West Seattle remove and replace diseased tree
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards present a familiar set of headaches: thin topsoil over glacial till in some spots, clay pockets that hold water in others, and heavy winter rain followed by long, dry summers. Properties near Alki get salt spray and wind; hilltop lots in Admiral and High Point sit on slopes where runoff and root exposure are common. Those conditions make trees vulnerable to root rot, crown decline, and windthrow, and encourage moss, ivy, and blackberry to take hold. Drainage tends to be the deciding factor — a perfectly healthy-looking tree can decline quickly when downspouts, rain gardens, and surface runoff concentrate at the root flare.
HOA rules and curb appeal matter here: a dead or diseased tree is a liability and eyesore on a block where neighbors take pride in street trees. Sustainable, chemical-free removal and replacement is the right move: it restores safety, reduces long-term maintenance, and lets you pick a species suited to your micro-site (drought-tolerant on ridgelines, moisture-loving in sunken yards). In West Seattle we choose native or adapted trees that handle our wet winters, dry summers, and urban stresses, and we prioritize solutions that improve soil structure, redirect water, and reduce future pest and weed pressure.
Our Quality Service
We assess the tree, site, and risks, then remove diseased wood using rigging and chip-on-site when possible. For multi-stem or hazardous removals we use bucket trucks and ropes to protect structures and neighbors. Stump grinding is standard unless you want a living stump left for habitat.
Soil prep includes compost and mycorrhizal-friendly mixes, not synthetic fertilizers. We plant native or well-adapted trees on a correct grade with organic mulch and a watering plan. Timeline: most single-tree jobs are 1 day; larger or steep-site jobs can take 1–3 days with follow-up visits scheduled for the first growing season. We follow city guidelines and water-conservation best practices during summer.
Benefits: safer yard, better curb appeal, lower long-term work, and resilient plantings that fit West Seattle’s microclimates.
What’s Included
- On-site assessment and written recommendation.
- Safe tree removal (rigging or crane if needed).
- Stump grinding to below-grade (or leave stump on request).
- Soil amendment and planting hole preparation.
- Planting of selected tree (native/adapted) and organic mulch.
- Debris hauling or chipping and tidy cleanup.
Options / Upgrades:
- Extra compost/topsoil for severe depletion.
- Deep watering stakes and first-season follow-up.
- Sheet-mulch weed control and manual ivy removal.
- Haul-away to dump vs. chipping for reuse on-site (green bin recommendations).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise, wood chips, and truck access on service day. Steep or tight-access lots add time and crew size. We’ll flag utility lines and confirm access; keep cars clear on the street block and move fragile garden items.
After: newly planted trees will need regular watering during the first two summers. For West Seattle, plan heavy watering windows in late spring and early summer before the hot dry stretch, then reduce frequency while monitoring for stress. Manual weeding, mulch topping, and ivy removal in adjacent beds will keep the new tree from competition and moss problems.
FAQs
Q: How long to remove a diseased street tree?
A: Typical residential removals take a day; complicated or hazard jobs may require 2–3 days and permits.
Q: Do you use herbicides for stump/weed control?
A: No. We use mechanical stump grinding, sheet-mulch, hand-pulling, and organic ground covers only.
Q: Will replacement trees survive West Seattle conditions?
A: Yes — when matched to the micro-site. We choose species suited to slope, salt exposure, and soil moisture.
Q: Who handles permits for public-right-of-way street trees?
A: We can advise and coordinate, but the homeowner is responsible for permit approvals when required.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: if a tree looks sick or unsafe, book a free estimate. Quick scheduling, practical local fixes, and sustainable methods—no herbicides. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get started; same-day photo estimates often available. Licensed crew, tidy work, and follow-up care for the first season.
📧 neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
📞 206-538-9344
