We just chopped our overgrown backyard. I know we need to pull out the weeds from the roots. That’s our next step.
Any recommendations on how to fully remove the weeds?
Any advice on what to do with the space? I live in Northern California, 9b hardiness zone.
I’m still deciding what I want to do with it. I would prefer a no-lawn approach.
I want something to make it look cohesive, prevents the weeds from growing back, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
All wildflowers? All wood chips? I’d do wood chips but there’s a history of termite infestion (not active), so I’m hesitant.
by pochibahiba
3 Comments
I’m guessing from the pics that the tree shaded the yard most of the day? If so, the nice little stone surrounded patch by your door could be great for some low-light veggies like lettuce, carrots, or Brussels sprouts if you’re interested!
Otherwise browse for low-light ground cover like Creeping Thyme perhaps! Not native to your area but spreads prolifically and gives nice, purple flowers.
What kind of tree is it?
Even if its not native, finding companion plants to its native counterparts could be a start. There are a wide variety of understory shrubs in California. You could build out from the shrubs keeping them and the tree as a focal point and surrounding them with shorter wildflowers and groundcovers to make it look cohesive!
That is a large area. I would start with planning what you would like the backyard to look like when everything is done. Sketch it out and plan where you want paths and seating areas. Then plan it out in stages tackling one zone at a time over 3 years. I would start with the area under the tree and plant shade loving shrubs and perennials.