If looking out your back door makes you think of an African jungle, it’s time to do something about it. Overgrown weeds, untrimmed trees and dead shrubs are not only an eyesore but can be dangerous to both humans and pets.
If clearing out your overgrown backyard seems overwhelming, follow these tips to make the job easier and turn your backyard into a blissful outdoor space you can truly enjoy. You can also check some consult tree service experts from Jacksonville if you need tree experts.
What Do You Have?
Your first job is to take stock of what’s out there.
Walk around the area. Take pictures or notes and get a handle on what’s where. For example, if there is an old dilapidated fence with tall weeds growing around it, take a picture or write it down. If there’s a pile of debris hidden in the corner, make note of it.
Once you know exactly what you have, you can make plans to deal with it.
Plan Your Attack
The next step is to devise a plan for what stays and what goes. Which shrubs do you want to keep? Are there any trees that need to come down? Are you going to get rid of the dilapidated fence or turn it into a focal point?
Designate a junk and yard waste area where you can pile trash as you work. Be sure to check with your local ordinances to determine how to legally get rid of this debris. Bigger projects will likely require that you rent a dumpster, so use a dumpster calculator to get right size.
Get to It
Next you need to fire up those lawn and garden tools to help create a clean slate.
To make the job seem less daunting, split the yard up into sections. Completely clear one segment before moving on to the next. Knock weeds and overgrowth down with a weed cutter. Rake and remove cuttings.
To remove shrubs, trim the branches back to 12″ to 18″ and remove the trimmings. Dig the shrub’s root ball up and take it to the waste area. If you have shrubs you want to keep, do a little research about the best time to prune your particular shrub before trimming.
Trees are a little more difficult. If you have large trees that need to be trimmed or removed, contact a tree service. Working with large trees is dangerous work. It’s best to let the pros handle it.
If necessary, use a lawn mower on the area after the debris is cleared. Fill any holes left behind with topsoil. Work until all segments are done.
The Fun Part
Take a deep breath. You’ve earned it. Now you get to the fun part — turning your backyard into a blissful outdoor haven. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Decide what you want: Are you looking for a quiet area when you can regroup and relax? Do you want a first-class grilling and outdoor living space? Do you want to create a natural environment that attracts birds and butterflies?
Consider the space you have. If your yard is large enough, you can have different areas with different environments. Look online for ideas. - Put It Together: You probably have big dreams for your new outdoor living space. Finding the right blend of style and functionality that fits you may take a few tries. Take your time and experiment.
Before you know it, you’ll have a peaceful outdoor living space to enjoy at the end of the long, hard day.
