Burien Compost Top Dressing Services
Hello, Burien! Are your flower beds looking a bit dull in the summer, or is your lawn losing its lushness by August? Don’t worry, it’s probably not your plants—it’s your soil! Our compost top dressing services are designed to reinvigorate your garden by improving soil structure, nourishing beneficial microbes, and enhancing moisture retention across your entire yard.
We proudly serve the beautiful neighborhoods of Admiral, Alaska Junction, Alki, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights, Delridge, Gatewood, High Point, Morgan Junction, and Roxhill.
What’s the Problem?
- Compacted, hydrophobic soil that behaves more like a water slide than a sponge
- Thin, tired lawns with bare patches and excessive thatch buildup
- Nutrient-deficient beds showing signs like yellowing leaves and sluggish growth
- Just a layer of bark with no nutrient-rich organic matter to nourish those roots
- Fertilizers that work for a few weeks and then leave you in the lurch
What We Use (and Why It Works)
- Screened, peat-free compost: stable, mature, and low in odor—because who wants a smelly yard?
- Precision application depth:
- Lawns: about ¼” (0.25”) top dressing, followed by brooming or dragging it in
- Beds: apply ½–1” cap while keeping 2–3” clear of stems and siding
- Tailored add-ons: biochar blend for sandy areas or coarse compost for aerating heavy clay spots
Remember, compost is not mulch! Compost feeds the soil, while mulch (like bark or wood chips) primarily protects it. We often layer a thin compost cap under bark to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Quick Coverage Math (So You Can Sanity-Check)
- 1 cubic yard covers: approximately 1,296 sq ft at ¼”, 648 sq ft at ½”, or 324 sq ft at 1”
- Examples:
- 1,000 sq ft lawn @ ¼” → about 0.8 yd³ (best to order 1 yd³)
- 500 sq ft beds @ 1” → need 1.5–2 yd³ (round it to 2 yd³)
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
- Spring/Fall top dress — compost applied precisely where it’s needed, adjusting depths for turf vs. beds
- Targeted aeration — utilizing hand tools or mechanical methods where soil is compact, ensuring no lawn cores are scattered into beds!
- Mulch strategy — compost cap first, followed by bark in areas needing lasting cover
- Irrigation tune-up — adjusting watering timers post-application; compost changes how soil retains moisture
- Soil notes — we keep a straightforward log: what we added, where, and when
We’re your low-maintenance landscaping team! Our mission is to minimize your worries between visits and lighten your workload.
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)
- Quarterly — spring/fall deep clean + two tune-ups
- Bi-Monthly — the perfect rhythm for most Burien yards
(If you’re starting fresh or have really tired soil, we can kick off with a heavier application and then taper down.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Rake-out, weed pass, and clean bed edges before we spread the compost
- Measured compost application (no burying crowns or smothering grass)
- Light lawn drag/broom-in to ensure compost settles nicely into the soil
- Irrigation check (emitters/timers) and slope awareness to keep materials in place
- Final clean-up of hard surfaces—no slippery compost on your paths or drains
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Holds water longer — enjoy fewer, deeper waterings and improved drought resistance
- Feeds soil life — healthier roots lead to fewer pests and a reduced need for fertilizers
- Loosens compaction — allows more air into the root zone for better winter drainage
- Greener, steadier growth — no more spikes and crashes from synthetic feeds
- Cleaner beds — a compost cap under bark helps keep weeds at bay while ensuring even color
How It Works
- Free Estimate — send us photos/videos or arrange a quick walkthrough; we offer clear, upfront pricing
- Set Your Schedule — choose quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly services
- Service Day — we’ll weed, edge, and top dress (plus optional mulch/gravel & lawn refresh)
- Follow-Up — we’ll provide watering adjustments and simple care tips; easy add-ons as needed
Why Burien Chooses Neat & Tidy
- Local experts who understand marine layer mornings and winter clay
- Licensed & insured for your peace of mind
- Transparent pricing — labor, materials, hauling, and disposal all included
- We deliver on time, with respect for your property, leaving a clean worksite
- Green-first approach — we use peat-free materials and focus on soil health while minimizing landfill waste
Ready for Soil That Actually Works for You?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a compost top-dressing plan that builds soil health and simplifies your maintenance. We’ll keep it neat—so you can focus on enjoying your beautiful garden!
