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How to remove Kikuyu without poison?

I'm trying to get rid of kikuyu in my backyard and don't really want to use poisons. I've smothered some with cardboard and mulch and lay down carpet over other areas. One side of the grass edging the pavers was surprisingly easy to lever up with a spade but I can't dig/cut through the other side of it. Is there a tool that can cut through the kikuyu surface layer enough so I can get a spade in a dig it out?

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EricL

Hello @JAPCAP

If you are only trying to extinguish certain sections of your lawn, I suggest using the GRUNT 2 x 5m Black 70um Multi Use Plastic Film - Black cut to the size that you need and fixed in place using Jack Weed Mat Pins - 20 Pack. Please keep in mind that the pins can be recycled after use. This would be the ideal method to suffocate that section of your lawn without using chemicals. Once the lawn under the plastic has died off, it should in theory be easier to remove them from the soil and allow your favoured lawn to grow into that section.

However, for complete lawn surface eradication, I propose covering the entire surface with Builder's plastic and leaving the surface to sterilize for a few weeks. Once the lawn is dead you can then tear out the dead lawn and prepare the surface for your preferred lawn.

I propose using a Darlac Stainless Steel Garden Hand Hoe - Onion Blade or a Saxon Mini Mattock Cultivator With Fiberglass Handle for lifting and cutting.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Lay Turf

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

JAPCAP

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/61532#Comment_61532

Thanks Eric 🙂 I want to get rid of all the lawn (probably about 10 square metres) and replace with natives and a couple of raised garden beds and a couple of trees. Ideally, I'd like it looking reasonably good by September for a family event 🤞 I thought I might see about getting someone in to excavate it to speed the process up .... otherwise I'll do the plastic .... currently have two dogs though so a bit apprehensive about them ripping the plastic!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/93239#Comment_93239

Hi @JAPCAP,

If you want it looking decent by September, excavation is definitely the quickest option and a small landscaper or mini loader operator could have the kikuyu stripped and removed in a couple of hours. That also gives you a clean base to build raised beds, plant trees and mulch straight away. If you decide to tackle it yourself, the reason you are struggling to get the spade in on one side is likely because kikuyu forms a dense surface mat of runners and roots that can be almost felted together. A mattock is usually more effective than a spade for that first cut, as you can chop through the surface layer, then lever sections up once it is broken. Wetting the area thoroughly the day before also makes a noticeable difference.

If you stick with plastic, builder’s plastic will work well but with dogs it does need to be well secured. Burying the edges under soil or mulch rather than relying on pins alone can help stop them getting underneath it. You can also do it in stages, covering and killing one section at a time while leaving access paths for the dogs. Once the kikuyu has been smothered for several weeks, it pulls up far more easily and any regrowth is much easier to spot and remove as you go. With natives, mulch and a bit of structure from the raised beds, it should still be looking presentable well before your family event.

Mitchell

JAPCAP

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112855#Comment_112855

Thanks Mitchell - think I'll bit the the bullet and get somebody to excavate for me (just dreading the dogs running through the dust bowl when done haha)

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