I wouldn't bother with newspaper, I'd dig in a generous load of well rotted manure. You can plant in autumn or spring -or both - as you like, but the better the soil, the greater the chance of success. Hogweed is right about the grass: you will always have some weeds but grass growing through shrub roots and young plants is really difficult to control. Getting out tree roots is a tough job and not for the faint hearted. If you leave them you will have to plant round them and you won't be able to change your mind about digging them out later so this is definitely the time if you want to do it.
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I wouldn't bother with newspaper, I'd dig in a generous load of well rotted manure. You can plant in autumn or spring -or both - as you like, but the better the soil, the greater the chance of success. Hogweed is right about the grass: you will always have some weeds but grass growing through shrub roots and young plants is really difficult to control. Getting out tree roots is a tough job and not for the faint hearted. If you leave them you will have to plant round them and you won't be able to change your mind about digging them out later so this is definitely the time if you want to do it.