West Seattle Spurge laurel removal
Homeowner’s Issue
Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) shows up in West Seattle yards where shade, thin lawns and compacted glacial till meet tired garden beds. In neighborhoods from the Junction down toward Fauntleroy and along the slopes above Lincoln Park, you’ll see it creep into rhododendron beds, under sword ferns, and along slopes where soil is shallow and drainage channels water in winter. West Seattle’s marine west coast climate—wet, cool winters and dry July–August—lets spurge laurel set fruit late winter and resprout from root crowns when spring temps climb. Compact, slightly acidic soils and persistent shade mean moss and ivy often travel with it, making removal a repeat job if roots aren’t pulled.
HOAs and neighbors in Alki and Admiral expect tidy slopes and defensible borders; left unchecked spurge laurel hides tripping hazards and toxic berries that are risky for kids and dogs. Because it roots deeply and resprouts from fragments, the right technique is manual and thorough: cut, pry, and extract the root mass, then stabilize the slope with mulch or native replanting. We don’t use herbicides—this is hand-work for long-term results, especially important on steep West Seattle lots where runoff and drainage matter to neighbors below.
Our Quality Service
We assess the infestation, map access and slope, then remove by hand—no herbicides, ever. Our crew uses spades, mattocks, root saws, and hauling tarps to get roots and crowns out so regrowth is minimized. On small patches we finish in a few hours; larger slopes or multi-tiered beds can take a full day or two and may require follow-up visits.
We match methods to site conditions: terrace work on steep Delridge lots, erosion control on bluff-adjacent beds, and green-bin or haul-away disposal depending on volume. We recommend native replacements (salal, sword fern, oceanspray, red-flowering currant) to reduce future maintenance and improve slope stability. Our timeline is realistic and weather-aware—wet-season work is slower but cleaner.
Benefits: safer yards, better curb appeal in the Junction and Alki corridors, lower long-term maintenance, and stronger native ecosystems that tolerate West Seattle’s wet winters and dry summers.
What’s Included
- Onsite or photo-based assessment and written estimate.
- Manual root-to-root removal of spurge laurel; crown and larger roots removed to reduce resprouting.
- Site cleanup: raking, light edging, and removal of debris.
- Disposal options: green-bin compliant loads or haul-away to recycling/compost facility.
- Post-removal recommendations for erosion control and planting.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric (for paths and high-weed beds).
- Organic, manual-focused weed follow-ups (no herbicides).
- Soil amendment with compost to improve establishment of natives.
- Native replanting package (plant palette chosen for West Seattle microclimates).
- Gravel or French drain prep for persistent drainage trouble.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise and a bit of mess—the work is physical and we move a lot of material. Steep-access jobs may require extra time for safety and hauling. We clear visible debris but heavy mulch or replanting is an add-on.
Aftercare tips for West Seattle:
- Plant natives in early fall or late winter for best root establishment before summer drought.
- First-year watering: deep, infrequent watering through the first dry summer.
- Expect weed pressure in spring and fall; plan one follow-up within 6–12 months.
- Watch moss and ivy in shaded beds—remove by hand, increase light or plant competitive natives for long-term control.
FAQs
- How long before I see regrowth?
Usually 6–12 months if crowns were missed. We recommend a check after six months and a follow-up removal if needed. - Do you use herbicides?
No. We remove mechanically and use organic/physical controls only. - How long will the job take?
Small beds: a few hours. Typical yard patch or slope: half to one day. Large or terraced slopes: one to two days, sometimes staged. - Will removal cause erosion on my slope?
We stabilize exposed soil with mulch and recommend native replanting or erosion control blankets where needed. - Do you haul debris away?
Yes—green-bin service for compostables or full haul-away for large jobs, discussed during estimate.
Call to Action
If spurge laurel is spreading on your West Seattle property—near Lincoln Park, Alki, or the Junction—book a free estimate. We schedule quickly, work with steep access, and focus on sustainable, lasting results. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com or call/text 206-538-9344 to set a visit. Licensed, insured, and local—straightforward work that lasts.
