West Seattle Rock / gravel bed install
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards face a specific set of challenges: heavy winter rains, compacted glacial soils with seasonal clay layers, moss in shaded spots under mature evergreens, and salt spray closer to Alki. Many properties sit on slopes or terraces—Admiral and High Point yards are a good example—so surface runoff and erosion are common. Lawns and planting strips on narrow boulevards collect leaves and organic matter, which turns stone beds into seed-beds for weeds if not prepped correctly.
Sun exposure varies block-to-block — south-facing yards dry faster and can use smaller, decorative gravel, while north-facing or tree-covered sites need coarser rock and extra drainage to avoid persistent dampness. HOA rules in some pockets favor tidy, low-growing materials; gravel beds are popular for curb appeal but fail when installers skip soil prep or use synthetic herbicides that aren’t allowed or sustainable.
Our installations are designed for West Seattle’s rainfall patterns and soil tendencies, with sustainable methods only (no herbicides). We focus on erosion control, permeable drainage, and long-term low maintenance so beds look intentional year-round and reduce winter slip hazards and spring rework.
Our Quality Service
We install rock and gravel beds tailored to West Seattle microclimates, using practical, sustainable methods. Typical steps: on-site assessment, hand and machine removal of turf/weed material, grading for positive drainage, compacted base where needed, and clean rock spread to specification. We use sod cutters or mini-excavators for larger jobs, plate compactors for aggregate bases, and hand tools for edges and planting pockets.
We never use herbicides. Weed control is by mechanical removal, soil screening, organic weed-suppression layers, and breathable fabric where appropriate. For steep slopes or heavy runoff we add gravel terraces, perforated drainlines, or dry creek channels tied to existing storm paths. Typical timeline: small beds 1 day, medium 1–2 days, complex or sloped sites 2–4 days including prep and haul-away.
Benefits: safer walking surfaces in wet months, lower water demand, improved curb appeal, and a durable finish that resists washout when installed to grade. Results last years with minimal upkeep.
What’s Included
- Full site assessment (drainage, sun, slope, soil test if needed)
- Removal of turf, invasive plants, and organic debris (manual and mechanical)
- Grading to provide 1–2% positive slope for drainage
- Optional soil amendment and base layer (crushed rock/base as needed)
- Breathable landscape fabric or organic weed-suppression layer (client choice)
- Rock/gravel delivery and professional spread to specified depth and pattern
- Clean edging and compacting where required
- Haul-away of green waste or landfill disposal (client chooses)
Options / Upgrades:
- Decorative boulder accents or stepping-stones
- Perforated drainline or dry creek installation for heavy runoff
- Native, low-water plant pockets (Coastal sage, Oregon grape, ferns)
- Mulch + fabric hybrid for planted borders
- Organic weed-control follow-up packages (hand-weed + repeat visits)
- Green-bin haul-away vs. landfill disposal
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise and some disruption during demo: sod cutters, hand tools, and occasional small equipment. For most West Seattle front yards we can stage material on driveway or curb, but for tight street-front properties (common near Lincoln Park or Alki) plan for temporary sidewalk parking or permit loading.
After: beds look clean and finished, but will collect leaf litter—regular fall leaf removal prevents soil build-up and seed infestation. Allow 24–48 hours after install on larger aggregates for settling before walking heavily; smaller decorative gravels can be walked on sooner. We handle debris removal per your disposal choice and leave the site broom-clean.
Care tips specific to West Seattle:
- Rake in late spring after winter storms to remove organic build-up.
- Pull germinating weeds in April–June before seed set (hand-weed or our organic follow-up).
- Avoid adding topsoil or compost to gravel beds unless creating planting pockets; added organics invite weeds and moss.
- For north-facing or heavily shaded beds, choose coarser rock (¾–1½”) to allow airflow and drainage.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides to prep beds?
A: No. We use mechanical removal, hand weeding, and organic suppression only. No herbicides.
Q: How long will a gravel bed last in West Seattle?
A: Properly installed rock beds last many years. Expect light maintenance (raking, leaf removal) annually and possible top-up of ½–1” of gravel every 3–5 years in high-traffic areas.
Q: Will fabric stop all weeds?
A: Nothing is 100% permanent. Breathable fabrics and clean base layers reduce weeds dramatically, but annual hand weeding or an organic follow-up keeps beds tidy.
Q: Can you install near slopes or terraces?
A: Yes. We design terraces, edging, and drainage to resist washout and erosion common on West Seattle slopes.
Q: How soon can you start and how long does it take?
A: Small jobs often scheduled within 1–2 weeks; typical install day for a standard front bed is 1–2 days. Complex or sloped projects require 2–4 days and an on-site plan.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: ready for a low-maintenance, water-wise gravel bed that suits our rain and soils? We schedule local estimates fast and work across West Seattle, Alki, Lincoln Park, Admiral, and nearby neighborhoods. Get a free local quote and timeline from a crew that knows local drainage, HOA expectations, and sustainable methods.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
