Question
QUESTION: I've moved into a house that has a very large, very uneven (rocky-like)backyard in the Central Valley in California.
I need to even out the backyard and remove all of the weeds, which are pretty much everywhere! I've done so much research and still can't figure it out. Do I need to get a rototiller and do the whole yard (approx. 1/2 acre)?
Please advise how I should go about removing the weeds and evening the yard in a DIY approach. Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hi Victoria, Since you have mostly weeds, I'd spray it with glyphosate to kill all the weeds.  Wait a couple of days and then till the whole thing.  Rake out any large rocks, level it and sow annual ryegrass.  It will come up quickly and help hold the loosened soil.  Then at the appropriate time, sow the correct grass type for your area or sod.  Check you pH, it should be around 6.5 for good turf.  Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks James for your answer. First, is glyphosate safe after it dries up? I have a child and don't want him to run around in the grass if the chemical will be harmfully reactive.
Second, is annual ryegrass better to use than perennial ryegrass if I want a permanent lawn? I heard that annual ryegrass you have to reseed every year.

Answer
Hi again, Glyphosate is very safe.  Keep children and animals off until it dries.  It is approved for use in and around lakes used for drinking water.
I use annual rye for immediate erosion control. It will die off and not be a weed to deal with later.  I wasn't sure what type of lawn grass you want to have.  When to plant your permanent grass depends on what type you want.  If perennial rye is your choice, then plant it when the time is correct in your area.  Your local garden center can help you with how much and when to plant.  Where I live, it's best planted in the fall.
I like turf type fescue better than perennial rye.  It's a finer blade and makes a more attractive turf.  Jim