As a new homeowner, I'm turning my attention to the lawn. Unfortunately it was severely neglected and is more weeds than grass. Tonight, I was edging for new perennial beds and found what appears to be a nightmare scenario. I hit landscape fabric! It appears to be 2-3 inches underneath the lawn. I have spot checked several areas (well into the lawn) and this nasty stuff is everywhere. I have no idea why the previous owner would do such a bizarre thing. As you may guess the poor struggling lawn is unable to penetrate the landscape fabric and has surface root overgrowth (and weeds are thriving). I am not pleased with this situation and am afraid of the possible options.

1. complete removal of the fabric is analogous to the nuclear option. total removal of soil and sod and fabric... replace with new $od.

or

2. could heavy repeated plug aeration allow the lawn to penetrate the fabric sufficiently to regain some vigor? THe plugs would have to be significant to penetrate the fabric.

This is a great community and I appreciate any insight.