West Seattle Storm Debris Cleanup
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards take a beating in the fall and winter. We get long stretches of drizzle, heavy wind events off Puget Sound, and saturated clay-and-silt soils that hold water on slopes and in low spots. That combination means branches snap, gutters clog with leaf litter, and lawns and beds wind up smothered with debris — especially under mature maples, cedars, and the big rhododendrons common around Lincoln Park and the Admiral district.
Sun exposure is patchy here: many yards have full sun on the south-facing slopes but a lot of shade in gullies and under evergreens, which encourages moss and ivy. Drainage problems show up as boggy patches after storms; leaves and twigs left against drains make sinkage and erosion worse. HOA rules in some West Seattle neighborhoods also demand tidy curb appearance and proper disposal of yard waste. Homeowners want fast, sustainable cleanup that reduces future maintenance: no herbicides, minimal soil disturbance, and sensible routing of green waste to compost or city yard‑waste programs. Knowing local microclimates — wind corridors by the Sound, soggy hollows by the hills — lets us prioritize hazards like split limbs or trees leaning toward fences and powerlines.
Our Quality Service
We clear storm debris with practical, sustainable tactics. We start with a site survey, flag hazards, and plan safe access to slopes and tight courts. Tools we use: pruning saws, loppers, pole pruners, a chipper for branches, rakes, brooms, and compost-ready bagging. We avoid herbicides and heavy excavation; instead we hand-pull invasive vines, chip woody debris for reuse, and mulch or compost leaves.
Typical timelines: a standard lot cleanup takes 2–6 hours; larger or hillside jobs may span a day or two. If pruning or tree work is required, we schedule to minimize stress on plants and respect local water‑restriction windows. Benefits: improved safety, clear drainage, better curb appeal, and lower ongoing maintenance thanks to proper chipping and mulching.
What’s Included
- Full debris sweep: branches, leaves, cones, roof-side gutters (if accessible).
- Pruning of broken or hazardous limbs (clean cuts, no flush cuts).
- Branch chipping on-site where possible; or haul-away to compost facility.
- Leaf mulching or bagging for green‑waste pickup.
- Final rake, edge, and tidy of paths and beds.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + fabric install for high-weed beds (opt for organic landscape fabric if requested).
- Organic weed control: hand-pull, digging, and repeated maintenance visits.
- Haul-away to transfer station vs. Seattle green‑bin / curbside composting prep.
- Soil aeration or compost top-dress for compacted turf and soggy spots.
- Woody chips left for paths or erosion control on slopes.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise (chipper, saws) and an honest mess during work — we tidy before we leave. Access matters: we need a clear route for wheelbarrows or a truck; narrow alleys or steep stairs add time and cost. Small amounts of wood chips or mulch may remain in beds; large logs are removed or cut to order.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- After cleanup, avoid heavy watering for 48 hours unless beds are dry; winter rains usually suffice.
- Hand-pull weeds in spring and late summer before seeding; repeat in shady slots where moss and ivy gain ground.
- On slopes, keep a 2–3” layer of coarse mulch to reduce erosion; avoid piling mulch against trunks.
- Inspect drains and gutters after wind events — we can add a quick seasonal check to any service.
FAQs
- Q: How quickly can you come after a storm?
A: We prioritize hazards and can often schedule same-week for storm damage; full cleanups typically within 3–10 days depending on demand. - Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. We use mechanical and manual methods plus mulching and composting only. - Q: What about steep yards or stairs?
A: We handle steep lots; expect extra time/fee for hand‑carrying and safety rigging. - Q: Can you compost debris on-site?
A: We chip branches on-site when possible and either reuse chips or haul material to compost facilities or prepare for Seattle green‑bin pickup. - Q: Will cleanup harm mature trees?
A: We make conservative cuts aimed at tree health. For major tree work we coordinate with certified arborists.
Call to Action
Get your West Seattle yard safe and tidy without chemicals. We serve West Seattle neighborhoods and nearby pockets like Alki and Delridge with quick scheduling and practical, sustainable work. Email for a free estimate and photo-based quote: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com. Phone: 206-538-9344.
