How to remove your lawn in preparation for native trees and shrubs.
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PLEASE TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS!
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<strong>*STEP I. </strong> To remove the lawn with the least effort while simultaneously re-cycling the 	nutrients, you have a couple of options.  (Do Step I as soon as possible so you 	can take advantage of either the spring or fall planting season.)
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<li>Cover the lawn with newspapers (10 sheets thick) and top off with 8cm of soil.<br>
	Allow it to decompose for a few weeks, plant directly into soil. 
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<li>Cover lawn with black landscape fabric and secure with tent pegs.<br>
      (The loss of light will kill the grass and any weed seeds but allow water through.)<br>
	Landscape fabric can then be put to work in the garden, suppressing weeds. 	Check on it in about 6-8 weeks.
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<li>Bake it!  If you have a sheet(s) of plastic left over from a renovation,
	place it over the lawn and secure with pegs. <br>
	* You may even want to try using a tarp such as you use when camping.<br>
	Check on it in 6-8weeks.  Dead grass will naturally biodegrade into the soil. 
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STEP II.  While you are waiting for your lawn to die off, take a look at the soil in the area 	    you plan to plant.  
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<li>Take a handful of soil and squeeze it.
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	If it quickly trickles between your fingers, it is sandy soil<br>
	If it adheres together upon squeezing it, it is loamy soil.<br>
	If it seems clay like, it probably is!
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	When planting with native species, you pick the species based on what type of 	soil it likes as well as lighting conditions.   You do not amend the soil.  Allow 	leaves, twigs and other organic matter to remain where it falls around the trees 	and shrubs. The nutrients will naturally recycle back into the soil. 
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<li>Observe how many hours of daylight your lawn receives, daily. Is it intense or filtered? Keep in mind if you are planning during winter months that a lawn which lies near or beneath a deciduous tree will be shaded for part of the day.
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<strong>STEP III.</strong>   Start sourcing your native trees and shrubs based on lighting, soil type, seasonal attractiveness, year-round food and shelter to resident and migratory songbirds (Helpful sources: http://projectchirp.com/articles.asp?opt=native ,  www.yourleaf.org ) 
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<li>Bear in mind that unless you are going with LEAF (see below), it is best to visit the website of a native nursery to see what they will be offering in the spring or fall.  Be sure to phone and e-mail them to let them know what you are interested in purchasing.  Native nurseries often grow to order.  
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LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is an excellent source for native trees and shrubs to provide songbird food and shelter.  Browse their website to see what species they will be offering that spring or fall.  www.yourleaf.org.
 Please keep in mind, site conditions permitting, to plant both deciduous, berry shrubs for a year-round food supply as well as clumps of evergreens for a year-round respite from the weather. 
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	LEAF is subsidized, so you are certainly getting the best value for your money.   	LEAF arborists do the site consults. They are familiar with Project CHIRP'S! 	planting objectives so feel free to bring it up.
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	LEAF provides follow-up care instructions to ensure your new additions will 	thrive where planted. The site consults may be provided as long as there is 	not a foot of snow on the ground. 
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	LEAF's consultation service is available to you if you reside in Toronto 	(including Etobicoke and Scarborough), Markham, Richmond Hill and 	Vaughan.  Mid spring 2010, residents of King Township, Aurora, 	Whitchurch-Stouffville, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Georgina will be 	eligible to take part in a new do-it-yourself version of the program."
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	Contact information www.yourleaf.org  416-413-9244 
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Other sources for native species 
	Shrubs and Herbaceous - North American Native Plant Society  www.nanps.org annual sales<br>
	Shrubs, Trees, Herbaceous  - Evergreen nursery at The Brick Works www.evergreen.ca <br>
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	Some recommended nurseries for Toronto outskirts: Grand Moraine Grower's,<br>
	Acorus, Native Plants in Claremont, Grow Wild, Wild Canada and Baker's Tree 	Farm, Sweet Grass
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	*Native Nurseries listing - Canadian Wildlife Federation    www.wildaboutgardening.org , "Gardener's Toolbox."

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<strong>STEP IV. </strong>	PLEASE TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS!<br>
	     	Please send the photos to Project CHIRP! along with
		the names of the species you added and any additional
		steps you have taken to provide year-round food, water,
		shelter to songbirds.  (I hope to inspire others through
		your work!) 
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<strong>STEP V.	</strong>Please CERTIFY your songbird garden with the Canadian Wildlife 	Federation and TELL PROJECT CHIRP! 
	We would like to track habitat restoration efforts and hear what 
	songbird species showed up!  :<br>
	Visit http://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/action/how-to/backyard-certification/
	Christina is happy to assist you with this step.