If you are xeriscaping a lawn from scratch, your best bet for preparing the lawn is to work with a xeriscaping specialist in your area. The most common first step to making the transformation, however, will be to remove the turfgrass from your lawn. The subsequent steps will often include amending the soil to support new plants and installing low-drip or drip irrigation systems.

For minor unevenness, you don't necessarily need to remove grass before leveling. You can apply a topdressing mixture to fill in low areas and even out the surface. However, for more significant unevenness or deep depressions, it might be necessary to temporarily remove the grass to ensure proper leveling and soil compaction. After filling and leveling, you can replace the grass or consider reseeding the area.

Many recycling facilities accept asphalt shingles and then process and reuse them in various applications such as road construction and pavement. Before recycling, remove any nails or other metal components from the shingles to avoid contamination. If recycling facilities are unavailable, you can dispose of asphalt shingles at a dumping site, but homeowners should check local regulations and guidelines for proper disposal procedures. Hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced in eco-friendly disposal methods can ensure that your asphalt shingles don’t just end up in a landfill.

If you have a large area of brush and vegetation to clear, forestry mulching may be the best option. This method works well for relatively flat areas that don’t have many large rocks or mature trees to clear. Forestry mulching is a relatively quick process that improves soil health, reduces fire risk, and leaves behind usable mulch.