Rototill or Sod Cutter?

[Slcareco]

Im looking to install new beds but there is a lush green lawn that needs to come up. What do you guys recommend? Will just simply rototilling it all up get rid of the grass or will it be a grading nightmare? Should I sod cut it first then rototill compost and such in?


Thanks!

[NIXRAY]

If I were doing this project I would remove the turf first (you can decide if you want to do it with a sod cutter or just the ol' way) then till the soil to a level you are happy with. If you just till the turf you will end up with a lot of crap to rake out in the end.

[Slcareco]

thanks for the response! Im thinking maybe a few rototills will do the trick while adding compost in it and just grade the remaining debris out, its getting mulched anyway

[kregan]

When I did my front yard I removed the the sod, then tilled in top soil.

[Slcareco]

looks good! I was thinking about mowing it low then scalping it with a weed whacker then rototilling it

[IMAGE]

A sod cutter is like $50 to rent... and will save you alot of hassle.

[tamo]

No question, I always use a sod cutter first. I'd rather get the job done clean the first time. Rototilling will leave you with tons of clumps to rake out. Before I started using a sod cutter I'd spend way too much time trying to clean up all of the debris from tilling.

Sod cut once and be done with it.

[Jb3NH]

Another vote for sodcutter

[Slcareco]

What about just scalping it with a weed whacker after cutting it down low and just raking the clippings up and rototill the rest in?

[bjlc]

sod cutter is the way to go...tried the roto but it just made a mess.