West Seattle Manual invasive removal (no chemicals)
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards face a predictable set of pressures: heavy winter rains, compacted glacial till soils, salt spray along Alki, and a lot of shade in pockets like Morgan Junction and north-facing lots. That mix gives invasive species a big advantage — Himalayan blackberry tangles on south slopes, English ivy carpets shady yards, laurel and evergreen holly hold soil but crowd out natives, and Scotch broom pops up on disturbed hillsides. Steep properties (Admiral, High Point) accelerate erosion when root mats are pulled or when removal is done at the wrong time of year. Many homeowners try spot-spraying or quick tugs; both leave roots or fragments that re-sprout in months. West Seattle’s creek corridors (Fauntleroy Creek, Longfellow Creek feeder areas) are especially sensitive — runoff carrying fragments or sprayed chemicals damages salmon habitat.
You want a tidy yard that doesn’t come back worse the following season. Practical, chemical-free handwork — targeted cutting, root extraction, careful disposal, and follow-up monitoring — is the most sustainable route here. That approach protects our soils and streams, reduces erosion on slopes, and lets native sword fern, salal, Oregon grape, and willow re-establish without repeated herbicide use. We plan work around the Seattle rainfall pattern and avoid wet-season excavation that causes more harm than help.
Our Quality Service
We remove invasives by hand only — no herbicides, ever. We identify species, pick the right season, and use pry bars, root saws, loppers, and folding shovels to get roots and crowns intact. For slopes we use erosion control mats and staged removal to prevent slides. Typical timelines: a small bed (under 300 sq ft) is a half-day; a standard yard removal is 1–2 days; steep slopes and creek buffers are quoted per site.
Local know-how we bring:
- Soil type and compaction fixes for glacial till.
- Timing work to avoid winter erosion and to hit resprouting cycles.
- Protecting nearby streams and storm drains during cleanup.
Benefits: safer yards, reduced long-term maintenance, improved curb appeal, and habitat-friendly plantings that actually hold soil.
What’s Included
- Full on-site assessment and species ID.
- Hand removal: cutting, root extraction, and targeted digging.
- Debris containment and responsible disposal (no composting invasive material onsite).
- Bed edging and light grading to stop re-infestation paths.
- Final sweep and site tidy.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + fabric for high-weed beds.
- Native replacement planting (salal, sword fern, Oregon grape, red-flowering currant).
- Organic mulching and soil amendment.
- Haul-away vs. green-waste bin sorting.
- Regular monitoring visits (recommended for knotweed and blackberry).
Before & After / Expectations
Be realistic — hand removal is effective but not instantaneous. Expect noise, dirt, and truck access for haul-away. Small jobs: site cleaned same day. Larger slopes or heavy blackberry: follow-ups every 6–12 weeks the first year. We never leave cut material where it can re-root.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- Schedule major removal late summer/early fall when soils are drier and root pulls are cleaner.
- Avoid heavy excavation in winter to limit erosion on slopes and near creeks.
- Water new native plants only in dry spells — West Seattle’s rainy season usually covers them Oct–May.
- Watch for spring regrowth hotspots (blackberry and ivy) and book a 1–2 hour follow-up in late spring.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. All work is manual and sustainable — no herbicides, no glyphosate, no exceptions.
Q: When is best to remove invasives in West Seattle?
A: Late summer through early fall gives the cleanest root pulls; light touch-ups in spring catch fresh shoots.
Q: How long until natives take over?
A: With planting and mulch, expect noticeable improvement in one growing season; full re-establishment takes 2–3 years depending on species and site.
Q: Do you handle steep slopes and creek buffers?
A: Yes. We use erosion controls and staged removal; we coordinate with local rules for creek setbacks when required.
Call to Action
Ready to stop the re-sprouts and protect your slope or creek corridor? Book a free estimate — quick scheduling for West Seattle and nearby Alki, Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy areas. We work practical, clean, and sustainable.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Insured • Sustainable methods only (no herbicides)
