Overgrown Garden Help.

3192

help required.  Partner was left house  by a relative that has this for a garden.  In lockdown and apart from setting fire to it. I'm lost.   we decided to move in to work on the house but the garden needs tackling.   Have bought some recommended weed killer awaiting delivery but am lost whether we should cut everything back down  like we started and then try to spray weedkiller  it's mainly brambles but they are 7ft high in places approx 90ft long...  Any hints or tips would be greatly received

madpenguin

I think the first job would be to just cut back everything to ground level,you can then see what you are dealing with.Start at the house and work outwards.
There may be some interesting shrubs that can be saved so keep a look out!
Once that is done then you can decide what treatment/action is best for the next stage.
So get hacking back and come back when you have done that and we should be able to advise on the next course of action!

3192

Thanks mad penguin that was my tactic  but cutting a path down the garden. but lots of neighbours pitching in  saying I'm spreading the problem and thought I would check somewhere.  Fingers crossed for the long weekend

Topbird

I agree that your best course of action is to start cutting stuff right down so you can see what sort of area you're dealing with and whether there is a lost garden under all the brambles!

It looks daunting but if you work outwards from the house and clear a defined small area each day you will eventually see the the light!

The other advantage of cutting down is that one rooted piece of bramble may throw out great branches several metres long. Maybe (just maybe!) there won't be that many actual bramble plants in there. After cutting back you can then spray new growth when it starts to appear in a couple of weeks time. You may be able to dig out smaller bramble or nettle plants as you go.

Another issue will be what to do with all the waste material you generate. Most recycling centres are closed for the duration. I'd have a word with the neighbours and let them know what you're doing and say that you'll need to have a couple of bonfires. They'll probably be glad you're sorting out the house& garden. Have the bonfire(s) at an agreed time when it will affect neighbours the least. Late afternoon on Monday when it's forecast to be cooler might be good.

Then they can make sure they've got no washing out, windows are closed etc etc . They're unlikely to want to sit outside with a beer or light the barbie if it's a cold day. Show them you're trying to be considerate and want to cause them the minimum of inconvenience.

GemmaJF

It looks like a lot of brambles. Cut to a couple of inches above ground level, split the remaining small stumps, paint with root out. The reason being there will be just as much of it under ground, you want that killed off so it does not just grow back with even more vigor.  I have cleared worse, once you get going and remove the top material, it doesn't seem so bad. 

herbaceous

If you do have a bonfire please make sure you have a water supply nearby - just in case

3192

update  cleared a path

3192

and found this beautiful tree  with blossom on it turns out to be the cherry tree that my partner gave her relative years ago...

Loraine3

Go steady, you may find more treasures!

madpenguin

Right now I would love to be tackling something like this!!