West Seattle Monthly landscape service

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards face a particular set of headaches: heavy fall and winter rainfall that leaves compacted, acidic soils; dense shade from big maples and cedars that turns lawns into moss beds; and steep driveways or roadside berms that demand erosion control. Homes near Alki and Lincoln Park also get salt spray and wind on exposed slopes, which shortens the list of reliable plants. HOA rules along some streets favor tidy, low-height plantings, so a messy native patch can become an eyesore fast.

Weeds are a year-round problem here — winter annuals germinate in late fall, while perennial weeds reassert in spring as soon as the soil warms. Drainage is a recurring issue on lots with clay-rich fill above septic or on properties sloped toward public gutters. Summer droughts are short but severe, so irrigation efficiency matters more than frequency. Many homeowners want sustainable solutions — less mowing, fewer chemicals, more curb appeal — but don’t want a landscape that looks “left to nature.” That’s where monthly, practical upkeep pays off: keep plants trimmed, mulch replenished, and drainage checked so the yard performs through wet winters and dry summers without toxic sprays. We use only organic, manual, and cultural controls — no herbicides.

Our Quality Service

We come prepared like a local crew that’s worked West Seattle alleys, hills, and flats for years. Typical visits include hand-weeding, pruning for structure, mower and trimmer work, organic mulch refresh, and simple drainage checks. Tools: reel-and-ride mowers, battery string trimmers, hand pruners, soil probes, wheelbarrows, and compact slopesafe gear for banks.

Timeline expectations are realistic: most monthly properties take 1–3 hours per visit; larger or rental properties are scheduled on a customized cadence. Seasonal deep-clean or spring/fall leaf clearing is booked in advance. We prioritize soil health (compost top-dress, airation where needed), stormwise fixes (mulch berms, small swales), and drought-smart plant choices. If irrigation is present, we do a quick efficiency check and point out simple drip upgrades. Everything we recommend follows sustainable practices and local water guidance — no herbicides, no synthetic shortcuts.

Benefits: safer walkways, cleaner curb appeal, less weekly hassle for you, and longer-lasting plantings that survive our wet winters and short summers.

What’s Included

• Regular mowing, edging, and string-trim for a neat cut.
• Hand weeding, root removal at beds and paved edges (organic methods only).
• Organic mulch application (2–3” recommended) and compost top-dress.
• Shrub & small-tree pruning for health and sight-lines.
• Debris haul-away or green‑bin drop-off (your preference).
• Seasonal planting of hardy, low-water natives or vetted ornamentals.

Options / Upgrades

• Mulch + fabric for high-traffic beds (installed on request).
• Organic weed control treatments (vinegar-based spot treatments and manual follow-up).
• Full haul-away vs. green-bin sorting for leaves and brush.
• Irrigation tune-up and drip retrofits (parts billed separately).
• Soil test and amendment plan (recommended on older infill lots).

Before & After / Expectations

Work will create noise and a short-lived mess — we cut, prune, rake, and then clean. Expect clippings, leaf piles, and some tracked soil on driveways; we sweep and haul most debris on every visit unless you opt for green‑bin collection. Access must be clear for our crew: park-on-street permits are helpful, and narrow side yards sometimes require extra time.

Typical timeline: a monthly visit keeps most yards under control; bi-monthly for low-maintenance yards; quarterly for tidy, low-traffic properties. Major transformations (hardscapes, big tree work) are quoted separately.

Care tips for West Seattle

• Water deeply but infrequently during dry spells — early morning or late evening, 1–2 times weekly in hot summer weeks.
• Watch for moss and ivy from October through April; keep beds mulched and shade-tolerant groundcovers trimmed.
• Expect strongest weed flushes in early spring and again after fall rains; regular hand-weeding prevents re-seeding.
• For slopes (Admiral, northern bluff lines) we favor native deep-rooted groundcovers and mulch berms to reduce erosion.

FAQs

• Q: Do you use herbicides?
  A: No. We use manual removal, organic spot treatments, mulch, and cultural controls only.

• Q: How long until I see results?
  A: Curb appeal improves after the first visit; soil and plant health take a season of consistent care.

• Q: Do you handle steep driveways and waterfront exposure?
  A: Yes. We’ve worked on slopes and salty sites like Alki; we tailor plant choices and erosion measures accordingly.

• Q: What if I have HOA rules?
  A: We work within HOA guidelines and can provide photos/reports after visits to document compliance.

Call to Action

If you own a West Seattle property — Admiral, Alki, or near Lincoln Park — and want a straightforward, sustainable monthly plan, book a free estimate. We schedule quickly, give honest upfront pricing, and focus on long-term, low-maintenance results with local know-how.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com.