Black Plastic

• 1). Lay black plastic sheeting over the area of lawn that you are eliminating.
  
  
• 2). Place heavy rocks around the edges of the sheeting to keep it in place.
  
  
• 3). Leave the sheeting in place for around six months. The hotter the weather, the faster this will work.
  
  
• 4). Remove the sheeting and turn over the top 12 inches of soil with a hoe. Break up any clumps of dirt.
  
  
• 5). Work in compost or another fertilizer if you aren't going to plant something else in this location.
  
  

Organic Layers

• 1). Lay 4 inches of grass clippings, topped with 4 inches of newspaper and topped with a final 4 inches of compost.
  
  
• 2). Water the layers weekly to keep the organic materials moist and encourage them to break down.
  
  
• 3). Leave the layers in place for four to six months.
  
  
• 4). Plant trees or shrubs by digging a hole through the layers and planting the root system. The organic layers have the added benefit of adding nutrients, deterring weeds and conserving water.