How can I fix this back yard lawn? Need your suggestions please

[ppp]

Attaching current state of the garden. 
I did not maintain well and everywhere weeds and I think it is easy to start fresh garden now( remove everything and start from zero) with seeds or beds. 
I tried to search through articles but confused where to start & how.

I just want to make it a simple garden with less maintainance. Please guide me where can I start and what tools I need to hire?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @ppp 

Thanks for sharing your question about repairing your lawn. I suggest having a look at this guide - How to detect lawn problems by @Adam_W. The guide should help you with identifying what's going on in your lawn.

You have three options available to you. 

First, you do a repair and rescue, this involves removing all the weeds in the lawn and revitalizing the soil and lawn for regrowth. I suggest having a look at this discussion - Lawn renovation by @homeinmelbourne. It is one of the best comprehensive turf repair and rescue projects I've seen. 

Second, remove everything and start from scratch. This will require you to remove both weed and lawn manually. This serves as the perfect opportunity to remove deep seated weeds and remove any stones or rocks in the soil. Once the area is prepared, you can put in the necessary fertilizers to enrich the soil.

Here is a handy step-by-step-guide: How to lay turf

Third, remove everything and put on some artificial turf. Among the three this would be the one with the lowest maintenance. However, low maintenance does not equate to no maintenance, it will still be necessary to top up the sand cover and periodically disinfect the artificial grass. I also suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Side yard revamp with artificial grass by @homeinmelbourne.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to lay synthetic turf

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[ppp]

Hi EricL  Thank you for your suggestions.

I would like to go with second option which is removing everything and starting from scratch.

The first step is obviously removing everything from the roots. Do you think this has to be done manually like with a spade ?

Do we have any tools or hiring equipment which can quickly loose top soil so we can bin grass and weeds ?

[EricL]

Hi @ppp 

I suggest using a Spear & Jackson Swan Neck Hoe. It will be easier for you to remove the turf systematically one section at a time. 

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as safety shoes and gloves when using the garden tool.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric