West Seattle Compost application
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards vary from salty, wind‑blasted Alki frontages to the steeper ridges around Admiral and the shady, tree‑filled lots near Lincoln Park. Most properties here share a few predictable headaches: compacted, low‑organic soils over old fill or glacial till; heavy winters with frequent rain and a short, intense summer watering window; moss and ivy in shaded corners; and erosion on sloped sites. Turf and planting beds often sit on thin topsoil that dries quickly on south‑facing slopes and stays boggy under big cedars and maples. Many homes also deal with salt spray near the shore and crabgrass or chickweed in disturbed mulch lines.
HOAs and neighbors in West Seattle expect tidy edges and storm‑ready beds that don’t wash out into the street. Compost fixes a lot of these local problems by increasing water retention on sandy patches, improving structure in compacted clay pockets, and supporting deeper, more resilient root systems on slopes. We focus on sustainable, non‑chemical methods—organic compost, mechanical aeration, mulching and physical weed suppression—to reduce maintenance, improve curb appeal, and keep runoff from clogging drains and damaging sidewalks. The result is a landscape that handles Seattle’s winter wet and summer dry with less fuss and fewer site visits.
Our Quality Service
We apply screened, organic compost tailored to your site conditions and plant mix. Work includes soil assessment, targeted distribution, and optional pre‑aeration on compacted lawns and beds. We use walk‑behind spreaders, cultivators, wheelbarrows and hand tools to protect roots and existing plantings.
Typical timelines: small beds or a front yard take half a day; average residential jobs are a full day for a two‑person crew; larger properties or steep slope remediation can require one to two days. We schedule work in drier windows where possible to avoid compaction and to optimize incorporation. All methods are sustainable—no herbicides—favoring hand‑removal, smothering, and mulches for weed control.
Benefits: improved drainage and erosion resistance, stronger plant health, reduced irrigation needs, cleaner curb appeal, and lower long‑term maintenance.
What’s Included
- Site inspection and soil condition assessment.
- Even distribution of organic, screened compost at specified depth.
- Light incorporation or topdressing depending on lawn or bed needs.
- Clean edging and light trimming to present a tidy finished look.
- Debris removal and site broom‑up.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + fabric (for new beds or heavy weed suppression).
- Mechanical aeration before composting for compacted lawns.
- Organic weed control packages (hand‑pull, smothering, targeted hoeing).
- Haul‑away of green waste vs. green‑bin ready sorting.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise from tools and truck activity during the work window. There will be organic debris and temporary tracks; we clean and broom the site at completion. On slopes we may install temporary wattles or mulch berms to reduce immediate runoff.
Post‑service timeline: plants and turf show improved vigor in weeks; structural soil benefits accumulate over seasons. For moss and ivy, plan for staged removal and repeat compost/mulch applications; a single visit rarely eliminates deep‑rooted vine issues. Watering: apply light watering after installation if soil is dry, then follow seasonal watering windows—deeper, less frequent waterings in summer. Avoid overwatering in fall and winter to prevent compaction and moss regrowth.
FAQs
How often should I have compost applied?
- Once a year is a good baseline; high‑use beds or thin soils may benefit from biannual topdressing.
Will compost make my sloped yard wash away?
- Properly applied compost improves structure and root growth, reducing erosion. For steep slopes we combine compost with mulches, edging, or erosion matting.
Do you use chemicals for weeds?
- No. We use only organic and physical controls—hand‑pulling, smothering, mulching, and mechanical tools.
How much access do you need?
- A clear 3–4 ft path to beds is ideal; we can work from the street on many properties but need driveway or curb space for material drops on larger jobs.
When’s the best time to apply compost in Seattle?
- Early spring or late fall are ideal. We also work in dry spells to avoid compaction during winter rains.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: book a free estimate and get a practical, sustainable plan for soil and curb appeal that lasts. We offer quick scheduling, clear pricing, and urban landscape experience across Alki, Admiral, Fauntleroy and nearby neighborhoods. Email tidy, site photos, or questions to neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to start.
