1
Start with a clear picture
Walk the whole space and work out what's actually there — the paths, the boundaries, any hidden structures, and what is genuinely worth keeping. Photograph it, and mark out the keepers before you start cutting.
Landscaping5 min read
Clearing an overgrown garden: where to begin
An overgrown plot can feel overwhelming. A simple plan — and a bit of help — gets you to a clean slate fast.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
An overgrown garden that has been left for a year or more can look like a much bigger job than it is. The trick is not to fight it all at once, but to work through it in a sensible order so each step makes the next one easier.
2
Cut back before you pull out
Tackle the volume first. Cut down brambles, overgrown shrubs and boundary growth close to the ground, then deal with the roots and stumps. Removing the bulk early makes the space feel half done within the first session.
3
Then get to the ground
Once the top growth is gone you can see the ground properly. That's the moment to dig out stubborn roots, rake up debris and decide whether the soil is worth keeping, topping up or starting fresh.
4
Know when to bring in help
A large or challenging clearance is a job for a team with the right kit and a skip on hand. It's also a job that can be done in a day or two by professionals — rather than stretching over weeks of weekends.
Need a hand with this in your own garden?
From garden clearance to a full landscaping-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
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