To clear an overgrown garden, work in stages: check what's there and what to keep, clear rubbish, cut down long grass and brambles, deal with roots and weeds, then restore the lawn and borders. The best time is autumn or winter, when most plants are dormant and you avoid the bird nesting season. Before you start, check for nesting birds, protected trees and Japanese knotweed.
1. Look before you cut
Walk the whole garden first. Note anything worth keeping, such as established shrubs, trees, roses or paving hidden under weeds. Look for hazards like broken glass, holes, old wire or uneven steps. Take photos so you can plan what the garden will become.
2. Check the rules
- Nesting birds: it is an offence to damage or destroy an active bird's nest. Avoid heavy clearing from March to August, or check very carefully first. See when you can cut hedges.
- Protected trees: trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or trees in a conservation area, need the council's consent or notice before you cut or remove them. Check with your council.
- Wildlife: hedgehogs and frogs often shelter in long grass and leaf piles. Check before strimming, and cut long grass from the top down in stages.
- Japanese knotweed: if you think you have it, don't cut, dig or move it. Get specialist advice, because it spreads from tiny fragments and the waste must be disposed of properly.
3. Clear rubbish and cut back
Remove litter and rubbish first so it doesn't damage tools. Then cut long grass with a strimmer, taking it down gradually. Cut brambles and overgrown shrubs back with loppers and a pruning saw, working from the outside in. Wear thick gloves, long sleeves and eye protection.
4. Deal with roots and weeds
Cutting brambles and perennial weeds to the ground isn't enough; they grow back from the roots. Dig out bramble crowns and the roots of weeds such as docks and dandelions. On large weedy areas you don't need straight away, cover the ground with a weed membrane or thick cardboard for a season to smother regrowth.
5. Get rid of the waste legally
Clearing a garden creates far more waste than you expect. Compost soft green waste, use your council's garden waste collection, or take it to the local recycling centre. If someone takes the waste away for you, check they are a registered waste carrier. You can be held responsible if your waste is fly-tipped.
6. Bring the garden back
- Lawn: cut it in stages over a few weeks, lowering the mower each time. Rake out dead grass and moss, then overseed bare patches, or returf if it's beyond saving.
- Shrubs: many overgrown shrubs can be renovated by cutting back a third of the oldest stems each year rather than all at once.
- Borders: once cleared, dig in compost and mulch to keep weeds down while you decide what to plant.
Keeping it under control
Once the garden is clear, a little regular care stops it getting out of hand again. Our garden maintenance calendar lists the main jobs for each month.
Help with an overgrown garden
Superior Landscaping provides garden maintenance across Sutton, Wimbledon, Kingston and Wandsworth. See our garden maintenance service or get in touch for a free visit.
