West Seattle Shrub Planting
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards have a few predictable headaches: heavy winter rains, compacted glacial soils in elevated spots, and surprisingly dry summers on south- and west-facing slopes. Many homes near Alki and Lincoln Park sit on terraces or banks that channel runoff; poorly sited plantings or compacted beds mean soggy crowns in winter and thirsty roots in July. Shade from big maples and cedars plus persistent coastal mist encourages moss and ivy, while sunny exposures on Admiral‑facing slopes bake shallow soils and stress shallow-rooted shrubs.
HOAs and curblines matter here—tight front yards and limited parking strips demand clean, low-profile plantings that won’t interfere with sightlines or sidewalks. Seattle’s summer watering rules and our water-wise culture make drought-tolerant, native selections a smart choice. On top of that, limited access for trucks on narrow West Seattle streets or steep driveways changes equipment choices and timelines. We plan for compost, hand-tilling or air-spading, and mulching strategies that address drainage, root depth, and weed pressure so shrubs establish quickly and require less intervention across our wet winters and dry summers.
Our Quality Service
We plant with purpose: select the right shrub for the micro-site, prepare the rooting zone, and mulch to cut weed pressure and moisture swings. We use hand tools, air spade or small excavators when access allows, and only sustainable methods—no herbicides. Typical installs for a standard front-bed take a half-day to a full day; larger jobs or hillside terracing are scheduled over multiple visits.
Local insight: we amend heavy clayish patches with compost and grit, break compaction to improve drainage, and favor natives and drought-tolerant shrubs that handle Puget Sound’s winter wet and summer lean. Benefits include safer sightlines, improved curb appeal, fewer seasonal replacements, and lower long-term water use.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and plant selection matched to light, soil, and slope.
- Soil prep: decompaction, compost, planting holes at proper depth.
- Planting, staking (if needed), and initial deep watering.
- 2–3” organic mulch applied around new shrubs (measured per project).
- Onsite cleanup and haul-away of planting debris.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric (for pathways or severe weed sites).
- Organic weed control: hand-pull, solarization, and vinegar-based spot treatments.
- Haul-away vs. green‑bin disposal (we separate green waste when possible).
- Small drip irrigation or hose-end timer installation for establishment.
Before & After / Expectations
Plan for a bit of noise and a tidy pile of soil and mulch on service day. If we need to remove existing shrubs or haul large debris, that can add a day for disposal. Jobs on narrow streets or steep drives may require extra crew time and equipment staging.
Aftercare tips for West Seattle:
- Water new shrubs deeply once or twice weekly in the first 6–8 weeks during dry spells; reduce as roots set.
- Watch for moss and ivy in shady, damp beds—manual removal and increased airflow help.
- Summer mulching (2–3”) retains moisture and suppresses seedlings; avoid piling mulch against trunks.
- Expect the first winter to test drainage—if crowns sit wet, we’ll recommend regrading or raised beds.
FAQs
Q: How long before shrubs look established?
A: Visible rooting in one growing season; expect 1–2 seasons for full vigor depending on species and site.Q: Do you use herbicides for weeds?
A: No. We use organic and mechanical methods only—hand removal, mulching, solarization, and spot non-toxic treatments.Q: What about steep banks and drainage?
A: We recommend terracing, deeper planting holes, and compost amendments. For severe runoff we install gentle grade breaks or dry swales.Q: Do you handle small haul-away?
A: Yes. We separate green waste for composting when possible; larger disposal may incur fees outlined in the estimate.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: if your front strip, slope, or understory needs shrubs that survive our wet winters and lean summers, book a free estimate. We schedule quick photo estimates or onsite visits and work around narrow streets and HOA rules. Trusted local crew, practical installs, and sustainable practices.
Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get started.
Phone (as listed): 206-538-9344
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
