Is your garden resembling a jungle rather than a tranquil retreat? That’s not good. Not only is it an eyesore – one that can be embarrassing if in view of neighbours – but it also makes it a space you want to avoid. Oh, and even the thought of tackling an overgrown garden can be daunting.
Yet it’s not something you should avoid.
With some time, effort, commitment, and a sprinkling of know-how, you can alter your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional area. Here are the steps to reclaim your overgrown garden:
Assess and Plan
You want to get involved with the physical work straight away. Well, just hold back a second. Before you dive head-first into your overgrown garden, sit down, get a cup of coffee, and begin assessing the situation. This involves taking a good long look at your outdoor space, identifying areas that need the most attention and what you’d like to retain.
As you’re assessing the situation, make a plan of action. Do you want a vegetable patch? Maybe a flower bed? Or simply a neat lawn? Having a vision will guide your efforts and keep you focused.
Clear out debris and weeds
Once you finally venture into your outdoor garden, a recommended starting point is to clear out any debris like fallen branches, leaves, or rubbish that might have accumulated. Weeds are next on the list. They compete with other plants for nutrients and water, so they must be removed completely.
Are you working in a large area? Consider investing in a rotavator. To save some money, rotavators are available to rent. A good old-fashioned hoe and some elbow grease will do the trick with a smaller garden space.
Prune and Trim Overgrown Plants
Simply put, pruning is essential in an overgrown garden. Trim back overgrown bushes and hedges to a manageable size. What about flowering plants? For these, prune after they’ve bloomed to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers.
This step not only tidies up your garden, but also encourages healthy growth and blooming.
Remove Overgrown Trees
If your unkempt garden features overgrown trees, this is going to be one of your most pressing concerns – and rightly so. They can block light, invade other plants’ space, even pose a risk to property and safety.
Fortunately, there is a solution: tree surgery. Tree surgeons, as the name implies, are specialists. They assess your overgrown trees. Once that’s done, they can either safely trim or remove them from your property. This is done to ensure your garden receives the right amount of sunlight and space.
Just remember not to attempt tree removal on your own. It can be hazardous and requires a certain level of expertise, so hiring professionals is advisable.
Revitalise your soil
Your garden’s looking a lot better now. Yet, after the clearing and pruning, the next step is to revitalise your soil. Over time, soil can become compacted and nutrient-depleted. Aerating your soil can help water, air, and nutrients penetrate the soil more effectively. Furthermore, adding compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil, providing a healthy base for new plantings.
