West Seattle Smart controller installation
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle gets a Pacific Northwest split-season: heavy fall–winter rains and short, dry summers. That pattern plus compacted, glacially influenced soils and old fill on many lots leads to soggy low spots and thirsty slopes through July and August. South- and west-facing yards near the Junction and Admiral get more sun and need shorter, less frequent runs; north-facing lawns and garden beds under tall Douglas firs often stay damp and host moss. Slopes around Fauntleroy and the bluff near Alki are prone to runoff and erosion when irrigation is mis-timed, while curb-facing plantings around California Ave and the West Seattle business district need tidy, consistent irrigation to keep HOA and neighbor complaints low.
Homeowners here complain about uneven coverage, overwatering under drip zones, and controllers stuck on manual during heat waves. Smart controllers tuned to local microclimates solve that: they cut runtime after heavy rains, shorten schedules on shaded slopes, and use soil moisture data to avoid stressing roots. For West Seattle properties, the goal is to preserve water during summer restrictions, reduce moss and shallow-rooted weeds mechanically, and keep streets and sidewalks clear of runoff without resorting to chemical herbicides.
Our Quality Service
We install and program smart irrigation controllers suited to your yard size and microclimates. Our crew assesses zones, checks backflow and valves, and recommends soil moisture sensors or rain shutoff where it matters. Typical install takes 2–4 hours for a standard retrofit and includes testing every zone.
We focus on sustainable, non‑chemical methods: moisture-based scheduling, sensor-driven adjustments, and mulching or mechanical weed control rather than herbicides. We understand West Seattle slope runoff and plan runs to minimize erosion and puddling. Licensed, insured, and experienced on local properties from Alki to High Point.
Benefits: conserve water, protect plant health, reduce maintenance time, and improve curb appeal while staying HOA-friendly and sustainable.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment of existing irrigation and yard microclimates.
- Full installation and wiring of smart controller; connection to existing valves.
- Programming for weather, slope, sun exposure, and plant types.
- Testing and one follow-up tuning visit within 30 days.
- Basic user training and mobile app setup assistance (if applicable).
Options / upgrades:
- Soil moisture sensors (per zone) for true demand-based watering.
- Rain/rainfall shut-off sensors.
- Seasonal tune-ups (spring start/stop, mid-summer check).
- Mulch + landscape fabric installs to reduce surface evaporation.
- Organic, mechanical weed control and haul-away vs. green‑bin disposal.
We do not use chemical herbicides.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and trenching when we retrofit buried wires; most jobs are tidy but can produce soil and plant debris. Typical same‑yard installs complete the same day; larger properties or full rewires may take 1–2 days. We’ll flag access needs (controller location, valve box access) ahead of time.
After install: monitor first 2–4 weeks while we fine-tune schedules. In West Seattle summers, water early morning to reduce evaporation and moss growth. Avoid late-afternoon watering that can keep leaves damp during cool evenings. Hand-pull or mechanically remove ivy and moss buildup on slopes; smart scheduling reduces the moisture windows that favor these pests.
FAQs
- How long does an install take?
- Standard retrofit: 2–4 hours. Full rewire or sensor-heavy systems: 1–2 days.
- Will it save water in our rainy climate?
- Yes. Controllers reduce unnecessary runs after rain and use sensors to avoid overwatering during wet seasons.
- Do you disturb my landscaping?
- Minimal disturbance; we patch trenches and tidy up. Haul-away or green-bin pickup available as an option.
- Do you use herbicides or chemicals?
- No. We use sustainable, non-chemical methods only: sensors, mulches, hand/mechanical control.
- Do I need permits?
- Most installs don’t require permits; we’ll advise if your site needs anything special.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: ready to stop guessing with your watering? Book a fast, local estimate with a crew that knows the Junction, Alki bluff, and Fauntleroy slopes. We schedule quickly, tune for local microclimates, and stick to sustainable methods.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–6pm
Licensed • Bonded • Insured — straightforward pricing, clear timelines, and local expertise.
