When is the best time to start your garden renovation project?

This isn’t just about getting things looking tidy again though, it’s your chance to properly reset the space and get it working how you want it to for the rest of the year.

Now is a really good time to get started on any plans you’ve been thinking up over the last few months. The conditions are far more workable, and you’ve got the space to take on the heavier jobs before everything starts growing and the garden comes back into regular use come summer.

It’s also where we can help at Smiths Hire. Whether you’re clearing space for your next project, fixing what’s already there, or starting from scratch, we’ve got everything you need in our garden tool hire arsenal to get your renovation off to a flying start! 

Why starting now makes everything easier

Getting started in early spring puts you in a much better position for the rest of the project. The ground is starting to soften up after winter, which makes digging, levelling, and general groundwork far more manageable. You’re not dealing with frozen or waterlogged conditions, and you’ve got a bit more flexibility to take your time and do things properly.

You’re also getting ahead of the main growing season. Once things start coming back to life properly, jobs like cutting back, clearing space, or reshaping areas can quickly become more time-consuming. Getting that done now means you’re not constantly working around new growth or undoing work later on. It also means that when that first sunny weekend hits, you’ll be ready to get the BBQ out!

Getting any groundwork out of the way first

This is the stage where most of the heavier work sits, and it’s what everything else builds on. It’s also one of those tedious jobs you need to get done before you can properly start using the space again. Clearing space gives you a clean starting point to work from, especially if you’re planning to change the layout or introduce something new.

This process could be anything from removing old plants that aren’t coming back to cutting back trees and shrubs that have gotten out of hand, or clearing sections that have been left untouched for a while. It’s not the most exciting part of the job, but it’s the one that makes everything else easier.

If you’re dealing with thicker branches or small trees and it’s starting to feel like hard work, you can always bring in our chainsaw hire service to make things easier. We’ve got a range of options available, including telescopic chainsaws for those higher branches that are awkward to reach and get in the way more than anything else.

It’s quicker, safer, and much simpler than trying to manage it with basic tools. And once you’re finished, you’re not left with anything to store or maintain; you just send it back to us and move on to the next part of the job.

Fixing up your fencing

It’s not always about starting from zero. Sometimes it’s just a case of bringing certain areas back up to scratch. Fencing can take a fair bit of wear over winter, whether that’s loose panels, tired posts, or sections that just need a bit of attention before they get more use – even if it’s just a fresh lick of paint or stain Or it might be part of a bigger update to how your garden is set out and used.

If you’re replacing posts or adding new sections, the right tools make it much easier to get everything set up properly without it turning into a drawn-out job, especially if you’re doing it DIY. When it comes to fixing boards, panels, or any timberwork, a nail gun is one of the things that makes the job feel far more straightforward. Whether you’re installing new panels or just making some general repairs, it helps you get a cleaner, more solid finish in a fraction of the time compared to using a hammer.

Do up your decking

If your decking is covered in dirt, algae, or just looking a bit tired after winter, a good clean can make a massive difference. It’s also one of the quickest ways to lift the whole space without needing to replace anything – which is an instant win.

If the dirt is only surface-level build-up and the boards themselves are still in good condition, you’d be surprised how quickly it can look almost brand-new again. If you’re working with a larger space, a pressure washer can certainly help you speed things up.

That said, it’s worth being a bit mindful before jumping straight in. Pressure washers can be really effective on the right setting, but if your boards are older, haven’t been sealed for a while or are already a bit worn, they can end up doing more harm than good.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution or check the manufacturer’s guidance for your decking. If everything’s in good condition, using a light setting and keeping a bit of distance from the surface is usually enough to freshen things up without causing any damage.

You can even use a pressure washer on any garden or decking furniture that’s been left out over winter and could do with a bit of a spruce-up, saving you from having to scrub it down by hand later.

Shaping the space

Once things are cleared back and your fencing and decking are looking sharp again, it becomes much easier to focus on how you want the rest of the garden to look and feel. This is where things start to come together: you can start to define edges, tidy boundaries, and bring everything back into shape so it feels more intentional.

Hedges and boundaries quickly lose their shape over winter, and getting them back under control will instantly make a noticeable difference to the whole space. It opens things up, improves light, and gives everything a much cleaner finish.

If your hedges have grown out more than expected, or you have a few areas that need a proper tidy rather than a quick trim, our hedge trimmer hire service is a straightforward way to get on top of it. We’ve got everything from electric hedge trimmers through to long-reach petrol options, so you can deal with lower shaping or taller sections without it turning into a struggle.

If it’s the grass that’s got a bit out of control, or you’re dealing with rougher patches and a mower won’t touch the sides, then the job calls for a brushcutter. Whether it’s thick grass, overgrown weeds or undergrowth that you’re tackling, a brushcutter will help you get everything back under control without it turning into an all day job.

Planning your renovation

Now that the bigger jobs are out of the way and you’ve taken the garden back to a base level, you’ve got a much cleaner slate to work with. This is where things start to open up a bit, giving you the chance to get creative with any projects you’ve been thinking about over winter, or even since last summer.

It might be something you’ve been meaning to do for a while, like putting in a BBQ or outdoor kitchen area, so you’ve got a proper space to cook and host. Or it could be sorting a dedicated spot for a gazebo, somewhere that works when friends and family come round without feeling like everything’s squeezed in.

You might be thinking about adding something a bit different too, like a small garden bar, laying new paving to bring everything together, or finally going for that pond or water feature you’ve always liked the idea of.

None of it has to be a huge job, but changes like that can completely shift how the space feels. And because the heavier work is already out of the way, you’ve actually got the time to plan it properly and get it set up how you want it before summer rolls around!

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping people with garden projects for over 55 years, so we know what goes into getting a space ready for the months ahead. With everything available through our tool hire service, you can take on each stage with the right equipment, without having to think about buying it, storing it, or dealing with it once the job’s done.

If you’ve got a few things on your list, you can get everything you need lined up online and have it delivered straight to your door, with next-day delivery available on most of our equipment. Or, if you’d rather sort it in person, you can drop into one of our 19 depots across the North and pick up exactly what you need.

And if you’re not quite sure what you need yet, or just want a bit of guidance before getting started, give us a call on 0333 323 2100, and we’ll point you in the right direction!