cement blocks

Rake or hoe

Plan your strategy. Determine the area of grass that you want to destroy. If it’s a large area, like an entire lawn, use more than one tarp or plan to kill off the grass in sections, using just one tarp.

Lay the tarp flat over the grass you want to destroy. Add weights such as cement blocks onto the corners of the tarp. Add additional weights along the edges of the tarp. This will help keep light from reaching the grass. If it’s especially windy in the area, add even more weights along the tarp’s edges to make a seal. Keep the tarp in place for one week.

Check the progress of the dying grass. Remove blocks from one corner and also from the nearby edges. Check the color and texture. The grass should be yellow or brown and should be dry. If not, replace the tarp and wait another week.

Inspect the grass roots. Remove blocks from one corner and also from the nearby edges. Using a spade, or other sharp instrument, check if the grass is easily lifted and removed. Check the extent of grass rooting. If it’s well-rooted, leave the tarp on for another week.

Remove the tarp. Using a sturdy rake or hoe, rake the area to remove any remaining dried grass.