Question
I want to replace large areas of grass with 1" river rock. Do I have to remove all the grass first, and what would be the easiest way to do that. Also what should I use under the rock, weed block of black plastic?

Answer
The easiest way would be with a large machine like a skid steer loader (bobcat) with a 1/2 yard bucket on the front. But if you don't have one of those, then spray the grass with an herbicide like round-up first and then till it in with a walk behind roto-tiller. (you can rent both machines at local tool rental) Or if you are not up for that, just cover the dead grass directly. I personally hate plastic under rocks because it only works for a year. Then the small bits and pieces of organic debris that blow in the wind end up between your rocks and ON TOP Of the plastic. This leads to soil capable of supporting weeds very quickly. The weeds then find little holes made by the rocks and grow thru the plastic. So two years from now you go to pull out a weed and up comes a bunch of plastic. Yuck! Not to mention the plastic stops water from getting to your soil which is important for health of your yard and the environment.

Good Luck.
Sean J Murphy
www.amenityarchitects.com