Best implement to remove grass?

[kfvintx]

I have about 1.5 acre yard that has been ignored for the better part of 5 years. It has been mowed regularly but not much else and is now more weeds than grass.

My plan is to completely tear up all grass and weeds and prepare to re-seed next spring. My initial thought is to run over with disc to cut through and tear up the sod layer and then make multiple passes with something like a chain harrow to hopefully rake up as much grass/weed as possible.

Does this sound right? Any other implement that works good at ripping up grass/weed and removing to leave nice soil? I can work the soil additionally but trying to get the grass and weeds removed as cleanly as possible.

Oh yea, i do plan to spray with Round Up first. And working with 40hp tractor.

Looking forward to great insight from others with more experience than me.

 

[wedge40]

Any trees in the area? From my understanding round up is an equal oportunity killer.

Wedge

 

[DeeDubya]

With winter coming on, as opposed to removing the grass/weeds I would turn it under. Save the Round Up and save the labor of gathering the grass. A disc plow or heavy disc harrow should work just fine.

 

[samhudson3]

This is a nice toy for your FEL, check out the video:
Ratchet Rake, LLC - Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety,

 

[DaveOmak]

Roundup (glyphosate) only kills grasses when used properly... You need to use 2-4D for broadleafs, maybe some specific killer for crabgrass or mallow...
Tilling the soil will bring up more weed seeds than you probably want...
Talk with your local Ag Supplier... there is new stuff that might do what you need without tilling...

 

[kfvintx]

There are a few trees and great care will be taken with Round Up in that area. As well as disc or any other work so as to not distrurb the root system.

The Ratchet Rake looks interesting..... and great price point as well

Any risk of seeds from weeds germinating and continuing to grow if only plowed or disc? A lot of the weeds are burs (not sure what they are called in different areas but little round stickers that cling to everything and hurt.... especially for kids). I would like to totally eradicate these if possible. In fact, I would like to cause great harm to them in doing so if somehow possible for how much I hate them :laughing:

 

[ChuckinNH]

I noticed lately that my local TSC store is stocking the Ratchet Rake.

 

[EGo_SmAsH]

Roundup (glyphosate) only kills grasses when used properly...

Not sure where you got that info from, glyphosate is very non-selective. I was in the same situation as you are kfvintx...the lawn was neglected for years. I had a geothermal heating system installed (horizontal, 600 x 15 trench 6 feet deep) so at the same time i renovated the back yard. I sprayed round up (properly) and plowed it under for the winter. In the spring I sprayed it again and a few weeks later i worked it over several times with my 3 pt disc and harrows. Had excellent results but it took time. That was 3 years ago and it looks better each year.

 

[dusty3030]

If you have NOT had a frost yet a full reccomended rate of Round Up sprayed with a 2,4,D product on all the grass and weeds you want to kill out will take out 80% give or take of it. If you have had a frost it's a waste of money now to spray. Mow it and lay it by till spring. Take soil tests now regardless so you know what you need to add as far as lime / fertilizer.

Tillage should be done in early spring BEFORE the germination. Depending on where you live of course, but a product called Barricade is a good pre emerge for use with most of the common turf grasses. It will help you control the tougher broadleafs and weeds before they can germinate and grow. It can be applied during or after the tillage depending on how you work it up. There are MANY other products and your local extension or soil office can give you some information on what is best for your area. During this soil "prep" phase you will fertizilze / lime according to what the soil tests come back with and will have your seedbed ready for planting in spring.

Between the prep work in early spring and actual grass planting or sodding you will probably get some small grasses and weeds. Another application of Roundup will be in order to get them while they are small.

Seed planting or sodding depends on variety you choose, some have to have it pretty warm to have a good germination (bermuda) but whatever you do your ground will be ready.

I wouldn't till heavy in the fall or you will just have a big muddy "field" to contend with all winter. Save your diesel for spring.

 

[wrooster]

Roundup (glyphosate) only kills grasses when used properly...

Please stay in the kitchen.

Wrooster