Is Your Backyard Overgrown? Here's How to Prepare It for Your Kids

If your backyard has gotten a bit out of hand, don’t worry – you definitely aren’t the only one. It happens to us all. In fact, just across the pond, you’ll find that a third of Brits find yard work boring and physically tiring. So, you won’t be the only one with a neglected yard.

 

It’s really easy to lose track of, too. One minute everything’s tidy; the next the grass it out of control, bushes are creeping everything, and it just doesn’t feel like a space your kids will safely enjoy. Not ideal if you want the kids outside during the summer months.

The good news is, it is entirely possible to get it back into shape. And it’s much easier than you’d think – no need for a complete overhaul! Just take it step-by-step, as shown below.

Step One: The Great Clear-Out

Begin with a proper clear-out. That’s just smart.

Grab a bin bag – or three – and walk around the yard. Pick up anything that doesn’t below. Fallen branches. Old pots. Broken bits of furniture. Random clutter. All of this builds up over time.

Be careful as you go, particularly if the grass is long. Things like sharp objects or broken glass easily hides underneath. You don’t want to be rushing to the emergency department with a cut, do you?

It’s not the most exciting job, sure, but once it’s done, you’ll already feel like you’ve made a dent in the mess.

Step Two: Tame the Ground

Next up, the ground itself. If the grass is overgrown, give it a cut – but don’t try to do it all in one go. If it’s really long, you’ll need to go over it a few times. Take it down gradually so you don’t wreck your mower.

Once that’s sorted, have a wander around and check for uneven spots. There might be some trip hazards – little dips, holes, stones, exposed roots. There’s no need for a perfectly level lawn, of course. You just want somewhere for your kids to run around, without constantly falling over.

Step Three: Safety Pruning

Now for the trees and bushes. This is where things get a little wild, especially if they’ve been left for a while. Cut back any branches that are hanging too low or getting in the way of open space.

If you’re dealing with thicket branches, then you need tools that are up to the job. You don’t want to be fighting with blunt equipment halfway through the job. With this in mind, keep a chainsaw sharpener or similar tool on hand.

And if you’ve got thorny shrubs? It’s time to say “bye-bye” to them. Kids and thorns are never a great mix.

Step Four: Create “Soft Landings”

Finally, kids are going to run, jump, and fall over. A lot. So, you need to think about where your kids are actually going to play. This way, you can plan ahead – and hopefully avoid some injuries.

Grass is a good start, but things could be made safer by adding softer areas. Bark mulch, sand, or even outdoor mats really help. Add this flooring around areas like climbing frames or swings.

No need for them to look fancy, either – they just need to take the edge off a tumble when the time comes.

To conclude, an overgrown yard looks like a big job. Fortunately, once you get started, you’ll see how simple it actually is – and how satisfying it is, too. A bit of effort here and there, and you’ll be enjoying a kid-friendly space in no time at all!