West Seattle landscape repair cost
Homeowner’s Issue
In West Seattle yards you’re fighting more than weeds — you’re fighting weather, slopes, and legacy soils. The peninsula’s marine climate means long, wet winters and short dry summers; many older lots sit on compacted glacial till with thin topsoil, so drainage and compaction show up fast. North-facing yards and tree-shaded properties — common near Lincoln Park, Schmitz Preserve, and the Admiral district — collect moss and slough off sun-loving plants. South-facing slopes by Alki and Fauntleroy dry out quicker and need drought-tolerant choices.
Slope-driven runoff eats at beds and sidewalks on steep streets; driveway culverts and downspouts clog easily with maple and alder litter. Blackberry, English ivy, and holly are the usual invaders here, and HOA or neighborhood curb-appeal rules often demand tidy edges and safe sightlines. Add Seattle’s summer watering etiquette — be practical with irrigation — and you’ve got a list of predictable repairs: regrading for drainage, soil amendment, replacing failing mulches, and swapping thirsty ornamentals for natives. Fix these now and you save on repeat visits and emergency erosion fixes later.
Our Quality Service
We do practical, sustainable repairs with a small crew and common-sense tools: soil probes, air-spade for decompaction, rotary composter, hand tools, grinders for broken pavers, and mini-excavators when a retaining wall or drain trench is needed. No synthetic herbicides — we use hand-pulling, repeat cutting, smothering, mulching, and targeted planting of natives to keep problems down.
Typical timelines: small beds or weed clears = 1 crew day; moderate drainage or edging jobs = 1–3 days; retaining wall or major regrade = several days to a week depending on permits. We schedule around weather — heavy rain slows excavations but fall planting is ideal for most shrubs and trees.
Benefits: safer walkways, lower maintenance, improved curb appeal, reduced erosion, and plantings that need less water over time.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and photographed notes.
- Hand-weeding and invasive removal (manual and mechanical only).
- Soil amendment: compost, screened topsoil, and tilling where needed.
- Mulch application (standard: 2–3” depth).
- Edging and light hardscape repair (paver reset, step repair).
- Basic regrading or drain redirection (catch basins, dry swales).
Options / Upgrades
- Sheet-mulch / fabric under mulch for heavy weed pressure.
- Native plant swaps and pollinator-friendly plugs.
- Gravel or crushed rock for improved drainage.
- Haul-away debris vs. green-bin/composting: you choose disposal.
- Air-spade soil decompaction and root collar work.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect a day or two of noise and a visible raw look after heavy fixes — exposed soil and piles of mulch are normal before the tidy finish. Access matters: keep gates unlocked and a parking space close if possible. We handle most debris on-site and offer green-bin composting or haul-away; dump fees are quoted upfront.
Care tips for West Seattle
- Water new plants in the shoulder seasons; fall planting gets the best establishment with winter rains.
- Mulch 2–3” and keep it off trunks to prevent rot.
- Watch for weed flushes after rainy spells; a quick follow-up weed session in spring and late summer prevents re-establishment.
- For shady, moss-prone areas, improve drainage and increase light to reduce moss long-term.
FAQs (3–5)
Q: How long before my lawn or beds look “normal” again?
A: Light repairs show tidy same-day; bigger regrades or new plantings take 2–8 weeks to settle and a season to fully establish.Q: Do you use chemicals for weeds?
A: No. We rely on hand removal, mulching, smothering, and plant competition — sustainable methods only.Q: When’s the best time to fix drainage?
A: Late summer to fall lets us move soil and plant before winter rains. Minor fixes acceptable spring–summer when ground is workable.Q: Will you need to close off my driveway or sidewalk?
A: We minimize closures. If a job needs public right-of-way access, we’ll tell you up front and coordinate any permits or signs.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: if you’re tired of the same winter puddles, mossy paths, or repeat invasive blowback, book a free estimate. We turn recurring headaches into simple, low-maintenance solutions with honest pricing and sustainable methods. Quick scheduling, local crew, practical results.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
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