Update: Thanks so much for all the kind words and support on yesterday’s post. You guys are amazing.
We finally have a proper backyard. It still needs grass, but after three phases of digging, transplanting, and weeding (see phase one and phase two), our once overgrown, Jumanji-like yard is now a cleared space where Burger and Clara can run once the grass takes. We left plenty of large trees along the sides and back so the yard won’t feel overly exposed, which is exactly the balance we wanted.
Here’s what we did and why it matters:
First, we leveled a second 15-foot-wide planting bed and removed the massive bands of liriope that had crept into the area we plan to seed and mow. We also moved some free fill dirt from the far end of the lot to help even out low spots and prepare the surface for seeding. When we spread grass seed we’ll add a layer of topsoil to give the seeds the best possible start and improve germination.
Next, we tackled some serious vine growth that was strangling an old oak near the house. The vines were so thick and heavy that during a past storm we worried they could pull the tree down. A landscaper we consulted recommended cutting the vines at the base so they can’t draw nutrients from the roots. Over time they should die back and can be removed from the trunk if the dead material looks unsightly. With a reciprocating saw in hand, John cut through the offending vines and we expect the tree to recover now that it’s not being smothered.
While the reciprocating saw was out, we also removed old, buried roots left behind from trees that had been removed years ago. Those roots would have created bumps and uneven turf, so taking them out now will help us achieve a smooth, level lawn surface.
On a lighter note, we had a sweet encounter with wildlife: a tiny baby squirrel appeared during the cleanup. He was smaller than my hand, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed—one of those adorable little sightings that makes you smile and pause for a moment.
After another focused three-hour session (timed perfectly with Clara’s nap), we wrapped up the third phase of our bushwhacking project and reached true ready-to-seed status. The cleared view from the patio is still a little stark at the moment, but once the grass grows in it will feel open and inviting without losing the surrounding woodland character of our nearly one-acre lot. Most of the wooded area remains along both sides of the house and behind it, so this open, grassy patch will be a dedicated play area while local wildlife carries on in the trees.
One satisfying result: removing a giant planting bed revealed our old brick paths that had been hidden for nearly two years under thick liriope. It’s such a small architectural detail, but seeing the full expanse of those charming brick walkways again was unexpectedly joyful. No more leg-tickling plant runners covering the bricks—just tidy, uncovered paving that adds a lot of character.
Overall, the transformation in just a few intense but manageable days of work was dramatic. The project was intentionally phased so we could work around daily life and make steady progress: clear, level, and prepare. Next up is seeding and caring for the new lawn, and we’ll share updates and pictures as the grass grows.
Do you tackle outdoor projects in phases too? Or do you move in with a full landscaping plan in mind and slowly execute it over time? We moved in with a vision back in 2010 and have been gradually bringing that vision to life — nearly two years in this house and it’s rewarding to see a big section of the yard finally come together. Time can fly when yard work gets postponed, but breaking a project into small, focused chunks makes big changes feel achievable.