It’s too easy to let an unused part of your lot get overgrown and out of control. This is especially true of larger tracts of land. Without constant attention, most areas will go back to their naturally wooded state.
The good news, however, is that clearing overgrown land doesn’t have to be a hassle. All you need is the right knowledge to prepare for the mowing, clearing, and mulching process. It also helps to get expert help from experienced professionals like ACI Land & Aquatic Management.
Determining how long this process takes and how much labor you will need all depends on how much overgrowth you have, and of what type. For instance, it’s much easier to get rid of tall weeds and grass than dense woods.
So, are you ready to tackle the overgrowth that has turned your lot into a tangled mess? Here are some simple landscaping tips to help you transform it into a pristine oasis:
Decide What You Want to Do First
Before picking up your shears, it’s important to decide what you want to do with the soon-to-be-cleared lot first. Do you want to plant a botanical wonderland? What about putting in a vegetable garden? Whatever the case, settling on the desired end result will determine the best way to proceed.
To put in traveled areas like trails, you will have to get rid of any tripping hazards like stumps. But if you are going with a meadow or other untraveled area, leaving in a couple of stray trees and stumps will be okay. Just stay away from the herbicides if you’re putting in a garden.
Mowing It Down
Determining the best way to mow down overgrown grass and weeds will depend on its height and density. If it’s more than 3” high, then using a brush mower or towed brush hog is your best bet. These tools will chew everything up to a fine mulch and leave your lot looking neat and tidy.
In case your overgrowth is more weedy that woody, then it makes more sense to use a string trimmer. This tool will allow you to trim right up to walls, fences, and other obstacles.
Focus on the Big Stuff First
Always start off by taking the big trees out first. You can use a chainsaw, tree shear, or brush cutter for this. But, depending on the size of the trees, you might have to hire a tree removal service.
Once this is done, you might notice that a few stumps have been left behind. In that case, the best method to use a stump grinder for the fastest results. A wood chipper will help you break the resultant large logs into firewood or mulch for your garden and other landscaped areas.
Prep Before Mulching
To prepare for mulching, start off by killing any weeds on your lot. You can simply pull them up and remove the unwanted plants, or use an herbicide at least two weeks before mulching. The latter method will kill off the weeds completely and make them easier to pull up.
You should also trim any nearby trees and bushes before mulching. This will help prevent any potential debris that these growths can create. Then, take the time to rake up and remove any dead leaves and trimmings.
If you plan on doing any sort of landscaping on your lot, then you will have to rototill the area. This will ensure that any of the remaining plant material is mixed back into the soil. As a result, the area will be enriched with vital nutrients like nitrogen.
You can then cover the area with old newspapers, a plastic sheet mulch, or heavy bark mulch for a few months. Not only will this enrich the soil, but it will also smother any weeds that may germinate within that time.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
