West Seattle Mulch Maintenance Contract
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards face a specific set of problems: heavy winter rains, compacted glacial till soil up on the hills, and moss-friendly shade around mature maples and cedars. South- and west-facing slopes near Alki and Lincoln Park bake in summer sun, washing nutrients downhill during downpours, while interior lots in Admiral and Fauntleroy see extended shade and constant leaf litter. Clayey pockets hold water and invite root rot; hilltop beds shed mulch if edging and staking aren’t correct.
Weed pressure here follows the seasons — chickweed and dandelion surge after the first warm spell, ivy and vinca creep in shady corners, and horsetail can persist in soggy depressions. Curb appeal gets dinged quickly when mulch thins out and bed lines blur, and many HOAs in the area expect tidy edges and clear sightlines. With Seattle water restrictions and composting rules, homeowners want low-maintenance beds that conserve moisture and feed soil without synthetic herbicides. That’s where a sustainable mulch maintenance contract helps: it stabilizes slopes, suppresses weeds with physical methods, retains moisture through summer droughts, and keeps properties tidy for neighbors and HOA inspections.
Our Quality Service
We handle the hands-on work the neighborhood expects: assessment, targeted hand-weeding, topping up mulch, clean edging, and responsible disposal or composting. We use rakes, edging tools, wheelbarrows, pruners, and a chipper for larger debris. Typical visits run 1–4 hours depending on yard size; an initial overhaul usually takes one half- to full-day.
Local insight: we size mulch depths to West Seattle conditions—2–3 inches in beds, 3–4 inches on slopes with erosion control measures such as wood chip wattles where needed. We avoid chemical herbicides—only organic and manual methods. We schedule heavier work in late spring and early fall to avoid root shock and respect bird-nesting windows. Benefits: safer beds, better curb appeal, less weekly upkeep, and mulch that breaks down to improve the soil over seasons.
What’s Included
- Initial site assessment and written estimate.
- Hand-weeding of beds and root-level removal of invasive vines (no herbicides).
- Mulch refresh to target depth (measured in inches), redistributed or replenished.
- Bed edging and path clean-up for neat sightlines.
- Pruning of overhanging branches that shade beds excessively.
- Debris haul-away or green-bin compost drop-off (your choice).
Options / Upgrades:
- Landscape fabric under mulch for high-traffic beds.
- Organic weed control (vinegar-based spot treatments where allowed) and pre-emergent-free strategies.
- Chip-and-leave wood chips for erosion control on slopes.
- Seasonal planting of native, low-water groundcovers to reduce future mulch needs.
- Soil testing and light amendments (compost-only recommendations).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and mud during overhaul days—wheelbarrows, pruning, and chipping are part of the job. We’ll protect walkways and stage materials to minimize tracking. Typical timelines: one full overhaul visit for most single-family lots; follow-up maintenance every 4–8 weeks depending on the chosen cadence.
Debris handling: we separate clean green waste for curbside compost or haul it to a certified facility at your request. Aftercare tips for West Seattle: water new plantings in the first two weeks only if the soil is dry; refresh a light top-dress of mulch in early fall before heavy rains; watch for moss in shady beds and remove by raking and increasing air flow rather than chemical treatments.
FAQs
Q: How often should I schedule visits?
A: Most West Seattle yards do well on bi-monthly to monthly visits. Quarterly works if beds are low-traffic and planted with drought-tolerant natives.
Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. We use hand-weeding, mechanical removal, mulches, and organic-approved spot techniques. Sustainable-only practices.
Q: What happens to green waste?
A: We offer haul-away to compost facilities or can use your city green bin when allowed. We won’t burn or landfill clean green material unless you request it.
Q: Can you stabilize a slope that keeps losing mulch?
A: Yes. We size mulch depth, add physical erosion controls (stapled wattles, chip anchors), and recommend plantings to hold soil on slopes.
Q: Do you work with HOA rules?
A: Yes. We keep records and photos for compliance and can tailor cadence to inspection schedules.
Call to Action
If you live in West Seattle and want a practical, sustainable mulch plan that actually lasts, book a free estimate. We move quickly on scheduling, know the neighborhoods (Alki, Admiral, Fauntleroy), and do honest, hands-on work without herbicides. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to set a time.
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm
Phone: 206-538-9344
