Question
Dear Gary,

I'm currently planning to do landscaping around the front side of my house, which is a new construction but has grass all round it. I want to plan some small trees and shrubs. My question is that whether I must remove the sod before planting. It may be better to remove and dig in the dirt, but removing the sod is quite difficult.

If I do not have to remove it, do I have to use round-up to kill all the grass? If so, will the residual of chemical (if any) hurt the shrubs to be planted?

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Yong

Answer
Yong,

The answert to your first question i yes.  Removal of the sod will create more attractive planting beds and will eliminate competition from the grass to your new trees and shrubs.

You can remove the sod a couple of ways.  Digging sod out can be a back breaking experience.  If you have only a few square feet, a shovel is best.  If you have a larger area, rent a sod cutter from your local rental center.  They cost about $30 bucks here for half a day.  You will find that it is the best $30 bucks you have ever spent.  I know this from experience.  

You can also spray the turf out using Roundup.  Roundup is very safe and has only about a seven day residual.  Do not buy brush killer or any other kills-all herbicide.  Some of these compounds can have a residual for up to a year.  

Good luck in the garden.

Gary