We’ve all been there.  You’ve had a summer of chilling and having fun with the family in the garden. Yet somehow, over the months, and without you realising it, the garden has managed to take on a life of its own.  So, how to you go about restoring some order?  Try ticking some of these important jobs off your list.

Grapple with the overgrowth

The right mix of sunshine and rain over the summer months can really help your trees, plants and bushes grow a bit wild and start to take over the garden.  Some of the smaller plants you’ll be able to manage yourself with the aid of secateurs, but for bigger jobs you’ll need a helping hand.  If you’ve got a larger garden with trees that are leaning considerably or have overhanging branches, you’ll need to take a look at the cost of tree felling or pruning to be sure they’re safe.

Clean the pond

Is your once pretty pond now looking like a sight for sore eyes? Are algae and weeds dominating?  Don’t worry, this can be fixed with a bit of regular pond maintenance.  Large ponds may require some expert help, but if your pond is a more manageable size then you can get to work removing weeds, decaying plant matter and algae yourself.  The pond should have around half of its surface area free of plants. Thin out any clumps of underwater plants and water lilies to keep them healthy.  Make sure the pond is getting plenty of light (another reason to cut back all that overgrowth from the trees).

Revive your decking

Decking is such a handy addition to your garden, but it does require seasonal care to keep it in good condition.  Don’t be tempted to put off decking maintenance until the next summer comes around.  First, you’ll need to give it a good clean down.  Sweep with a brush before taking a power washer to it.  If you don’t have a power washer, a good scrub with the brush and a bucket of soapy water will do the trick.  Now you’ve got it clean, you’ll be able to see the condition of the wood and be able to see whether it needs treating with a new coat of stain or oil.