How to Remove Dead Grass After Roundup: 5 Simple Methods

Roundup is a nonselective herbicide that eliminates any vegetation, including most lawn grass types. It is used to clear existing grass and weeds on a lawn before reseeding or installing new sod.

After killing existing grass and weeds, you can use a sod cutter to remove them from an entire lawn, mowing low and dethatching the lawn, or rototilling dead grass into the top 6 inches of soil.

To get rid of dead grass in territorial locations, use a string trimmer or soil height. These techniques are effective regardless of the grass kind and will leave you with a clean slate to restore or start over.

Some methods are preferable for removing dead grass from an entire yard, while others are suitable for removing sections of dead grass. Continue reading for more details on how and when to use each of these strategies.

5 Simple Methods to Remove Dead Grass After Roundup

Before you start removing dead grass, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wait 14 days after applying roundup before removing dead grass.

• Roundup is a systemic, non-selective herbicide that kills plants in 7 to 14 days.

• The grass can grow back if you try to remove the grass too soon after applying the roundup.

When your grass has been completely eliminated by Roundup, it’s time to remove the dead grass. You can follow any of these methods that you find suitable for your situation.

Sod Cutter

A sod cutter is a machine that is used for removing strips of grass from a lawn. Sod cutters are available in both manual and gas-powered variants.

Manual sod cutters are operated by pressing your foot against a horizontal crossbar to propel the cutting blade into the ground. Gas-powered sod cutters are driven by an engine and require less effort to operate.

This handy motorized device will remove your lawn’s existing grass quite easily. It will also work on the thickest grass-rooted area which is the top 2–3 inches of topsoil.

This method is excellent for removing dead grass and root material to uncover topsoil. It is best suited for preparing large yards for new sod installation.

Mow and Dethatch

Instead of employing a sod cutter, you can remove dead grass from an entire lawn with a conventional lawnmower and a dethatcher or power rake.

Set your mower blade to the lowest setting to cut the grass as near to the soil as possible. Mow your lawn thoroughly and collect grass cuttings as you go.

Remove the remaining thatch and root material with a dethatcher or power rake. Mow and sack once more to eliminate thatch. Remove any residual thatch with a rake and remove it.

This approach is typically faster than using a sod cutter, plus it saves your yard’s valuable topsoil. If you intend to reseed your lawn in the coming months, this is the recommended option for removing dead grass from an entire yard.

String Trimmer

After using a roundup to kill grass growing between bricks or concrete seams, cut the dead grass off at ground level using a string trimmer. It kills grass from the roots up so you won’t have to be concerned about regrowth.

This approach is also suitable for small patches of grass in your yard. A stringer trimmer used near to the ground will remove dead grass at the soil level and remove stiff thatch.

We don’t recommend using a string trimmer to remove dead weeds from rocks. It is best suited for removing dead grass from between pavers or in concrete seams.

Rototiller

A rototiller can recombine dead grass with soil. This loosens the soil, making it easier for new grass seed or sod to root itself. It also mixes dead grass with dirt to quicken decomposition.

Mow the dead grass with the lowest blade height on your mower. Collect the dead grass clippings. You can use a rototiller to thoroughly till the dead grass area down to the depth of 6 inches.

Tilling the dead grass into the soil is particularly beneficial when preparing the soil for sod installation or seeding. But it can bring buried weed seeds to the surface where they may attempt to sprout.

You can kill any weeds or unwanted grasses that sprout. It is recommended to water the area for two weeks.

Shovel

There is no need to rent heavy motorized equipment for clearing dead grass in small spots or sections of your yard. You can use a spade or square shovel to remove the grass killed by the roundup application.

Cut the dead grass into 8-inch square portions using your shovel. Remove the 8-inch pieces of dead grass, as well as 2–3 inches of topsoil.

Removing the topsoil scrapes roots and thatch from the ground and prepares it for new sod or seed. This procedure essentially replicates the work of the sod cutter on a smaller level.

Water the area the day before you plan to remove the dead grass to make your job easier.

No matter which method you choose to remove dead grass after the roundup, always follow all instructions and safety precautions on the label before using roundup products.

Safety Precautions To Follow While Using Roundup

In addition to being harmful to plants, roundup and other glyphosate-containing products can be harmful to humans. So it is recommended to always follow and maintain some safety precautions while using roundup.

• Follow the label directions before preparing roundup concentrates.
• Apply roundup when the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and no rain is anticipated.
• Wear gloves, safety goggles, long pants, long sleeves, shoes and a mask before using roundup products.
• Avoid spraying on vegetation or into nearby waterways.
• Use soap and water to wash your hands, clothing, containers, and other surfaces.
• Empty triple-rinsed containers should be discarded and not be reused.
• Children and dogs should be kept away from sprayed areas until the Roundup has dried fully.

Maintain these safety precautions to keep yourself and your enclosure safe and healthy. If you think of using an eco-friendly method rather than any roundup products, we’ve got you covered as well!

Natural Alternatives To Roundup

Chemical herbicides may be effective in many situations, but an improper application can kill beneficial plants, leak into groundwater, and have a negative influence on the surrounding ecosystem as a whole.

There are some natural alternatives to roundup available including ordinary household materials such as salt and vinegar.

Pouring boiling water over their stems and leaves is an alternative method to get rid of weeds, especially in tight spaces like driveway cracks. It destroys weed root systems and prevents them from regrowing.

Borax is another alternative that can be easily used as a herbicidal treatment. Simply combine 10 ounces of powdered borax with 2.5 gallons of water and apply it to weeds in a spray bottle.

Salt is a natural alternative herbicide. Apply salt to the leaves of the weeds directly, and do not cover the soil around the weeds. If salt gets into the soil, it will affect useful plants as well.

You can keep the leaves of weeds under control by spraying a little white vinegar onto them as well. You can also add some rock salt to the white vinegar to boost its weed-killing potency.

FAQs