Age catches up with everyone and everything. That includes your garden. No matter how much attention you pay to it, the signs of age and staleness slowly creep in. It is often so slight that you do not notice it and as you get used to it, the slow progression is a change your eye glosses over. Sooner or later the situation becomes such that the garden reaches a tipping point and you suddenly find yourself with a yard that is far from what you had or want to have in the future. It's time for backyard renovations. Recreating, repairing, and modifying your landscape is possible, but it could involve a lot of work and a long time in the yard. And the results could fall short of your expectations – backyard renovations are often far more difficult than you think. It's for this reason that is often better to call in a professional landscaping service to ensure that you get the rejuvenated garden you want.

That said, if you want to try your hand at landscape repair, it is important to know what is involved.

•  Assess the situation objectively: Think back to the garden you loved. Objectively compare what it was with what it is. If you have old pictures of the yard, use those to compare the past and present. This will give you a clear understanding of what you need to do to rejuvenate the garden so you can plan how to go about it.
• Get your tools ready: Make sure you have all the tools you will need – garden shears, trimmers, shovels, hoes, and the rest. You won’t need them all at once, but needing a tool and finding it's not there can be frustrating and affect the flow of the work.
• Get rid of unwanted growth: The first step is to clear out all the unwanted growth – weeds, grass, and vegetation. Once you have gotten rid of all that, you will have a clean slate to start on, and fine-tuning your landscape plan becomes easier.
• Tidy up the plants: Now that you have only the plants you want to keep, start pruning and trimming. This will improve their shape and allow for healthy growth by encouraging new shoots and improving airflow around the plants.
• Improve the soil: Before you start on new planting, check the soil condition. If the soil is compacted or depleted, add manure or compost to replenish the soil nutrients. A soil test to check pH levels and the need for adding lime or sulfur is a good idea.
• New plants: While appearance is a major factor in the new plants you put in, do not ignore the value of using plants that will do well in your local soil and climatic conditions. Going in for low-maintenance plants will reduce the amount of maintenance you will need to do in the future.
• Mulching: Once the planting is done, spread organic mulch across flower beds and around shrubs. This will help to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and control weed growth.
• Have a maintenance plan/schedule: Now your backyard rejuvenation is done, regular maintenance is needed to keep it looking its best and to prevent it from deteriorating again in the future. 

As you can see, garden repair is not as easy as it may seem. Using a professional landscaping company to plan, execute, and maintain the backyard rejuvenation is often the best and most cost-effective option. If you live in the Bay Area, Dooling Landscape Service is rated as being the best full-service landscape designer in San Jose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I start rejuvenating my aging garden?

Begin by assessing your garden's current state compared to how it used to be. Use old photos if possible, and identify what needs to be changed or revitalized.

2. What tools do I need for garden renovation?

You'll need garden shears, trimmers, shovels, hoes, and other basic gardening tools. Ensure all your tools are ready before starting your project to avoid interruptions.

3. What should I do with unwanted weeds and overgrowth in my yard?

Clear out all unwanted growth like weeds and excess vegetation to create a clean slate. This will make it easier to plan and execute your garden renovation.

4. How can I improve the soil in my garden?

Check the soil's condition, and if it's compacted or depleted, add compost or manure to replenish nutrients. A soil test can also help determine if you need to adjust pH levels.

5. What plants should I choose for my garden makeover?

Choose plants that thrive in your local soil and climate. Opting for low-maintenance plants will reduce the amount of future upkeep required.

6. Why should I consider hiring a professional landscaping service?

Backyard renovations can be time-consuming and challenging. Hiring a professional landscaping service ensures the job is done efficiently and meets your expectations.

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