Question
Hi,
Here's my dilemma: I'd like to remove a large amount of grass from a sandy beach area. I've been digging at this with rakes and hoes, but I'd like to find an easier way. I'd also like the solution to this problem to be non-toxic, and I'd prefer it if the grass doesn't grow back.

Any advice you can offer would be fantastic!!

Thanks!
Harriette

Answer
It depends on the grass, but some grass variety's roots area VERY invasive (Bermuda or Zoysia, most notably).  As you mentioned you didn't want to use herbicidal (i.e., "toxic") methods, you are limited to mechanical means of extraction.  

If you are removing a large area of grass, to get all the rhizomes out, I'd suggest working the sandy area with a Bobcat.  

You can rent one a most tool yards.  They may also have a less expensive "sod cutter", but it won't be as effective if the grasses in question are the "invasive" type - It works better with sod like Kentucky Blue & other fescues.

Other methods that are a bit more time-consuming involve placing a plastic sheet over the area and "starving the plants of oxygen and sunlight.  Works on some grasses, and not on others...Plus, it takes a few weeks (as in 8-10) to be effective.  

I'm sure other readers would disagree on the timeframe, but all you have to do is be pre-mature ONE time in removing the plastic sheeting, and you'll be pull weeds for the next 5 years!

Here is another barrier method using newspapers & bark mulch - same idea, different matherials: http://landscaping.about.com/od/alternativestograss/a/how_kill_grass.htm

I have effectively used a turning & tilling method I saw once on Victory Garden.  It was VERY labor-intensive, but it worked.
It involved digging down twice, and placing the top layer of the adjacent trench up-side-down, at the bottom of the neighboring hole.  Took about a week to do a 100 x 100 area by hand.

Looking back, it could have been accomplished in an afternoon with a Bobcat.

Here is the link of a blogger demonstrating this method:  http://edenspath.wordpress.com/

(His June 28, 2008 entry)

Hope it helps ~M

PS: there are so-called "natural" herbicide methods, using things like Vinegar, dish soap or/or salt (large quantities of salt are not recommended, unless you want NOTHING to grow there for years!)  It is just too impractical for a large lawn area.