When using the solarization method, do you need to clear the dead grass and roots before planting in the area?

July 28, 2022 Ask the Expert

Question:

When using the solarization method, do you need to clear the dead grass and roots before planting in the area?

Answer:

Katherine Garland, Horticulturist

If you have live roots in that area, I would highly recommend keeping the cover on until those are completely killed off or make the effort to remove them by hand if you’re needing to plant that area now. There’s no need to remove dead plant material. In fact, it’s really helpful to keep that in place as a source of organic matter. Only worry about removing debris that has visible seed heads or anything that still looks viable (live roots or stems of plants that might root if left in place).

For more information on using solarization or occultation (see definitions below), consider checking out our resource “Tarping in the Northeast“.

“Solarization is the practice of using clear tarps to capture solar energy and heat the soil surface. The effects of solarization on pests (weeds and pathogens) and beneficial organisms are highly dependent on weather conditions.

Occultation is the practice of using opaque (typically black) tarps to block light and therefore prevent photosynthesis. The word has Latin origins, meaning “to block.” The effects of occultation are less dependent on, but nonetheless affected by, weather conditions.”