West Seattle Plaza holiday décor setup

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle properties get a lot more rain, wind, and shade than people who grew up inland expect. Winter storms bring heavy downpours and gusts off Elliott Bay; roofs and gutters on Admiral and Fauntleroy slopes take salt spray and moisture that shortens fasteners and plugs channels with moss and needles. Many houses sit on narrow lots or steep grades where ladders and trucks need careful access; Junction storefronts and Alki cottages face higher foot traffic and stricter HOA or business district rules about lights and signage.

Soil here is compacted glacial till in many yards, with clay pockets near ravines and lots of evergreen shade promoting moss and ivy. That affects where we can stake displays and how planting beds survive winter plantings. Sun exposure varies block-by-block: southwest-facing fronts on the ridge get afternoon sun, while north-side porches stay damp and favor hardy ferns and native salal. All that matters for decor: heavy roof clips can damage cedar shakes, salt-laden sea breezes need rust-resistant hardware, and wet weather calls for LED and weather-rated wiring. Neat & Tidy focuses on low-impact, reusable solutions that fit West Seattle curb appeal rules and minimize post-holiday cleanup while protecting plants and built surfaces.

Our Quality Service

We design, install, maintain, and dismantle holiday décor for homes, plazas, and storefronts in West Seattle and nearby pockets like Alki and the Junction. We use battery- and low-voltage LED lighting, soft ties, gutter-safe clips, stainless-steel hardware where needed, and timed battery packs to avoid on-site power runs.

Typical timelines:

• Single-family front-yard or small storefront: 2–6 hours.
• Larger plaza or multi-building install: half day to two days.
• Mid-season maintenance visits: 30–90 minutes per visit.

We work with hand tools, extension poles, licensed lift operators for tall installs, and compact trucks for tight-driveway access. All methods are sustainable — no herbicides, reusable décor, and careful pruning and plant protection. Benefits: safer installs, less damage to roofs and gutters, better curb appeal that lasts through storms, and lower maintenance after we leave.

What’s Included

• Site consult and visual design for lights, wreaths, and focal pieces.
• Safe installation: roofline clips, tree wraps, pathway and stair lighting.
• Timers or smart plug setup (where available) and storm-proofing.
• Mid-season checks for wind/rain damage and bulb replacements using LEDs.
• End-of-season take-down, packing, and optional off-site storage.

Options / upgrades:

• Solar path lights and rechargeable battery packs.
• Biodegradable wreaths and locally sourced greenery.
• Ornamental staging (mannequins, props) for commercial displays.
• Green waste haul-away vs. Seattle green-bin drop-off.
• Seasonal planting of winter pansies or hardy evergreens around displays.

Before & After / Expectations

Be realistic: installs involve ladders, temporary noise, and crews moving gear across lawns and sidewalks. We protect lawns with plywood paths for trucks and lay mats for high-traffic areas. Expect some plant disturbance during access; we clean and lightly tidy beds but do not replace large plants without prior agreement.

After install: lights look their best when mounted before heavy rains; schedule installs in mid-November for reliable displays. Take-down is usually done within two weeks after New Year’s unless you request extended display. We handle bulbs, wiring, and decor packing — you choose storage or leave it with us.

West Seattle care tips:

• Check timers after strong storms; salt spray can corrode connections in coastal spots like Alki.
• Avoid fastening into cedar shakes — use gutter-safe clips and soft ties.
• Moss and ivy pressure increases in damp, shaded zones—keep wreath bases off soil and plantings elevated where possible.
• No herbicides used — we control invasives with hand removal and mulch barriers.

FAQs

• Q: How long before the holidays should I book?
  A: Book 2–6 weeks ahead. Peak windows fill fast in West Seattle; larger plaza jobs need more lead time.

• Q: Do you use sprays or chemicals for ivy/moss near decorations?
  A: No. We use manual removal, mulches, and physical barriers only.

• Q: Will installation harm gutters or plants?
  A: We use gutter-safe clips and soft ties to minimize damage. If specialized hardware is required, we’ll note that in the estimate.

• Q: What if my driveway or yard has poor access?
  A: We plan for limited access with smaller rigs, plywood ground protection, and staged equipment to reduce impact.

• Q: Can you store decorations over the off-season?
  A: Yes — optional off-site storage and inventory labeling are available.

Call to Action

Ready to make your West Seattle property look festive without the hassle? We book quickly and work within neighborhood rules around Alki, Junction, and Admiral. Send photos and a short description for a free estimate and scheduling options.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344

Licensed • Bonded • Insured.