My garden is overgrown - where do I start - image of overgrown garden

An overgrown garden can quickly feel overwhelming. Long grass, brambles, weeds, unwanted shrubs and hidden waste can make it difficult to know where to begin.

Whether you have recently moved into a property or simply have not had time to keep on top of the garden, most outdoor spaces can be brought back under control.

What should be cleared first?

The first step is usually to create safe access through the garden. This may involve removing:

  • Growth blocking gates, paths, sheds or access points
  • Long grass and thick weeds
  • Brambles and thorny growth
  • Fallen branches or damaged shrubs
  • General rubbish and broken garden items

Before everything is cut back, decide whether there are plants, shrubs or garden features you would like to keep. Some established plants may only need pruning.

Will brambles and weeds grow back?

They can. Cutting growth down improves the garden immediately, but some plants will regrow if their roots remain in the ground.

For longer-lasting results, roots may need to be dug out or treated. The right preparation also depends on what you plan to do next, such as laying turf, installing a patio or creating planted borders.

What happens to all the waste?

Garden clearance often creates far more waste than expected. Grass, weeds, branches and brambles quickly form a large pile, and general rubbish may be hidden underneath the growth.

When requesting a quotation, check what waste removal includes. Green waste may be included in the work, while general rubbish or specialist disposal may involve an additional tipping fee. This should be clearly explained before work begins.

Can the existing lawn be saved?

Sometimes. A lawn that has been covered for a long time may be thin, uneven or damaged. Some lawns recover with mowing, aeration, feeding and seed, while others need to be removed and replaced with new turf.

It is usually easier to judge the condition of the lawn once the worst of the overgrowth has been cleared.

How long does a garden clearance take?

The timescale depends on the size of the garden, the thickness of the growth, access, the amount of waste and whether machinery or root removal is needed.

A straightforward tidy-up may take a day, while a heavily overgrown garden may take several days. Photographs can provide an initial idea, but a site visit is normally the best way to prepare an accurate quotation.

What can I do after the garden is cleared?

Once the space is manageable again, you can decide how you would like to use it. Popular options include:

  • Laying a new lawn or artificial grass
  • Installing a patio or pathway
  • Adding raised sleeper beds
  • Replacing damaged fencing
  • Creating a low-maintenance garden
  • Making the area safer for children or pets

You do not have to redesign the whole garden immediately. A clearance can simply provide a clean and manageable starting point.

My garden is overgrown - where do I start - image of overgrown garden

Should I clear the garden myself?

Light mowing and weeding may be manageable yourself. Professional help may be more suitable when the garden contains thick brambles, large shrubs, heavy waste, difficult access or growth requiring specialist equipment.

It can also save you from hiring machinery and arranging repeated trips to dispose of the waste.

Garden Clearance in South Wales

Boots on the Ground South Wales provides garden clearance and landscaping services across Caerphilly, Cardiff, Newport and the surrounding areas.

We can help with overgrown gardens, mowing, strimming, bramble and shrub removal, waste removal and preparing gardens for future landscaping work.

Contact Boots on the Ground South Wales to arrange a free site visit and written quotation.