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I have a big frontyard and backyard that have not been taking care of for a long time. The lawn is dead and would like to replace it something that requires low maintenance. Would it be a good idea to replace it with Mulch?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @tamai. It's amazing that you've joined us, and many thanks for your question.
You might like to have a look at these helpful guides: 10 great alternatives to a grass lawn and 11 ground covers for your garden. Mulch would certainly be an option, or you could create a rockery. Garden edging will be ideal for containing any coverings within the desired areas, and we have a fantastic range to select from. Have you considered synthetic grass? The premium varieties look very realistic and require no maintenance.
I'd suggest starting by removing all the existing dead grass and giving the area a good raking over so you know what you're working with. You can then start the planning process. You should find these guides useful: How to plan a garden makeover and How to give your garden a makeover by @Adam_W. The Gardena garden planner might also be useful for laying out your ideas.
Depending on how large the areas are, it would be worth considering whether a bulk delivery of mulch or pebbles would be your best option.
I look forward to seeing the areas once they are cleaned up and providing further advice as your project progresses. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AshJ. It's fantastic to have you join us and many thanks for your questions about removing grass.
If you are going to use synthetic grass, I'd suggest you set your lawnmower to the lowest possible setting and scalp the lawn. Once this is done, you can either kill the grass with a non-selective herbicide or lay weed matting over it. I can't see any reason why you would have to remove it. You can then add and compact a layer of sand on top of the old grass before rolling out the synthetic grass.
How should find this step-by-step guide useful: How to lay synthetic turf.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
How much you need to lower the ground to have a flat transition will determine whether you need to remove the grass and soil or not. If the grass is currently at the same level as the pavers, you will need to remove it.
How big is this area, and how much soil would need to be removed to establish a flat transition? If you are looking at taking 10cm off a large area, it might be worth having someone come in with a mini excavator and skim the layer off. Alternatively, a sharp shovel would likely be the best option. There is no need to kill the grass first before removing it.
You might like to post some images so our helpful members have a better idea of what you're working with.
Mitchell
