Sometimes the first step in transforming a garden isn't building anything new, it's clearing what's already there. RW Builders carries out garden clearance and general landscaping for homeowners across York and North Yorkshire, whether that's preparing a plot for a new patio or lawn, or a standalone tidy-up of an overgrown or neglected garden.
For bigger landscaping projects, it's often practical to phase the work, clearance and groundwork first, followed by structural elements like patios, walls or drainage, with planting and finishing touches last. This isn't just about spreading cost, working in the right order avoids having to redo earlier stages, for example planting before groundwork is finished can mean new plants get damaged or dug up again once heavier construction work starts nearby.
Overgrown vegetation removal, including old shrubs, brambles and self-seeded growth that's taken over an untended area
Old structure removal, such as broken fencing, derelict sheds, or failed paving that needs to come out before new work begins
Waste removal and disposal, taking away everything cleared rather than leaving it for you to deal with
Ground preparation, levelling and clearing the site ready for the next stage of landscaping, whether that's turf, paving, or planting
Beyond clearance, we take on wider landscaping work bringing a garden design together, coordinating the different elements, paving, planting areas, drainage, and boundary treatments, into a single coherent finished garden rather than a collection of separate jobs. This is often where our other landscaping services, patios, turfing, drainage, fencing, come together as part of one overall project.
Landscaping isn't just hard surfaces and structures, planting design shapes how a garden feels and functions throughout the year. We can advise on planting that suits your garden's aspect and soil conditions, though for detailed planting schemes we're also happy to work alongside a garden designer or coordinate with your own planting plans as part of the wider project.
Garden waste needs to be disposed of properly and in line with waste regulations, particularly anything beyond what a domestic garden waste collection would normally handle, such as builder's rubble from old paving or structures. We handle proper disposal as standard, so you're not left trying to arrange skip hire or waste transfer yourself.
If a garden clearance project involves cutting back or removing trees or hedges, it's worth checking whether any protections apply before work starts, particularly if the property is in a conservation area or any trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order. We cover this in more detail on our tree and hedge work page, and we'll flag it as part of any clearance project where it's relevant.
We're a family-run team based in York, and garden clearance and landscaping is often the starting point for the wider garden projects we take on across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Osbaldwick. Every quote is clear and written, including waste disposal, and we're fully insured for the work involved.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to assess your garden. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.