Should I cut the overgrowth in the fall or spring?

Question

I'm moving into a house that has a good bit of overgrowth that's creeping over the grass. The previous tenants let the shrubs go wild.

I want to reclaim the yard. It looks like a half-day job. Should let it do it in the fall or the spring? Or does it matter?

If there is info I am lacking in my question, please let me know and I'll amend my question.

Thanks!

Answer 1

best to do it in the fall when everything is dormant  

Answer 2

Fall and winter are great times to prune.  With the leaves gone, you can see what you're doing. Don't prune spring flowering shrubs like azaleas, quince, and forsythia or you will be cutting off the blooms.

If you want to tell us exactly what plants you have we could be more specific.

Most extension services have a web site for their state with a wealth of information.  Try googling it for your state.

Have fun!

  

Answer 3

Depends on what plants are over grown, and where you live.  I have a wisteria plant that has grown up and is trying to take over my neighbor's red bud tree.  I have given it a drastic pruning about 4 times this year.  

Check your shrubs to find out when to prune.  If you do it now, they may look a little naked for a while, but you may have to to save the lawn.

It all depends on what you have. (Other than a lot of work to do.)

Answer 4

My yard is my Heaven.  Definitely cut it back now, and throughout the year you can trim also, it doesn't hurt a thing !  Bushes are easy to maintain !!  Shape them nicely.  Also, the more you keep them trimmed the more thicker they will become.  

Answer 5

You can cut back and remove any overgrowth in your lawn anytime of the season.  The sooner the better for your lawn.The overgrowth will choke out your grass if you continue to leave it there.