I'm trying to revamp a section of my backyard that the previous owners covered in gravel, which is now overrun with weeds. I want to replace it with grass, but I'm unsure about the best method to remove all that gravel. Should I use a rototiller to bury it deep, or would shoveling it into a wheelbarrow be better?
4 Answers
If you're open to spending a bit, hiring a landscaper could really save you some hassle. They could come in with a skid steer to quickly clear the gravel and then you’d just need to lay down some fresh topsoil before planting grass. It might be a quick job if your area isn’t too big.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using a rototiller; it could get wrecked pretty quickly. Depending on how much work and money you're willing to invest, you have a few options. The ideal way would be to use a grizzly screen to separate the gravel from the dirt, and maybe a small excavator to scoop it out. But if you're looking for a simpler approach, just bury the gravel deeper and cover it with topsoil. Or you could even just cut the weeds and lay wood chips on top to help with soil building.
From my experience with gravel, I learned the hard way not to run a tiller through it. It can really mess up your machine. I suggest you scoop the gravel out by hand or rent a digger if you need to. Alternatively, you could just plant over it, but you'll want to avoid damaging an expensive tiller.
You could also consider planting perennials if the soil beneath the gravel is decent. It’d save you from adding more grass to mow while providing food for local bees and birds. Just remember to deal with those pesky weeds first!