Whether you have just moved into a property with a neglected garden, or your own outdoor space has got away from you during a busy period, the task of reclaiming it can seem enormous. But with the right approach and order of work, even the most overgrown garden can be brought back under control.
Step 1: Assess Before You Start
Before cutting anything, spend time assessing what is there. Some of what looks like overgrown mess may include valuable plants worth saving — mature shrubs, specimen trees or established perennials that would take years to replace.
- Identify any plants worth keeping before clearance begins
- Mark trees and shrubs that are healthy and well-placed
- Note any drainage or structural issues
- Check for protected species — slow worms, hedgehogs, nesting birds
- Plan where waste will go — skip, trailer or green waste collection
Step 2: Clear in the Right Order
Work from the top down and the outside in. Cut back overhanging branches first, then tall shrubs, then tackle ground-level vegetation. Leave the final weeding and ground preparation until everything above is cleared.
Step 3: Dealing with Perennial Weeds
Bramble, bindweed, ground elder and horsetail are the most common problems in neglected Hampshire gardens. These need either repeated cutting back over a season or application of a systemic weedkiller. There are no shortcuts, but patience pays off.
A&T Landscapes specialises in garden clearance and renovation across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 for a free assessment and quote.