“Kill your lawn!” has become a popular phrase and landscaping trend in recent years. Whether you are looking to completely remove your lawn or just renovate it, this article will give you useful information to help you decide how best to do away with your existing lawn and prepare for your new design.

There are many reasons someone might be looking to get rid of their lawn.

• Can be costly to maintain (water, landscapers, time, equipment, fertilizers, etc.)
• Aesthetics (desire a different look)
• Create habitat (plants for birds, pollinators, natural enemies, etc.)
• Replace groundcover (plant different grass type, install turfgrass alternative)
• Save water by...

This week much of California is under a heat advisory or excessive heat warning, with high temperatures estimated to range from 90 to 108 degrees. Many home gardeners are wondering how they can help their plants, trees, or shrubs survive the intense summer heat.

“We are getting a lot of inquiries around the state from people worried about how the extreme temperatures are going to affect the plants or trees in their yards,” said Missy Gable, director of the UC Master Gardener Program. “With a little extra planning, you can help your garden beat the heat and survive the hot summer weather.”

UC...