West Seattle replace landscape mulch fabric

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards show the same patterns: compacted garden beds on bluffs, moss and shade under big cedars, and wind-driven debris and salt-tolerant weeds near the waterfront. Soils range from glacially derived sands along Alki to dense, clay-ish pockets on inland slopes and cut lots in Admiral and Fauntleroy. Annual rainfall is high and concentrated in fall–spring, which exposes old fabric to constant wetting, matting, and tear-through by bindweed, ivy, and blackberry runners. South- and west-facing beds get summer sun and dry out; north-facing and heavily mulched beds stay sodden and grow moss.

These local factors mean the wrong fabric or a lazy install just funnels water poorly and creates a weedy mess. HOA and curb-appeal expectations in neighborhoods near Lincoln Park and the Junction favor tidy, low-maintenance beds — but “tidy” should be green and long-lasting. We avoid quick fixes: no herbicides, no piling mulch against tree trunks, and no cheap plastic that traps water. Instead, we design for West Seattle microclimates: permeable barriers, organic mulch that feeds the soil, and proper grading so beds shed excess water toward planted areas or drain lines. That cuts repeat visits and protects slopes from erosion while keeping your beds looking cared-for through the rainy months.

Our Quality Service

We replace old landscape fabric and refresh mulch with methods built for West Seattle conditions. We start with a site assessment, then hand-pull or mechanically remove invasive runners, lift and dispose of old material, and install breathable landscape fabric or layered sheet-mulch where better. We use organic mulch—bark, wood chips, or composted fines depending on the bed—and finish with a clean edge.

Tools and methods: shovels, rakes, tack shovels for edge cleanup, wheelbarrows, biodegradable cardboard for sheet-mulch, and hand tools for careful root work. Typical timing: a single small bed can be done in a few hours; whole-site replacements usually run 1–2 days depending on access and haul-away. We always prioritize sustainable handling—no herbicides, only physical and cultural controls.

Benefits: safer walking beds, improved curb appeal, better drainage, fewer return visits, and soil-building mulch that decomposes into better topsoil.

What’s Included

• Full site cleanup: remove old mulch, surface debris, and visible weeds.
• Old fabric removal and responsible disposal or green-haul.
• Install permeable landscape fabric or sheet-mulch layer (cardboard + compost).
• Apply 2–3” of organic mulch (bark, chips, or composted fines per bed).
• Light pruning and bed edge redefinition for a crisp finish.
• Post-service care notes specific to your microclimate.

Options / Upgrades:

• Mulch + fabric combination (fabric under thicker organic mulch).
• Soil amendments: compost top-dress or incorporated amendment.
• Hand removal of deep-rooted ivy and blackberry with root treatment by removal (no herbicides).
• Haul-away vs. city green-bin drop-off (we can sort green waste for you).
• Edging: steel, plastic, or timber to contain new mulch.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect work-day noise and hauling. We’ll need driveway or street access for our truck and space for a green-waste pile or bins. Beds will look stripped immediately after old mulch is removed; final look comes after the new mulch and edging are in place. Typical turnaround: 4–8 hours for a standard yard section, 1–2 days for whole-yard installs.

Care tips for West Seattle:

• Best mulch windows: install in late spring or early fall to reduce erosion risk and give roots a buffer before heavy rains.
• Watering: new plantings need regular watering through summer dry spells (June–September); mulch helps retain moisture.
• Weed pressure peaks in early spring—watch for hairy bittercress and chickweed after winter rains.
• Moss and ivy: increase light by pruning lower branches and keep a 2–3” mulch layer—rake and thin heavily shaded beds to discourage moss.

FAQs (3–5)

• Q: Do you use herbicides to kill weeds before replacing fabric?
  A: No. We remove weeds by hand, mechanical means, or sheet-mulching. No herbicides—ever.

• Q: How long will new fabric + mulch last in West Seattle?
  A: With proper install and 2–3” of organic mulch, expect 3–5 years of good weed suppression before touch-ups.

• Q: Will mulch cause drainage problems near my house?
  A: Not if installed correctly. We grade beds, keep mulch off siding and tree trunks, and use permeable fabric or sheet systems that let water through.

• Q: Can you handle ivy and blackberry removal on slopes?
  A: Yes. We remove roots and runners and recommend follow-up visits or planting aggressive groundcovers to outcompete weeds.

Call to Action

West Seattle homeowners: if you want a low-maintenance, sustainable refresh that actually lasts, book a free estimate. We schedule quickly and know the microclimates from Alki to Admiral. Trusted local crews, straightforward pricing, and sensible installs—no herbicides, just practical work.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm

Ready for a yard that stays tidy? Send photos, a short description of access, and we’ll reply with a clear estimate and timing.