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Wood chips and Buckthorn #867275

Asked May 06, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT

I have a corner of my yard that the previous owners put down 2-3 inches of wood chips and didn't maintain. There is now small buckthorn (pencil thick) and some stinging nettle growing there. There are 5 medium trees there as well. I am hoping to turn this area into grass. What would be the best way to accomplish this? Remove the wood chips? Till everything? Put topsoil on top? Any suggestions are appreciated!

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

The wood chips will have to be removed. Grass needs good soil contact to germinate and grow. It is also a full sun plant and that might be why thr previous owner put down wood chips. 
Tilling will tear up the tree roots and severely impact their health. 
Please see the link on who to start a lawn.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care

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