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Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Landscaper

Overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways: call a landscaper — or fix it yourself

Shrubs and hedges that have grown out of control block natural light, reduce curb appeal, create security risks by hiding entry points, and can damage siding or window frames through constant contact. Severe overgrowth also traps moisture against the house, encouraging mold and wood rot. A landscaper or tree service professional can reshape, prune, or remove overgrown plantings and establish a maintenance schedule to keep them under control.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Branches touching or pressing against the house

  2. 02

    Windows partially or fully blocked by foliage

  3. 03

    Walkways or driveways narrowed by overgrowth

  4. 04

    Increased pest activity near house walls

Who to call

Landscaper

A landscaper renovates overgrown hedges over several seasons without killing them, removes shrubs that are too far gone, and replants with species that fit the space.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways

Overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways

easy 1–3 h

Tools: bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, gloves and eye protection, tarp for the cuttings

Steps

  1. Check the plant type: spring-flowering shrubs are pruned right after flowering; most others in late winter. Evergreens tolerate light trimming any time.
  2. Cut back one third of the oldest stems to the base to open the shrub up; never remove more than a third of the plant in one year.
  3. Shorten the remaining stems to just above an outward-facing bud, keeping the base wider than the top so light reaches the lower leaves.
  4. Keep a 30–60 cm gap between the shrub and the wall or window so air moves and siding stays dry.
  5. Water well after a hard prune and mulch around the base.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the shrub is near power lines or higher than you can reach from the ground
  • it is a hedge over 2 m, or a tree rather than a shrub
  • you are unsure whether it is protected (some regions restrict pruning during nesting season)

What a pro does that you can't

A landscaper renovates overgrown hedges over several seasons without killing them, removes shrubs that are too far gone, and replants with species that fit the space.

DIY cost: $0–40 for pruning tools

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways?

Call a licensed landscaper. Landscapers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (easy, 1–3 h, $0–40 for pruning tools). Stop and call a landscaper if the shrub is near power lines or higher than you can reach from the ground.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most landscapers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Overgrown shrubs blocking windows or walkways?

Branches touching or pressing against the house. Windows partially or fully blocked by foliage. Walkways or driveways narrowed by overgrowth. Increased pest activity near house walls.

Who to call

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