At Colin Can Help, we believe even the most overlooked corners of a yard can be brought back to life with the right approach. This South Euclid backyard is a great example — a narrow side area, once overgrown and forgotten, is now clean, functional, and low-maintenance.

🔧 The Challenge

When we arrived, the space alongside the house was overrun with tall weeds, patchy grass, and encroaching growth around the A/C unit. The existing landscape had no clear boundaries, which made mowing awkward and gave the space a neglected look.

Our goal? Turn this tangled area into a clean, defined, and easy-to-maintain bed that adds curb appeal and functionality — all without breaking the bank or relying on harsh chemicals.

🪚 Step 1: Site Clearing and Prep

We began by clearing out all the overgrowth — tall weeds, grasses, and woody stems that had taken over. This step alone revealed how much usable space was hiding under the mess.

Once cleared, we graded the bed to ensure water would flow away from the home and not pool near the foundation or air conditioning unit.

✂️ Step 2: Cutting a Crisp Bed Edge

Next, we used a half-moon edging tool to create a clean, curved separation between the lawn and the new bed. This step is subtle but powerful — it instantly gives the space a tidy, professional look and makes mowing easier down the line by giving a clear edge to follow.

📦 Step 3: Natural Weed Barrier with Cardboard

Instead of using synthetic fabric or plastic sheeting, we opted for recycled cardboard as a biodegradable weed barrier. Cardboard suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight, but it also:

• Breaks down naturally over time, feeding the soil

• Doesn’t trap water or disrupt natural soil cycles like plastic

• Is inexpensive and readily available (we often reuse moving boxes!)

It’s one of our go-to techniques for eco-friendly bed building.

🪵 Step 4: Mulch Installation (2 Yards)

With the barrier in place, we spread 2 yards of dark brown triple-shredded mulch across the entire bed. Mulch plays several important roles:

• Locks in moisture to support nearby plant roots

• Suppresses future weed growth

• Adds a clean, polished finish to any landscape

We were careful to keep mulch a few inches away from the A/C unit and siding to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup against the home.

✅ The Results

The transformation speaks for itself — what was once an eyesore is now a clean, organized landscape bed that will stay neat for the rest of the season with minimal upkeep.

This small project made a big impact on the overall feel of the backyard. Not only does it look better, but it’s easier to mow, easier to maintain, and sets the stage for future planting or decor if the homeowner chooses.

Thinking About a Flower Bed Redo?

If you’ve got a tired or overgrown corner in your yard, we can help — whether you want a fresh bed install like this, a full landscape cleanup, or just someone who can handle the heavy lifting while you relax.

📍 Serving South Euclid, University Heights, Euclid, and nearby East Side suburbs.

📞 Ready for your own upgrade? Contact Colin Can Help today for a free, on-site estimate.