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The best way to clean an overgrown yard is to create a multi-stage game plan, from clearing out the debris to cleaning up the edges around hardscaping and landscape curbing. Get rid of yard debris like worn furniture and broken tools first, then start trimming and raking what’s left. Mow the grass, trim the hedges, and rake leaves away. Once that’s complete, move on to more detailed work, like pulling weeds and replanting gardens.

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

To remove old grass effectively, you typically need to dig to one to two inches. This depth typically allows you to reach the root system of the grass, ensuring thorough removal. However, if the grass is a particularly dense or deep-rooted variety (such as Bermuda grass), or if you're planning to replace it with a different landscaping feature, you may need to dig deeper to loosen the soil and remove any underlying roots.

You can choose between weekly leaf removal services throughout the fall or a single cleanup at the end of the season. If you want to maintain a pristine lawn, weekly service is a good idea to keep up with falling leaves. Alternatively, if you prioritize saving money, you can wait until all or most of the trees on your property are bare and pay for a one-time service. In most areas, this is typically in early to mid-November. While a single service is more budget-friendly, your yard will not remain leaf-free for the entire season.