West Seattle repair leaning fence posts

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards take a beating from a specific mix of factors: heavy seasonal rain, compacted glacial soils, and shady, moss-friendly corners near older trees. Many homes around Admiral, the Junction, and up the hill toward Fairmount have posts that sink or tip after just a few wet winters. In low spots and narrow side yards the ground stays saturated longer, which softens post holes and accelerates rot on wood sitting in wet soil.

Salt spray and wind on properties closer to Alki can speed corrosion on metal fasteners, while places near Lincoln Park or tucked into steep slopes face downhill pressure and lateral loads from soil movement. HOA lines in new developments often require straight, uniform fences; a single leaning post quickly makes an entire run look neglected. Add invasive ivy or English laurel at the base and you’ve got constant upward pull.

Practical repairs in West Seattle aren’t just about plumb posts. They mean matching the solution to soil type—sanded fill on compacted loam, crushed rock sockets where drainage is poor, or deeper footings on sloped lots. Timing matters too: late spring through early fall gives crews and materials a fighting chance to dry and settle before the wet season returns.

Our Quality Service

We diagnose the root cause, not just hammer the post back upright. Typical steps: on‑site assessment, selective removal of damaged posts, soil testing at the hole, and a repair plan that uses sustainable materials and best‑practice drainage. We favor gravel‑socket methods for longevity and avoid herbicides or chemical soil treatments.

Tools and methods: hand augers, mini excavators for tight access, galvanized or stainless fasteners, recycled lumber options, and compacted crushed rock backfill. For stubborn sites we’ll use concrete sparingly and only after considering rot‑prevention and runoff. Jobs generally take a few hours per post; a full fence line may be a day or two depending on access and length.

Local insight: we schedule work to avoid saturated winter months, protect nearby beds from mud, and recommend post‑sleeving or stainless fasteners where salt or coastal winds are present. Water restrictions are rare for this scope, but we minimize waste and use local composted materials when mulching is needed.

Benefits: safer fences, improved curb appeal that satisfies HOAs, reduced future maintenance, and a longer lifespan for materials—all done with sustainable, low‑impact techniques.

What’s Included

• Full inspection and written assessment of leaning posts.
• Straighten, reinforce, or replace posts as needed.
• Proper drainage installation: crushed rock backfill or gravel socket.
• Stainless/galvanized fasteners and pressure‑treated or heartwood posts.
• Cleanup, haul‑away of old posts (green‑bin composting where possible).

Options / upgrades

• Mulch + landscape fabric to protect new post bases.
• Organic weed control and manual ivy removal (no herbicides).
• Stain or seal with low‑VOC products.
• Haul‑away vs. curbside green‑bin drop‑off.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise, digging, and short‑term soil disturbance. A single post repair usually shows immediate visual improvement; larger runs may need 24–48 hours for backfill to settle. Access matters: ensure gates are clear and parked cars are out of the driveway when scheduled.

We handle debris removal and sort materials for green‑waste recycling when possible. If you choose gravel‑socket repairs, posts are less likely to rot than concrete‑set posts in our rainy climate. If concrete is required for structural reasons, we seal post bases and add drainage to reduce moisture contact.

Care tips for West Seattle

• Avoid heavy watering after repair; let new footings dry for a week if possible.
• Watch for moss and ivy in shaded spots—manual removal in spring and fall reduces lateral pressure.
• Inspect posts after storms and during spring thaw; catch small movement early.

FAQs

• Q: When’s the best time to repair fence posts in West Seattle?
  A: Late spring through early fall—drier ground gives better settling and less mud.

• Q: Do you use herbicides to clear ivy at the base?
  A: No. We remove invasives manually and use organic mulches and mechanical control only.

• Q: How long will a repaired post last?
  A: With correct drainage and materials, 10–20 years is typical; coastal exposure and soil type affect longevity.

• Q: Do you offer estimates from photos?
  A: Yes. Send clear photos and we’ll give a ballpark; onsite visits give the most accurate quote.

Call to Action

If your fence is leaning in West Seattle, don’t wait until a whole panel goes down. Book a quick, no‑nonsense inspection and get a clear plan. We schedule repairs promptly and work cleanly around your yard and neighborhood rules.

Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get started or to send photos for a quick estimate. Phone: 206-538-9344 — same day replies when possible.