Overgrown front garden

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lirija Newark, DE(Zone 7a) Jul 30, 2014

My house has a lot of bushes and such in the fron garden, and its a pretty big space that surrounds the front stoop and steps, as well as the entire front of the house. The problem is that it is attracting small animals and bugs because there are too many hiding spots. Its like a mini forest. I love nature, but I am thinking that I need to remove some of the brush that is closest to my house, especially 2 medium-large evergreen bushes on either side of my concrete steps.
Is this a good idea? Does anyone have any helpful tips on how or even when to remove the bushes? can I do it now or is there a better time of the year?
I wanted to put some large slate pieces in front of one side of the house and place a bench there, but its just too buggy out there now for that.

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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jul 30, 2014

If you can include some pictures that could help a lot.

To remove a large plant with a sturdy trunk involves removing a large root system, too, or at least enough of it that you can do something else in that spot. Lots of work! The easiest way to approach it is to cut off the upper part (probably chainsaw work) then pick and shovel on the roots, chainsawing as you expose a large enough piece.

Picture what the area will look like without the plant(s). Perhaps it will look too open, at first, since you are used to the large shrubs. That is OK, you will get used to the new look. But will the shrubs that were growing next to these be bare on the side that used to be hidden? Some plants have a strong recovery, and will now sprout because there is light where before it was too dark. Might take a year or two to fill in.

Trimming existing plants:
It really depends on the species, but I would start by removing dead or broken branches, then thin out some of the remaining to try to get more air movement through the area. This might discourage bugs.
Also, a good mulch of some sort of conifer bark, like shredded or chipped material might help. Some conifers are slightly bug repellent.

Adding new plants:
If you have removed and thinned, and some areas now really are bare, then think about planting something that repels bugs. Scented Geraniums, Lemon Grass, Lavender and many other plants might be helpful this way.

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woodspirit1 Lake Toxaway, NC(Zone 7a) Aug 01, 2014

Well, I don't have anything to say after this. Diana covered all the bases

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