Getting an overgrown Hemel Hempstead garden ready for winter: where to start

Getting an overgrown Hemel Hempstead garden ready for winter: where to start

A garden that has got away from you is more common than you might think. A busy summer, a wet autumn, and suddenly the weeds are tall and the lawn looks like a meadow. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and even a neglected plot can be brought back under control with a clear plan. K. Tomlin Gardening & Lawn Specialists, run by Kevin, offers garden clearance, weed control, lawn care and grounds maintenance in Hemel Hempstead and across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. This guide covers a sensible order of work.

Why overgrown gardens get worse quickly

Weeds are opportunists. Once established plants set seed they spread fast, and many have deep roots. They compete with your lawn and borders for light, water and nutrients. The longer a garden is left, the more layers of work build up: long grass becomes matted, weeds seed, and self-seeded shrubs take hold. Acting sooner usually makes the job easier.

A sensible order of work

1. Assess what is there. Walk the garden before cutting anything. Some things that look like weeds are plants worth keeping. Decide what stays and what goes.

2. Clear the bulk of the overgrowth. Long grass, weeds, brambles and dead material come out first. Cut material is easier to deal with if you collect it as you go. Check carefully for nesting birds in dense shrubs and hedges, particularly in spring and early summer.

3. Deal with weeds properly. Cutting the tops is not the same as removing them. Persistent weeds need their roots dug out. Hand weeding is the most reliable non-chemical approach, and mulching bare soil afterwards helps suppress regrowth.

4. Cut the lawn back gradually. Do not scalp very long grass in one go. Raise the mower height for the first cut and lower it over later cuts. See our guide on how often to mow a lawn.

5. Tidy borders and edges. Clean edges make a big difference to how a garden looks.

6. Plan ongoing upkeep. Regular mowing, seasonal weeding and tidying stop a garden creeping back.

What customers say

One customer used Kevin on more than one occasion, including to clear their garden of weeds and overgrowth. They wrote:

I have used K. Tomlin Gardening and Lawn Specialists on a few occassions. To help clear out my garden from weeds and overgrowth and to get it presentable for the summer. Kevin has done a stellar job and been very clear with communication. And has always been very professional and polite.

Adil Malik, Facebook review

See our page on garden clearance and weed control.

Why autumn is a good time

Weeds are still visible and can be dug out before they set more seed, the soil is usually workable, and clearing now means the garden goes into winter tidy and you are ahead in spring. It also gives you time to think about what you want to do with the space next, whether that is new planting, a healthier lawn or a simpler layout. See our page on soft landscaping, and our guide to autumn garden clearance.

Keeping it under control

• Mow regularly to keep grass healthy and annual weeds in check
• Mulch borders after weeding to reduce regrowth
• Deal with weeds early, before they flower and seed
• Tidy seasonally, especially in autumn and spring

If you would prefer to hand this over, regular maintenance is one of the services on offer. See grounds maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to clear an overgrown garden? It depends on the size, how long it has been neglected and what is growing there. Get in touch with photos so the job can be talked through before it starts.

Can I clear it myself? For light overgrowth, many people can make a start. For established perennial weeds, dense brambles or very long grass, it can be quicker and easier to get help.

Will the weeds come back? Some seeds will always be in the soil. Removing roots rather than just tops, mulching and regular upkeep keep regrowth down.

When is the best time to tackle an overgrown garden? Any time is better than leaving it. Autumn and early spring are both good, because weeds are visible and the ground is workable.

Ready to get your garden back?

If you have an overgrown garden in Hemel Hempstead, call 07710 611738 or get in touch using the contact form to talk through the job and arrange a quote.