Spring often brings the urge to get out and get stuck into the garden. If you tackle the jobs in the right order, the work will be easier and you won’t damage new growth.
Photo by Barney Goodman on Unsplash
Do a quick walk-around first
Check for winter damage. Test the fence panels, move pots to see whether frost has cracked them, and walk on paths and decking to spot anything loose or slippery. Look for dead plants and list the small areas that need repairing or replacing.
Tidy up lawns and borders
Remove fallen branches, wet leaves and any old plant stems. This improves air circulation, reduces pests and lets new shoots reach the light. Compost what you can. If the job is bigger than a weekend, a professional garden clearance service can clear the space quickly.
Prune deadwood (gently)
Cut dead stems from perennials and ornamental grasses, but watch for fresh shoots at the base. If you’re not sure what is alive, take a “less is more” approach and cut back a little each year.
Weed while the soil is still soft
Weeds that come up at the same time as spring flowers are easier to pull because their roots are still shallow. A run with the hoe on a dry day will save hours later.
Feed and mulch
After adding compost or well-rotted manure to the beds, mulch to keep in moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from plant stems to stop them rotting.
Lawn basics: rake, edge and patch
Rake out moss and thatch to let air into the lawn, re-cut the edges, and patch bare areas with seed once the soil warms up.
When the garden needs more than a tidy
During the spring season a garden has sometimes surpassed a simple weekend tidy. A walk-around could reveal over-growing brambles, a packed and cluttered shed, old building materials or a lawn being consumed by weeds. It needs a full clearance first. The biggest problem with getting rid of green waste in bulk is often that a typical garden clearance can fill many trips to the tip. When hiring someone for clearance make sure they are a registered waste carrier. You are liable if your waste is fly-tipped. After the clearance you will be able to see what you want to keep and can plan your garden effectively.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start tidying the garden in spring?
It’s best to wait until the worst of the frosts have passed. This is typically around March or April in the UK. You can leave the old stems and leaves through winter to provide shelter for insects and wildlife.
Should I cut back ornamental grasses in spring?
Deciduous grasses can be cut back to near ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Evergreen grasses only need dead leaves combed out of them.
What should I check when hiring someone for garden clearance?
Ask to see their waste carrier registration, get a fixed price for the work to be done and then get clear details on what will be taken and where it will be taken to.
