West Seattle regrade low spots in lawn
Homeowner’s Issue
Low, soggy hollows are one of the most common lawn complaints in West Seattle. Our glacially influenced soils sit on shallow loam over compacted fills and clay pockets; add winter rain, steep runs from Highland Park and spots around Lincoln Park, and you get standing water in depressions. Alki-facing yards and properties near sloped drives often collect runoff that settles in lawn low spots, turning green space into a mossy mud patch by mid-winter.
Sun exposure varies block to block: many yards are heavily shaded by big firs and maples, which increases moss and thatch while reducing grass vigor. Compaction from foot traffic and dogs accelerates settlement; HOA rules and curb appeal expectations around Admiral and the Junction mean folks want results that look tidy and stay low-maintenance. Seattle’s wet season (Nov–Mar) brings the erosion and pooling; dry summers tighten soils and can expose poorly added fill.
We focus on sustainable, herbicide-free fixes that manage water rather than masking symptoms. That means removing compacted soil, blending in quality topsoil and compost, improving grade and surface drainage, and reseeding with shade‑ or sun‑appropriate mixes so repairs last and reduce repeat visits.
Our Quality Service
We come in, assess, and fix the problem without chemical shortcuts. Typical steps:
- on-site slope and drainage assessment; map low spots and runoff paths
- remove compacted or contaminated soil where needed
- import and place screened topsoil blended with compost
- grade with laser or straightedge for 1–2% slopes away from structures
- compact to prevent future settling, then seed or sod
Tools: walk‑behind sod cutter, compactors, wheelbarrows, soil screens, and a laser level for accuracy. Timelines: most single‑yard jobs are 1 day of prep plus 7–21 days to establish seed; sod jobs are usually finished in 1–2 days. We schedule heavy work outside the wettest storms and prioritize fall or early spring for seed installs to match Seattle’s rain window.
Benefits: safer yard surfaces, reduced moss and standing water, improved curb appeal, and lower long‑term maintenance with sustainable materials and hand methods.
What’s Included
- full site assessment and grade plan
- excavation of low spots and redistribution or removal of excess soil
- screened topsoil and compost blended in as needed
- laser grading to create proper pitch
- compaction, finishing, and seed or sod installation
- cleanup and light debris haul-away
Options / Upgrades:
- mulch + landscape fabric for adjacent beds (sustainable, no herbicide)
- organic weed control: hand pull, manual grub-out, and corn‑gluten starter where appropriate
- aeration and overseeding with shade or sun seed mixes
- green‑bin composting haul-away vs. tipping fee disposal
- simple French drain or gravel swale installation for chronic pooling
Before & After / Expectations
Be upfront: regrading can be noisy and dusty while we move soil and compact. Expect some temporary disruption to turf—seeded areas will be thin for 2–6 weeks and need light watering; sodded areas look finished immediately but need careful first-week watering. We remove most debris and either green‑bin it or haul it away if requested.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- water seeded areas lightly once daily in the morning for the first 2 weeks, then taper as seedlings root.
- avoid heavy foot traffic on repairs for 3–4 weeks.
- watch spring and fall for renewed weed pressure—hand‑pull before seed set.
- moss thrives in shaded, compacted zones; dethatch and aerate in early spring or fall and increase light where possible (pruning).
- avoid chemical herbicides; we use organic and mechanical methods only.
FAQs (3–5)
Q: How long until new grass fills in?
A: Seed typically takes 2–6 weeks to germinate and show coverage in our cool, wet climate. Sod is ready to walk on in about 2 weeks, with full establishment in a month.
Q: Do you use herbicides to prep areas?
A: No. We use mechanical removal, hand pulling, compost, and native‑appropriate seed mixes—sustainable methods only.
Q: Will regrading change water flow to my neighbor?
A: We grade to direct water away from foundations and toward approved drainage paths. Minor surface grade adjustments are standard; any major runoff redirection is discussed with neighbors and handled per Seattle codes.
Q: Do you handle permits or HOA approvals?
A: Small lawn regrades rarely need permits, but if your property is in a regulated steep slope or within a drainage easement, we’ll advise you and help with documentation.
Call to Action
Ready to stop the puddles and get a lawn that actually drains? We schedule West Seattle estimates quickly and give honest, local advice tailored to Alki, Lincoln Park, and nearby blocks. Email us for a free photo estimate or to book an on‑site visit.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Trusted local crew — practical fixes, sustainable methods, no surprises.
