West Seattle Playground gravel installation

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards ask for low-maintenance, kid-safe surfacing that handles heavy winter rain and the patchy sun under big maples and firs. Many properties from Alki to Morgan Junction sit on compacted glacial till or older fill, which drains poorly and pitches water toward sidewalks or basements if the surface isn’t set up right. Steep front yards and pocket parks around Fauntleroy and Highland Park bring erosion and washout risks; flat parcels near Lincoln Park get moss and shade-loving weeds if surfaces stay wet and shaded.

Homeowners here also juggle HOA curb-appeal standards and narrow access—driveways and alley drops limit material staging. Seattle’s rainfall pattern means installations timed for drier late spring–early fall windows work best; once we clear and lay gravel, it’s key to account for 40–60 inches of annual precipitation and the resulting freeze-thaw cycles. Gravel performs well for drainage and durability, but you’ll still face seasonal leaf buildup, ivy pressure, and moss in shaded spots. We design depths, edging, and base prep to suit local soils, prevent standing water, and minimize maintenance while keeping a clean, natural look that meets neighborhood expectations.

Our Quality Service

We install safe, sustainable gravel surfacing for playgrounds, play areas, and family yards across West Seattle. Work includes site assessment, hand-removal of weeds and invasive roots (no herbicides), base prep, optional landscape fabric, compacting, edging, and finish grading. We use plate compactors, rakes, wheelbarrows, and handheld tools to protect lawns and plantings.

Typical timelines: small play areas (under 200 sq ft) — one day; medium (200–500 sq ft) — one to two days; complex slopes or limited access — two to three days. We schedule work for drier stretches but can stage tarps and matting to protect lawns during fall and winter jobs. Our methods prioritize durability, safety, and easy upkeep: good drainage, contained edges, and a clean top surface that resists migration.

Benefits: improved drainage, reduced mud and slipping, lasting curb appeal, and significantly lower maintenance than turf. We follow local water-use guidance and avoid chemical weed controls, relying on mechanical removal, fabric, and organic mulches where appropriate.

What’s Included

• Onsite assessment and slope/drainage plan
• Manual removal of surface weeds, ivy, and debris (chemical-free)
• Minor grading and base compaction
• Optional permeable landscape fabric
• Specified depth of playground-grade gravel spread and compacted
• Edging installation (timber, recycled plastic, or metal)
• Final cleanup, broom/sweep, and job-site inspection

Options / Upgrades

• Deeper impact layer for higher-use areas
• Heavy-duty edging for steep slopes or drive-through edges
• Organic weed control and hand-weeding maintenance plans
• Haul-away of debris vs. green-yard bin disposal (we offer both)
• Annual top-up service to refresh surface and regrade low spots

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise (compactor, trucks) and temporary access restrictions while materials are staged. Small jobs are tidy by end of day; larger or slope projects may leave stockpiled gravel overnight on protected tarps. We’ll flag planting beds and protect roots; you should plan for leaf cleanup during fall and occasional top-ups each year.

Post-install care for West Seattle:

• Avoid heavy play for 24–48 hours after compaction.
• Clear leaves and debris regularly to reduce moss and compaction.
• Hand-pull opportunistic weeds in spring and fall; use fabric under high-weed zones.
• Replenish 1–2 inches of gravel annually in high-traffic spots.
• Keep nearby drainage channels and downspouts clear during wet season.

FAQs

• Q: When’s the best time to install in West Seattle?
  A: Late spring through early fall—drier ground and less compaction from rain make for a cleaner, faster install.

• Q: Do you use herbicides to prep the area?
  A: No. We use manual removal, root extraction, and fabric barriers. All methods are chemical-free.

• Q: How long does a typical install take?
  A: Small areas in a day; medium areas 1–2 days; complex or steep sites may take 2–3 days.

• Q: Will gravel migrate onto sidewalks or lawns?
  A: Proper edging and compacted base minimize migration. We recommend edging upgrades on slopes or high-traffic perimeters.

• Q: How often will it need maintenance?
  A: Light maintenance—leaf clearing and spot weeding—seasonally. Top-up every 12–18 months on higher-use areas.

Call to Action

Ready to make your West Seattle play area safe, durable, and low-maintenance? Book a free estimate—we’ll walk the site, recommend depth and edging, and give a clear timeline. Fast scheduling available for Alki, Fauntleroy, Morgan Junction, and surrounding neighborhoods.

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

We handle permits guidance, access planning, and clean removal of debris—sensible local work, done cleanly.