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Clearing garden waste can feel like a big job, especially if months of leaves, branches, and leftover soil have built up. The larger the garden, the more there is to tackle, and it’s easy to put it off, but when it needs doing, we’re here to help. With autumn starting to creep in, now’s a good time to tick off a few jobs before the weather turns.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve got all the gardening tools and tool hire you need to make clearing waste quicker, easier, and less of a hassle, so you can get your garden ready for the season ahead. So, with that in mind, here are our top tips for garden waste removal.
- Sort your waste into categories
Before you start moving anything, it helps to separate your garden waste into different categories. Branches and woody material are best handled by a wood chipper or shredder, which will turn them into mulch you can reuse in flower beds or around trees over winter (or even as kindling on the fire).
Leaves and grass clippings can go straight into a compost heap or be processed with a green waste shredder, creating nutrient-rich compost for next year’s planting. For soil, rubble, and heavier debris, a dumper truck or garden wheelbarrow can save you time and effort when moving large quantities. You’ll want to keep your waste sorted as you go to make the task feel more organised, and it means you can deal with each type of waste in the most efficient way without having to sort it all out after.
- Work in sections
Trying to tackle your whole garden in one go can quickly become overwhelming, so it is much easier to divide it into zones and work through them one at a time. Start with the areas that have the most waste or are the hardest to reach, so you feel a sense of progress early on. Working in sections also makes it much easier to manage piles of debris and prevents them from spreading across the garden. Also, plan out the route you will take when moving waste to compost heaps, bins, or recycling areas. It sounds small, but it really helps keep the job manageable and makes sure you can clear each section efficiently without things getting in the way.
- Cut down waste before trying to move it
Large branches, clumps of leaves, or bulky plants are going to be heavy and awkward to move, especially if you’ve got a bunch of them. So, it makes the most sense to break them down before trying to move them. Trim branches with loppers or a handsaw and break up thick clumps of plants or roots. Smaller pieces will fit into chippers, bags, or bins more easily and reduce the risk of overloading the machinery. Flattening and cutting down any of the debris also makes it safer to carry and stack in a dumper truck or wheelbarrow.
- Protect yourself with PPE
While it may not sound like it, garden waste removal can be surprisingly demanding, especially when you’re handling heavy branches, clumps of soil, or full wheelbarrows of leaves. Start by wearing gloves, sturdy boots, long sleeves, and eye protection to avoid cuts, scrapes, or stray debris flying at you.
If you’re using a wood chipper or dumper truck, take the time to familiarise yourself with the controls and operate at a steady pace, taking short breaks to avoid fatigue. When lifting heavy bags or moving soil by hand, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and take smaller loads if needed. Paying attention to these little details can make a big difference, keeping you safe while you work.
- Plan for disposal before you start
One of the hardest parts of clearing garden waste is actually getting it out of the garden. Piles of leaves, branches, and soil just end up blowing everywhere, making the job feel endless. It’s easy to call it a day once everything’s sort of in place, but if you don’t properly shift it, it just sits there and gets in the way.
The key is to sort your plan out before you start, so that once the clearing is done, the next step is already taken care of. You will thank yourself later. Smaller things like leaves and grass clippings can go on the compost, and chipped branches make great mulch. Bigger waste, such as soil, rubble, or large branches, can be taken to your local tip or put in a skip for collection. If you are not sure what to do, check your council website for recommendations.
Clearing garden waste can be a big job, but with the right tools and a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to feel like a slog. Whether you’re tackling a small patch or a bigger garden, we’re here to make it easier and keep things moving.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping people across the North West and Yorkshire get the job done for over five decades. With 18 tool hire depots, expert advice, and a full range of gardening tools and equipment to hire, you’ve always got what you need close by. Drop into your local depot, have a look at our ranges online, or give us a ring on 0333 323 2100, and we’ll help you get your garden cleared and looking tidy in no time.
