If keeping the plant looking normal is important, prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. It is also possible to cut back one-third of the plant's branches each year for three years. That method would have the least severe effect but requires the most patience. 

如果保持植物看起来正常很重要，请在不均匀的高度处单独修剪每个树枝或茎。也可以在三年内每年砍掉三分之一的植物枝条。这种方法的影响最轻，但需要最大的耐心。 

Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo light pruning such as the shortening of individual branches. Take care to avoid pruning too much or creating holes in evergreen plants and trees. With the exception of yews, they do not regrow from such damage. 

常绿树木和灌木只能进行轻微修剪，例如缩短个别树枝。注意避免修剪过多或在常绿植物和树木上留下洞。除紫杉外，它们不会因这种损坏而重新生长。

Now that you have taken care of pruning, turn your attention to the soil. 

现在您已经完成了修剪工作，接下来将注意力转向土壤。 

Test the soil's pH, or its acidity level. Do this to make sure the soil is good for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local garden stores and online. In the United States, a cooperative extension service might provide soil testing and soil-amendment advice for a small cost. Cooperative extension services are part of a Department of Agriculture system that includes some universities. It aims to help farmers and people interested in plants. 

测试土壤的 pH 值或酸度水平。这样做可以确保土壤适合您计划添加的植物。测试套件可在当地花园商店和网上购买。在美国，合作推广服务可能会以较低的成本提供土壤测试和土壤改良建议。合作推广服务是农业部系统的一部分，该系统还包括一些大学。它旨在帮助农民和对植物感兴趣的人们。 

If the soil is hard, break it up with a machine or hand tools. Finally, spread five to seven centimeters of compost over the area. As it breaks down, nutrients will work their way into the soil. 

如果土壤坚硬，请用机器或手动工具将其破碎。最后，在该区域撒上五到七厘米的堆肥。当它分解时，养分会进入土壤。

After completing these steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. Choose new trees, shrubs or perennials, that will not grow wildly. Dig holes as deep as their roots but two times as wide and space them out to their expected full-grown sizes. Native plants are good because they need little added water or special care. 

完成这些步骤后，就可以种植新花园了。选择不会疯狂生长的新树木、灌木或多年生植物。挖洞的深度与根部一样深，但宽度是其根部的两倍，并将它们间隔到预期的成熟尺寸。本土植物很好，因为它们几乎不需要添加水或特殊护理。 

Plant groundcover – short, spreading plants – to cover the ground and keep weeds from growing and the soil from drying out. It might take one or two years, but a step-by-step approach will make gardening a joy again.

植物地被植物——矮小的、蔓延的植物——覆盖地面，防止杂草生长和土壤干燥。这可能需要一两年的时间，但循序渐进的方法将使园艺再次成为一种乐趣。 

And, perhaps best of all, you will see something beautiful when you look outside from your home. 

而且，也许最重要的是，当您从家里向外看时，您会看到一些美丽的东西。