Turning Your Jungle into a Backyard Retreat

If you have ever looked out at your yard and wondered how exactly it got this bad; if you’ve ever thought that it looks more like a wild jungle tangled with weeds, overgrown shrubs and trees that seem to be taking up more and more space with every passing day, then this post is for you. You see, it is totally possible to get rid of those tangled vines and overgrown plants and transform your unusable jungle into a backyard retreat that you can enjoy every single day. Here’s how:

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Start with a clear out

Before you do anything else, you are going to want to have a clearer view of what you are working with and that means cutting back overgrown shrubs, pulling out weeds and clearing out any other debris. It won’t be fun and it certainly won’t be glamorous, but it is necessary.

Try to tackle it in sections so you do not get overwhelmed. One corner at a time feels much more manageable than staring at the whole yard thinking, where do I even begin.

As you clear things away, you might uncover old tree stumps or roots that have been hiding under all that growth. In cases like that, professional stump grinding can make the job far easier and prevent future issues. Leaving stumps in place can lead to pests or uneven ground, which you definitely do not want.

Decide what you actually want

Once you have cleared everything up, you can then start to work out what it is you actually want before you start planting. It is tempting to fill every empty patch straight away, but think about how you want to use the space.

Do you want a quiet seating area? A play space for kids? Raised beds for vegetables? A simple low maintenance lawn?  Being clear about your goal will stop you from creating a backyard retreat that looks good but does not fit your life.

Sometimes, less really is more.

Improve the soil

If your yard has been neglected for a while, the soil may be depleted and it might need some attention to be able to grow the lush garden you want it to. Overgrown weeds and compacted ground can leave it tired and unbalanced. 

Adding compost, aerating the soil, and testing its pH can give new plants a much better chance of thriving. Healthy soil makes everything easier in the long run, even if it feels like an extra step at first.

Choose plants wisely

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re at the garden center and there are so many wonderful plants to choose from but try to choose plants that suit your climate and the amount of maintenance you are willing to commit to. Native plants are often a smart option because they are adapted to local conditions.

Oh, and remember to think about how much time you realistically have. Low maintenance plants that fit your schedule are far more likely to stay under control.

Here’s to a backyard retreat you can actually enjoy and not a jungle you have to fight your way through!

This is a contributed post.

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