A cluttered garden is not pleased to anyone—it can be a magnet for pests, a safety hazard, and a huge waste of space. Whether you’re planning a full garden makeover, getting ready to sell your property, or just tired of looking at weeds and rubbish, clearing your garden properly makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best tips for garden clearance, including DIY advice, tools you’ll need, and what to do with the waste. We’ll also cover when it’s better to call in the pros and how to do the job safely and efficiently.
Why Garden Clearance Matters
A neglected garden can quickly get out of hand. Overgrown plants, fallen leaves, broken garden furniture, rotting fences, and even forgotten tools can all pile up. This isn’t just untidy—it can attract rats, harbour damp, and even lower your property value.
A clean garden:
- Makes your outdoor space more enjoyable
- Boosts your home’s curb appeal
- Reduces safety risks
- Prepares the ground for new landscaping
And let’s face it—clearing out the garden is satisfying. Few things beat the before-and-after moment when a jungle turns into a usable, open space.
Start With a Plan
Before you grab your gloves and garden fork, take 10 minutes to plan your attack. Walk around the garden and note the following:
- What needs to go? (weeds, furniture, broken planters, dead plants, etc.)
- What can stay or be reused?
- Are there large items like sheds or fences that may need dismantling?
- How will you dispose of the waste?
Taking photos can help you track your progress and spot areas you might otherwise miss.
Tools You’ll Need for Garden Clearance
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but having the right tools will save you hours of effort. Here’s a basic kit for most garden clearance jobs:
- Heavy-duty gloves – Essential for avoiding cuts and blisters
- Sturdy bin bags or rubble sacks – For general garden waste
- Secateurs and loppers – For pruning bushes and cutting back branches
- Garden fork and spade – To dig out weeds, roots, or unwanted plants
- Wheelbarrow or garden cart – Makes moving heavy waste easier
- Rake and broom – For leaves, gravel, and general tidy-up
- Hedge trimmer or strimmer – Speeds up work on overgrown areas
- Handsaw or reciprocating saw – For cutting large branches or dismantling structures
- Dust sheets or tarpaulin – Protect your lawn or patio while working
If you’re dealing with brambles, nettles, or thorny plants, wear long sleeves and eye protection too.
Step-by-Step DIY Garden Clearance Guide
1. Start With the Big Stuff
Begin by removing large, bulky items like broken chairs, plant pots, trellises, and old furniture. If you have an old shed or fence that needs removing, clear everything inside or attached to it first.
Tip: When dismantling a shed or structure, always start from the roof and work your way down. Remove glass panels or sharp metal pieces with extreme care.
2. Cut Back Overgrowth
Next, tackle hedges, bushes, and anything that’s spilling into pathways or blocking light. Use secateurs for small growth and loppers or hedge trimmers for thicker areas.
Cut everything down to a manageable size. You can always shape and trim properly later—right now, focus on removing bulk.
3. Weed and Dig
Get down to soil level and start weeding. Use a fork to loosen roots and make sure you pull out the whole plant, not just the leaves. If you’re clearing an overgrown bed, dig it over completely and remove any unwanted growth.
Tip: After weeding, cover bare patches of soil with a weed control membrane or mulch to prevent regrowth.
4. Lawn Care
If the grass has become wild or patchy, mow it in stages. Don’t cut too short too quickly—you may damage the lawn. Strim edges, remove moss with a rake, and water dry areas to encourage regrowth.
5. Tidy Flower Beds and Borders
Remove dead plants, trim edges, and dig out any old mulch or soil that’s compacted or mouldy. Refresh the beds with compost or new soil if needed.
6. Sweep and Collect
Once all the cutting and digging is done, use a rake and broom to collect debris. Use bin bags or sacks to separate green waste, soil, and general rubbish. Keep recyclables separate—many council recycling centres accept garden waste free of charge.
What to Do With Garden Waste
This is where many DIY jobs hit a wall—what do you do with all the waste?
Here are your main options:
1. Council Collection
Many councils offer free or low-cost garden waste collections. You usually need to request a green bin or book in advance. Check your borough’s website for details.
2. Local Recycling Centre
You can transport waste to a local tip yourself. Most accept green waste, wood, and soil—but you’ll need a vehicle big enough, and you may need to sort the waste on-site.
3. Garden Waste Bags
Some companies sell pre-paid garden waste bags. You fill them up, and they collect them curbside. These are ideal for small to medium jobs.
4. Hire a Professional Garden Clearance Company
For large volumes or if the job is too physically demanding, it’s often cheaper and faster to call the pros. At Same Day Waste Removal, for example, we offer:
- Labour included (you don’t lift a thing)
- Same-day bookings
- Licensed disposal at recycling facilities
- No need for skip hire or permits
Safety Tips During Garden Clearance
- Wear proper footwear and gloves – Broken glass, nails, or sharp tools are common hazards
- Be careful with power tools – If you’re unsure, get advice or skip using them altogether
- Watch for wildlife – Check under sheds or piles for hedgehogs, frogs, or nests
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly – Paints, pesticides, and certain plastics require special handling
- Stay hydrated – Garden work is hard, especially on warm days. Take breaks and drink water regularly
When to Call the Experts
DIY garden clearance is rewarding, but not always practical. Here are some situations where calling in a professional garden clearance team is the better option:
- You’re short on time or energy
- There’s no direct access to your garden
- You have heavy structures like sheds, greenhouses, or fencing to remove
- The volume of waste is too large for domestic disposal
- You need the area cleared urgently (e.g. property sale, landlord inspection)
Hiring a team saves hours of effort and usually includes disposal costs, labour, and tools—all in one price.
Final Thoughts
Garden clearance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, a solid plan, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform even the messiest garden into a tidy, usable space. And if you run into a job that’s too big or too tough, there’s no shame in calling in the experts.
Whether you’re creating space for new decking, reclaiming an old vegetable patch, or just want to enjoy your garden again, start small, work methodically, and enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good clear-out can make.