How to Reclaim an Overgrown Garden – Step by Step Guide

How to Reclaim an Overgrown Garden – A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

An overgrown garden can feel overwhelming. Whether you've just moved into a new property with a jungle out the back, or your garden has simply got away from you over time, the good news is that reclaiming it is absolutely possible — you just need a plan.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, whether you want to tackle it yourself or hire professionals to do the heavy work for you.

Step 1: Assess the Garden

Before you start cutting anything, take time to assess what you're dealing with:

• Take photos from every angle — you'll want 'before' shots

• Identify any plants worth keeping (mature shrubs, trees, established perennials)

• Check for hazards (broken glass, hidden rubbish, wasp nests, unstable structures)

• Note the garden's orientation (which way does it face? Where are the sunny/shady areas?)

• Check for nesting birds before cutting any hedges or dense growth

This assessment will help you decide what to keep, what to remove, and what the garden could become.

Step 2: Clear the Overgrowth

This is the big one. Start with the largest growth and work down:

Cut Back Brambles and Weeds

Use secateurs, loppers, or a strimmer to cut back brambles, nettles, and overgrown weeds. Cut them to ground level. For deep-rooted weeds like brambles, you'll need to dig out the roots to prevent regrowth.

Tackle the Long Grass

If the lawn has grown knee-high or taller, don't try to mow it with a standard mower — it'll jam. Use a strimmer or brush cutter to cut it down to about 5cm, then rake up all the cuttings. Once it's short, you can mow it normally.

Trim Overgrown Hedges

Cut hedges back to the desired shape and height. If hedges are extremely overgrown, you may need to reduce them significantly — but check the species first, as some don't recover well from hard pruning.

Remove Dead Plants and Rubbish

Pull out dead shrubs, clear away debris, and remove any rubbish that's accumulated. This is also the time to decide whether to remove any large structures like old sheds or greenhouses.

Step 3: Deal with the Soil

Once the overgrowth is cleared, you'll need to prepare the soil:

• Dig over compacted soil with a fork to break it up

• Remove large weeds and their roots — don't just cut the tops off

• Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality

• Level the ground if you're planning to lay turf or plant beds

• Consider a soil pH test if you're planning specific plants

Step 4: Plan Your New Garden

Now you have a blank canvas. Think about what you want from your garden:

• Lawn area for children or pets?

• Patios or seating areas?

• Raised beds for vegetables?

• Low-maintenance borders with shrubs and perennials?

• A mix of all the above?

Consider how much time you want to spend maintaining the garden. If you want low maintenance, choose evergreen shrubs, gravel areas, and hard landscaping. If you enjoy gardening, you might want flower beds and a vegetable patch.

Step 5: Replant and Landscape

Now it's time to bring your garden back to life:

• Lay turf or sow grass seed for new lawns

• Plant borders with a mix of perennials, shrubs, and annuals

• Add structure with paths, edging, and raised beds

• Plant hedges or install fencing for boundaries

• Add a patio or seating area for relaxation

Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance

Once your garden is reclaimed, regular maintenance will keep it looking good:

• Mow the lawn weekly during the growing season (April–October)

• Trim hedges once or twice a year

• Weed borders regularly to prevent regrowth

• Mulch beds annually to suppress weeds and retain moisture

• Prune shrubs at the right time of year for each species

Prefer to Hire Professionals?

Reclaiming an overgrown garden is hard work. If you'd rather have it done professionally, Easy Gardens Hub provides complete garden clearance and restoration services across Hampshire and Dorset. We handle everything from the initial clearance to ongoing maintenance.

We serve Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Bournemouth, Poole, Fareham, Eastleigh, Romsey, and all surrounding areas. Simply fill out the form on our website, upload photos of your garden, and we'll provide a free quote.

Call 07732 713831 or email Souttradesltd@gmail.com to get started.