My wife and I are currently re-designing the landscaping in our front yard. One of the primary reasons we're doing this is because large areas of the St. Augustine lawn are suffering under the shade of two large red oak trees (Shumards, I think, the sort that produce those green "balls"). We've purposely not pruned the lower limbs on the trees because we like the appearance. And we have no hard feelings about getting rid of about 60% of our lawn. Our intent is to plant Persian ivy in the deeply shaded areas immediately under the trees. (No, we won't allow it climb the trees! )

We plan to use a sod cutter to remove the lawn for the ivy beds (and in other areas away from the trees to enlarge existing beds).

How deep can I go with the sod cutter before I risk disturbing/injuring the root systems of the trees?

I believe the sod cutter can go as shallow as 1". I'd like to go deeper if it's safe - closer to 3" - because I'd prefer to plant the ivy level with the remaining lawn (no raised bed) and back-fill with some compost/amendments to break down the clay soil.

Thanks in advance.

2" is about the right depth and probably about as deep as the sod cutter can go. For St Augustine that is more than deep enough.

Thanks for the replies.

Craig - I immediately thought of the John Henry folktale when I read your anecdote about your employee and the garden pick. With about 1,500 sq. feet of grass to remove, I just don't think my dodgy back can handle that job with a garden pick.