West Seattle Circular gravel driveway install
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle properties sit on a mix of glacially deposited soils—sandy loams on the ridges, heavier silty clay in the low spots and ravines near Lincoln Park and Alki. We get steady fall–spring rain and a short dry stretch in summer, so driveways need to drain well, resist rutting, and limit moss in shady corners. Slopes are common around Admiral and High Point; without a proper base or edge, gravel migrates downhill and clogs storm drains. Many homes face HOA rules for tidy, permeable surfaces and want low‑maintenance solutions that don’t require herbicide use.
Typical problems I see: standing water where base wasn’t compacted, moss and ivy encroaching from vegetation, and gravel spreading into planting beds. Also, tight access and street parking rules on narrow West Seattle streets affect staging and haul‑off. The right circular gravel install addresses drainage (swales, French drains, or cross slope), stabilizes steep entries with geotextile and crushed rock, and uses edging that suits curb appeal without plastic look. Sustainable practices—manual weed control, organic mulches, recycled base material—keep your yard healthy and compliant with city stormwater preferences.
Our Quality Service
We size, slope, and build the driveway to match the site—not a cookie‑cutter job. We start with a site visit, mark the circle, and confirm access and staging. For a typical 2‑car circular drive expect 1–3 days of work: excavation, base install, compaction, edge, and top gravel spread.
Tools and materials: tracked mini‑excavator, plate compactor, geotextile fabric, 3/4” minus crushed rock base, 1/2”–3/4” top gravel, steel or timber edging, and hand tools for detail work. We favor recycled crushed concrete or locally sourced quarry rock where it makes sense, and only use organic, mechanical, or mulching methods for weed control—no herbicides. If drainage is a concern, we install French drains, catch basins, or a rolling grade to the street per neighborhood rules.
Benefits: safer traction in wet months, reduced mud, improved curb appeal, and a low‑risk surface that’s easy to repair. We build for long life and minimal upkeep.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and slope/drainage plan.
- Excavation and grading to proper depth.
- Geotextile fabric (optional upgrade) for separation and stability.
- Compacted crushed rock base (3–6” depending on load).
- Compacted top gravel layer (2–3”).
- Professional edging (steel or timber) to keep gravel in place.
- Final grading, cleanup, and haul‑away of waste.
Options / upgrades:
- Fabric + extra top gravel for weed reduction.
- Recycled crushed concrete base (RAP) for a greener option.
- French drain or swale installation for persistent runoff.
- Perimeter low‑maintenance plantings and drip irrigation adjustments.
- Haul‑away vs. green‑bin friendly disposal (we sort green waste when possible).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise and heavy gear for a day or two; we stage equipment to minimize neighborhood disruption. You’ll see piles of rock and soil during work—most jobs are tidy by the end of day two or three depending on size and weather. We handle debris sorting: green waste goes to the green bin when possible; hard waste is hauled away.
After installation, the driveway will settle slightly; a light top‑up of gravel in the first year is normal. In West Seattle, check the edges after major storms—leaf build‑up and moss in shady parts (under maples or cedars) can retain moisture. For moss control, we recommend targeted pruning for more sun, mechanical removal, and coarse gravel at problem edges; no herbicides. Raking and adding a thin top dress in late summer keeps surfaces clean.
FAQs
Do I need a permit?
Usually not for private driveway surfacing, but curb cuts, public right‑of‑way work, or large drainage changes may need city approval. We’ll flag permit needs during the estimate.How long until I can drive on it?
After compaction you can use it the same day for light traffic. Expect full stabilization over a few weeks as fines settle and additional light compaction occurs.Will gravel wash away on my slope?
Proper base, geotextile, and edging prevent most migration. Steep sites might need retaining edges or a stabilized grid—both are options we offer.How often does it need maintenance?
Plan to rake and relevel once a year, and top up gravel every 2–4 years depending on traffic. Manual weed pulls as needed—no chemicals.
Call to Action
If you live in West Seattle and want a functional, low‑maintenance circular driveway that fits local rain, slopes, and neighborhood rules, we can help. We book assessments quickly and provide clear, written estimates with sustainable options.
Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to schedule a free estimate or send photos. Local crew, practical solutions, and clean work—Alki to High Point, we’ve been doing this for years.
Neat & Tidy Landscaping Team
206-538-9344
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
