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groom-backlog

Automate task backlog grooming by closing expired tasks and flagging merged PRs.

1|Updated Feb 12, 2026
Search Tags:#automation#task management#prioritization#workflow optimization#duplicate detection#backlog grooming
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gioe/tusk --skill groom-backlog
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: groom-backlog
Source: https://github.com/gioe/tusk/tree/main/skills/groom-backlog
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gioe/tusk --skill groom-backlog

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires gh, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines task management by automatically identifying and resolving issues like completed tasks, duplicates, and stale items, ensuring your backlog remains actionable and prioritized.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automated Cleanup: Closes expired deferred tasks, flags merged PRs for 'In Progress' tasks, and cascades closures for contingent dependencies.
  • Duplicate Detection: Scans for and flags duplicate tasks.
  • Categorization & Prioritization: Classifies tasks for deletion, reprioritization, or assignment, and recalculates priority scores based on defined formulas.
  • Use Case: Regularly run this skill to keep your project's task list clean, ensuring that only relevant and actionable items remain, and that they are correctly prioritized for the team.

Quick Start

Run the groom-backlog skill to analyze and optimize your current task list.

Frequently Asked Questions about groom-backlog

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate backlog grooming for stale tasks and merged PRs?▼

Backlog grooming can be automated by scanning your task database to close expired deferred items, flag merged PRs for in-progress tasks, and cascade closures for contingent dependencies. This ensures the backlog remains actionable and prioritized.

What is the best way to detect duplicate tasks and reprioritize a backlog?▼

Detecting duplicate tasks and reprioritizing a backlog involves scanning for overlapping items, flagging duplicates, and categorizing tasks for deletion or reprioritization. Priority scores are then recalculated based on a defined formula to optimize workflow.

Do I need the gh CLI to check PR status during task backlog optimization?▼

Yes, you need the gh CLI installed and configured to check PR status during task backlog optimization. The skill requires access to this external tool to accurately flag merged PRs for in-progress items within your task database.

How does contingent dependency cascade closure work when closing expired tasks?▼

Contingent dependency cascade closure works by automatically closing child or dependent tasks when a parent expired deferred task is closed. This prevents stale contingent dependencies from cluttering your task list and keeps the backlog clean.

Can I use this backlog grooming workflow for assigning unassigned tasks automatically?▼

Yes, you can use this backlog grooming workflow to automatically assign unassigned tasks. The skill categorizes tasks for assignment and recalculates priority scores, ensuring newly assigned items are correctly prioritized for the team.

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