My husband and I purchased our first house in October, we moved in around Christmas. It's clear that several owners ago someone deeply cared for the home and had a passion for gardening, there is a large variety of trees, shrubs and plants. Sadly it was neglected by the previous owner so there are some trees growing in my garden that probably weren't planted intentionally but have been allowed to grow. I'm waiting to identify what they are before we cut them down, they're all quite young and too close to the foundation and other trees. For the trees that I know were planted intentionally, it's equally confusing, in the front we have a large horse chestnut tree which blocks some kind of cedar like shrubs and burning bushes by the front porch - the cedars are browning in some areas and the burning bushes didn't turn red like they're supposed to, I imagine they aren't getting enough light because of the horse chestnut. Likewise in the backyard they've planted golden arborvitae where it barely gets any sun at the side of the house. In the far back they planted a Japanese maple which looks sort of wimpy and stunted, but they planted it in shade under a pine. The neighbor cut his tree (beside the pine) down so the maple may finally get the light it deserves, but there are plenty of random shrubs that don't get their required care due to their locations. It seems very much that the owner was an amateur and only bought and planted what appealed to them without deeply considering the placement of the plants and trees. I'm feeling overwhelmed by just how much is going on in the garden. I'm considering getting rid of the horse chestnut in the front of the house, because it's killing the shrubs and it blocks the only window in the house that gets sunlight. I also want to get rid of a lot of the trees and shrubs in the back but I've been met with resistance from my husband and other family members who for whatever reason think it's amazing that I have several hundred varieties of plants in my garden...
Am I really wrong to want to edit and remove these things? Has anyone else struggled with an "over landscaped" garden?

Years ago we moved into a place like yours. You are doing the right thing. Identify the plants and remove anything that is planted too close to the foundation or in the middle of a flower bed. Don't feel guilty about what I call "shovel pruning".

This is also a long project. Don't be in a rush or risk hurting yourself. If something looks like a tough job for you, hire an expert to remove them. Good luck!

My advice is to not act in haste. That can lead to fights and regrets.

I know this might sound strange but do not talk Garden when family is around. You have to live there, they do not!!! They need to stay out of the equation!!
Secondly this is between you and your husband. You two alone should make the decisions. I suggest to start slowly and methodically. Take the front yard first. Take some images of everything. Or take some chairs out front and sit down and evaluate every plant. Maybe if you give in on some things, he'll give in on others? Perhaps set a goal of 25% or 33% removal. Decide what REALLY needs to go.
Then once you have that, move to a side yard and repeat process. Then the other side yard. I would leave the back yard until last.
Then once you have accomplished this over several months, then live with it like that for a while. You can always reset your goal down the line at 50% or even 2/3 removed. Just don't do it quickly, take your time. Do the front in May. Do one side yard in June then the other in July.
While you are doing that, barbecue, have a nice red wine out back every evening. You can mentally work on a plan for that section at the same time.
Just don't rush!!!!
Live with it for a while like I said. Then re-evaluate as you go. You can see how things really respond to your "improvements". And maybe you'll decide together that that particular bush over there isn't really good there!
Good luck.

I think a lot of people plant their yards with no plan at all. As Karen pointed out, this is a big project, take it one step at a time. Don't remove anything until you have a plan. After a plant is gone is the wrong time to decide you should have kept it.

It took years for your new yard to get into this shape so don't feel bad about it taking a couple years to turn it into the yard you want.

Blanche!

I'll echo everyone else... it will take time. Years ago, we got a new neighbor to the one side. She had a friend that was a landscape architect that drew up a showpiece plan for the yard. I kept reminding her that it was not an overnight process. When she would ask how long it took to do our yard, the usual response was more than 10 years and we're not done. We convinced her to take her time and do what she was comfortable with as she learned. Over the years, she has learned quite a bit, but mostly that she will always learn something new.

Getting back to your situation, Bill has the right idea. Start in the front as that is what the world sees. Then work your way around the property. You will find that as you finish a section, it will inspire you to move on to the next and probably re-visit the 'completed' sections. Your plans will change with every season. Some things will make it, others will not. Have patience. It takes longer than you may want, but will come together sooner than you think.

If you do decide to get rid of the chestnut, check with garden centers in the area and see if they know of someone that would be willing to 'buy' the wood. If so, they will most likely give you a better price on removal. They might even bring in a portable saw mill to rough cut the trunk into boards as they go.

Thank you for your prompt and thorough responses! I took a walk with my husband and we discussed the tree, as many of you have suggested, we feel we should leave it for the year to see how it goes but I'm still leaning on getting rid of it only for the need of sunshine (it is by the only window that gets direct light for more than an hour). We do want to do some cleaning up, get rid of the dead plants, rocks. I think we'll do basic cleanup there and small projects in the back. There are some trees that have to go, but I'm willing to see how the rose of Sharon and lilac hold up, maybe they get more sun than I realize. It definitely will take time, that's sound advice, and I'm disabled so it'll be even more important for me to pace myself.
To clarify, my husband's resistance comes mostly from the fact he doesn't like spending money unnecessarily, but I'm sure if we do small projects spread out he might be more open to hiring an arborist and putting out some cash to spruce up the place. My family is terrible for discussing anything garden related, my mother has some kind of disturbing possessive attachment to anything she deems beautiful - like how dare I want to remove a nine bark because it's something she's always wanted. A lot of my older relatives are like that, so as Bill has recommended I will not discuss it with them! I honestly doubt they remember my backyard off by heart anyways lol, what they don't know can't hurt them. :)
Thanks again~

Hey Blanche.... dig up the nine bark and give it to your mother for Mother's Day. After all, she's always wanted one. Show her you really do pay attention to her rants... sometimes. Then, if she doesn't want it, it really is her problem to solve!

Bill gave a very good advice. The only thing what I would do if I were in your place is live there for 1 year without getting rid of any trees or plants that are healthy. Give them a chance to show off what they can give to your garden. Then do what Bill suggested.