An overgrown garden can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Tall grass, an abundance of weeds, fallen branches and wild spaces that feel more like a jungle than an urban backyard. But having a stunning outdoor space is essential for any home. Not only does it look pleasing and offer an inviting space to host guests, natural beauty is also beneficial to your mental wellbeing.
Tidying up your overgrown garden will transform your home and make you feel a sense of peace and tranquility that will benefit your life enormously. With a clear plan and a little bit of hard work, you can turn even the most neglected yard into a tidy and welcoming outdoor space. Here are some tips to get you started.
Start with a plan
Before you even touch a blade of grass, take a walk round your garden and look at exactly what needs to be done. Divide up the space into manageable sections and create a list of priorities. This helps the task seem less overwhelming and easier to complete. Decide what you want your garden to look like when it is complete. Maybe you just want a simple lawn with a few flowerbeds and that’s fine. But if you have a more complex project in mind, you’ll need to focus on this throughout every stage of the cleanup.
Gather the right tools
Tackling overgrowth is a tricky job, but having the right tools makes it easier and safer. As a bare minimum you will need:
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands
- Pruning shears and loppers for trimming branches and hedges
- A rake for collecting leaves
- A shovel or spade for moving piles of vegetation or digging up tough roots
- A lawnmower or strimmer for cutting long grass and weeds
- Garden waste bags or a compost bin for collecting rubbish
If you don’t have these items already, they can be acquired at any good hardware store or garden centre.
Clear large debris first
Start by removing the visible rubbish and debris. Pick up any fallen branches, rocks or junk that has accumulated. Rake up leaves and gather them into piles. This simple first step immediately makes the garden look more organised and gives you a clear view of the work ahead. It also makes it safer to move around without tripping over hidden obstacles.
Trim overgrown shrubs and hedges
Shrubs and hedges can become unruly if left untrimmed, so use your pruning shears or loppers to cut them back to a manageable size. Remove any dead or damaged branches first, then carefully trim them to improve the overall shape. If you have larger trees, stumps or brush that need removing, consider hiring a professional tree removal service to get the job done.
Tackle the weeds
Weeds can quickly take over an untended garden if you’re not careful. Begin by pulling out larger weeds by hand, making sure to remove as much of the root as possible. Work systematically to tackle your whole yard, focusing on one patch at a time. Once cleared, consider laying mulch to prevent them from returning.
Mow the lawn
Now you can access the grass, it’s time to cut it to a suitable length. If it has grown extremely tall, avoid cutting it too short in one go. Use a strimmer or a mower at a higher setting for the first attempt. After a few days, you can lower it gradually to your preferred height. Once mowed, use a strimmer or edging tool to ensure clean edges that make your garden look neat and well cared for.
Revive flower beds
A few well-chosen flowers can revive any garden. Carefully remove any unwanted growth and gently loosen the soil. You may need to add new soil or plant new flowers to bring some colour and life back into the space. If you’re not much of a gardener, opt for varieties that are low maintenance and easier to keep alive.
Dispose of waste properly
As you work, the waste will pile up. Place detritus in manageable heaps and create a compost pile for organic matter. For larger branches or heavy debris, make use of your local waste collection service. Make an effort to prevent clutter from building up again and you’ll never have to repeat this process in future.
Enjoy the transformation
Even these simple steps will turn your overgrown wasteland of a yard into a tranquil green space. Make the most of the transformation and spend as much time in your new garden as the weather allows.