I am a newbie to this site. I live in San Diego (actually Del Mar, CA). We live in an older bungalow with a giant yard under eucalyptus trees.

I am tired of fighting those trees to save my lawn :( Not to mention going over my water budget. My lawn is now half dirt. I envy my neighbors big glossy leafed ivy, planted under their Eucs. The Euc acorns and leaves just disappear into the ivy and turn into mulch.

Can anyone help me ID that ivy? (I think it may be algerian?) Do I have to remove the remaining grass? rototill? Add better dirt? (We have sandy soil.)

I am guessing the area is about 80ft x 40ft, surrounded by eucs. There's a loquat and a pepper tree on one side. The "lawn" gets direct sun for at least half of the day, if not more.

Help a newbie out :)