Time is a fascinating factor. And in gardening, time can either lead to positive outcomes or wreak havoc which causes despair. A garden covered in overgrown plants, encroaching weeds, obscured garden boundaries, and thriving perennials can be an eyesore.
Luckily, you can salvage your garden and restore it to its former glory. However, this process will take a lot of time and patience. With a lot going into clearing your garden, you can start by identifying the soil, plants, and trees.
This will give you a rundown of every task to complete and items to help you clear out your overgrown gardens. For instance, if you have trees in your garden that need pruning, you’ll include tree climbing gear in your equipment shopping.
If you’re ready to get your garden back, below are some tips to consider when clearing overgrown gardens. For those who a struggling to complete this job, a company like Easefix offers affordable gardening services in the UK.
Table of Contents
1. Use proper clothing
Clearing overgrown gardens come with factors that’ll affect the ease and accessibility of the project. One main factor is having the appropriate clothing for gardening. You’ll need proper clothing to create a barrier against the natural elements, such as dirt, dust, insects, and debris.
With the right clothing, you’ll get more work done as you’ll be able to move freely. This way, you’ll accomplish your goals more safely. For instance, if you’re cutting down small trees, you’ll need chaps to protect you from injuries.
2. Pick up rubbish before starting
Overgrown gardens produce a lot of rubbish that might slow the clearing process. Set aside garden-related items such as your water hose and garden furniture. Anything else, such as dirt and debris, should be thrown in the trash or disposed of by a professional. From Brisbane in Australia? Consider hiring a rubbish removalist in Brisbane to take care of the items that are too big to be thrown out in the trash.
Lay out a tarp to be used as a garbage bin before you get down to cleaning. Start from the top and work your way down by pruning and removing tree branches before cleaning the shrubs and plants. Collect the hard debris first, then soft debris such as leaves and rotten produce. Consider using a leaf blower, rake, and proper tools to trim your grass.
3. Mow your garden
After all of the rubbish has been removed, the next step is to tackle the lawn. Mow it completely to see what you are working with.
Mowing the lawn is an important step in achieving a neat and tidy garden. To mow effectively, it’s important to adjust the height of the mower blades to the appropriate setting for your grass type. Mowing too short can damage the grass, while mowing too long can result in an uneven appearance.
After mowing, it’s a good idea to consider reseeding any bare or patchy areas of lawn to promote healthy growth and create a clear green patch of turf. MOOWY Grass seed is a great product for repairing patchy lawns. Their grass seed and lawn feed can help repair patchy damaged areas quickly. Sowing seeds is easy and can be done by first loosening the soil in the affected areas with a garden fork, then spreading a layer of quality soil and grass seed mixture over the top. Be sure to water the area regularly and keep it moist until the new grass has established itself.
By taking the time to mow effectively and reseed as needed, you can create a lush, green lawn that serves as the perfect backdrop for the rest of your garden. Regular maintenance and care will ensure that your lawn stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.
4. Use a weed burner
If you have non-flammable areas such as sidewalks and rocky terrain, a weed burner will come in handy. This means you shouldn’t torch weeds that are growing on dry materials. Additionally, avoid burning poisonous plants, as the smoke can cause a serious allergic reaction.
Before using a weed burner, start by sweeping the area you intend to use a weed burner. Concentrate on getting rid of loose combustible materials. Next, light the torch and pass the flame along the weeds.
When torching weeds, concentrate on the roots to cause the moisture within to evaporate, thus killing the weed.
5. Work in sections
Breaking down a large garden project into smaller, more manageable sections is a great way to prevent feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead of trying to tackle the entire garden at once, start by clearing one small section at a time and working your way slowly towards completing the larger project.
To begin, choose a section of the garden that you would like to focus on and identify any tasks that need to be completed in that area. This could include removing weeds, trimming overgrown plants, or planting new flowers or shrubs.
Once you have a clear idea of what needs to be done, assign yourself with a few daily tasks that you can realistically complete within a set amount of time. For example, you might decide to spend an hour each day weeding and clearing a small area of the garden.
As you complete each task and begin to see progress in the section you are working on, you may find that you feel more motivated and confident in taking on larger and more complex tasks. This gradual approach can help to build momentum and prevent burnout, ensuring that you are able to make steady progress towards achieving your garden goals.
In addition to breaking the garden down into smaller sections, it can also be helpful to prioritize tasks based on their level of importance. For example, if there are plants that require immediate attention or areas of the garden that are particularly overgrown, these tasks may need to be prioritized over less urgent tasks like planting new flowers.
By working in sections and taking a gradual, methodical approach to garden maintenance, you can create a beautiful and well-cared for garden that brings you joy and satisfaction for years to come.
6. When to use strimmers
When it comes to managing weeds in your garden, it’s important to understand when to use strimmers effectively. While strimmers can be a great tool for maintaining an overgrown lawn or tackling tough vegetation, they may not always be the best choice for removing weeds.
One of the main drawbacks of using a strimmer for weed control is that it does not completely remove the weeds from the roots. This means that even if the visible portion of the weed is removed, the roots may still be alive and able to regrow. Over time, this can lead to persistent weed growth and frustration for the gardener.
In addition to incomplete removal of weeds, using a strimmer can also lead to the dispersal of weed seeds. This can actually contribute to the spread of weeds, making it even more difficult to control their growth.
However, there are times when a strimmer can be a useful tool in the garden. For example, when restoring an overgrown lawn area, a strimmer can be used to quickly clear away long grass and weeds before mowing and reseeding the area. In this case, the strimmer is being used to prepare the area for future maintenance rather than as a standalone weed control tool.
When deciding whether or not to use a strimmer for weed control, it’s important to consider the specific needs and conditions of your garden. For small areas or delicate plants, hand weeding or using a hoe may be a better option. For larger areas or tougher vegetation, a strimmer may be a useful tool in your arsenal. By understanding when and how to use a strimmer effectively, you can keep your garden looking neat and tidy while avoiding the spread of weeds.
7. Split perennials
Perennials are a popular choice for gardeners due to their ability to return year after year. However, as they grow and mature, they can become overcrowded and begin to lose their vigor. This is where splitting perennials comes in.
Splitting perennials involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. This process allows you to control the size of your plantings, remove any unwanted plants, and promote healthy growth in the remaining ones.
The best time to split perennials is in the fall, after the growing season has ended and the plants are preparing for winter. At this time, the plants are storing energy in their roots, making it easier to separate them without causing damage.
To split a perennial, begin by digging up the entire plant with a garden fork or spade. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy root system and several shoots. Discard any damaged or diseased sections.
Once you have divided the plant, replant the sections in a new location, making sure to space them out adequately to allow for future growth. Water the newly planted sections thoroughly to help them establish roots before winter.
In addition to promoting healthy growth and controlling the size of your plantings, splitting perennials can also help to rejuvenate older plants and improve overall garden health. By taking the time to split and replant your perennials, you can ensure a beautiful and thriving garden for years to come.
The bottom line
Restoring an overgrown garden can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, techniques, and mindset, it is possible to transform your garden into a beautiful and thriving oasis. Whether you’re dealing with encroaching weeds, obscured garden boundaries, or struggling plants and trees, taking a step-by-step approach and working in manageable sections can help to prevent overwhelm and ensure steady progress.
Remember to prioritise safety and use appropriate clothing and equipment, and take the time to mow and seed your lawn, use a weed burner, and trim with strimmers as needed. With patience and persistence, you can reclaim your garden and enjoy the beauty and satisfaction of a well-cared-for outdoor space.