Monthly Tip

An easy and environmentally friendly way to "lose the lawn" is to smother the grass and mulch at the same time. Place cardboard or several layers of newspaper over the area, overlapping by eight inches to keep weeds from finding openings. Wet the cardboard or newspaper, then cover it with 4-6 inches of compost, plant trimmings, or other mulch. Having wood chips on top will give it a neat appearance. The materials will gradually break down and improve the soil over time. New plants can be installed by cutting an X in the cardboard or newspaper and placing the plants right through the mulch. UC Davis Arboretum Horticulturist Stacey Parker's website shows you how it's done.