Can I rototill existing grass in order to plant perennial beds in clay soil?

Question

I would like to be able to then add compost and plant trees and shrubs this fall.

Answer 1

The grass needs to come up or be sprayed with round up or it will come back along with any weeds that are there.  Now is not the time to take shortcuts if you want a good planting bed.  

Answer 2

Sure.

Most grasses when rototilled will not survive.

Most Blue / Rye grass varieties do not have a deep root system but have roots that spread laterally. Fescue grasses grow in a clump usually and their root system only goes down from the plant.

Also, Mulches tend to create and hold to much heat for grasses to survive.

So, by all means, rototill and plant your fall beds and trees.

  

Answer 3

You sure can but you need to get to work fast. How you do it depends on how large an area you want to do. If it's a small area then it would be quicker to use a spade to scrape off the grass and maybe plant it elsewhere or compost it. Then till it. If it is a larger area ten you can till it but you will have to remove more grass clumps which takes time. You will need to check which trees and shrubs that you want to plant to see the last plant date before the first frost to give the roots enough time to grow before it gets to cold and they go dormant.Good luck.