I am slowly getting rid of the grass...half of the front yard garden is mulched mixed with natives and friendly's. I use a local tree company for the mulch (they deliver a dump truck load each time lol). they don't have any right now so this weekend i had to buy it YUCK!
Also, I would be worried about someone taking out your "keepers". Mark them for sure and also be there when they do it so you can watch them like a hawk