West Seattle Playground mulch replacement

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards and community play areas get a lot of rain, salt spray near Alki, and heavy shade from maples and cedars. That combo accelerates wood-mulch break down, compacts cushioning, and encourages moss and ivy on north-facing slopes by Lincoln Park and on terraced yards in Admiral. Many homeowners find mulch thins out unevenly around play equipment and drainage channels get clogged after fall storms, leaving hard spots that don’t absorb impacts.

Soil in our parts ranges from shallow, rocky fill on bluff edges to denser silty loams in the flats—both need different prep before fresh mulch goes down. Steep driveways, tight alley access, or HOA edge rules often dictate how we stage materials and where we can dispose of old mulch. Without regular replacement and sustainable care (no herbicides), trip hazards increase, weeds return faster in spring, and moisture retention changes, making swings and climbing structures messier and less safe. We focus on practical fixes that match West Seattle microclimates: improved drainage at the low points, thicker cushioning where needed, and materials that shed water and resist compaction to keep play areas safer longer.

Our Quality Service

We remove old mulch, inspect drainage and substrate, and install clean, sustainably sourced mulch designed for play areas. We use wheelbarrows, compactors for base leveling where required, and hand rakes for finish grading to protect equipment foundations. Typical jobs finish in a day for small yards; larger parks or schools can take 1–3 days depending on access and hauling needs.

Local insight: we avoid herbicides and rely on hand-pulling, organic weed control, and mulching to suppress regrowth. We account for West Seattle’s rainy season—scheduling most installs in late spring through early fall—and design for runoff on slopes and bluff edges. Benefits include safer fall zones, improved curb appeal, lower maintenance, and lasting results that respect HOA and park rules.

What’s Included

• Onsite assessment and safety check around play equipment
• Removal and responsible disposal or composting of old mulch
• Surface prep: rake, level, and address minor drainage issues
• Installation of child-safe, sustainably sourced mulch at appropriate depth
• Final grading, clean-up, and edge redefinition where allowed

Options / upgrades:

• Mulch + biodegradable landscape fabric or cellulose mat for extra weed suppression
• Organic weed-control treatments (mechanical and biological only; no herbicides)
• Green waste haul-away vs. curbside Green Bin drop-off
• Additional erosion control for slopes (straw mulch, coir logs, or jute matting)

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and compost odor during removal days; crews bring protective gear and tarps for clean staging. For small residential play areas we typically schedule a single day; larger community sites may need phased work over several days. Access constraints (narrow alleys, stairs, or parking limits) can add time—please flag these during the estimate.

Post-service care tips: avoid heavy rain windows for 48 hours after install if possible to let the surface settle. Watering isn’t usually needed—mulch holds moisture for nearby plants but won’t require irrigation. Watch spring and late-summer for renewed weed pressure and pull seedlings while small. In shady spots expect moss and ivy to return faster; prioritize manual removal and extra mulch depth rather than chemicals.

FAQs

• Q: How long does an install take?
  A: Small residential areas usually finish in one day; expect 1–3 days for larger parks or sites with limited access.

• Q: Do you use herbicides?
  A: No. We use only mechanical removal, mulching, and approved organic methods—no chemical herbicides.

• Q: What about disposal?
  A: We offer green-bin drop-off, local composting, or haul-away. Tell us your HOA or park rules up front and we’ll plan accordingly.

• Q: When’s best to replace mulch in West Seattle?
  A: Late spring to early fall—after winter compaction and before the heaviest rains—so the new layer beds in well.

Call to Action

West Seattle homeowners and property managers: if your play area needs safer, cleaner, and sustainably maintained surfacing, we’ll give a straightforward estimate and clear scheduling. Fast local crews, honest pricing, and methods that avoid herbicides. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to book a free estimate or to ask about park and HOA coordination. Phone scheduling available on request. Licensed • Bonded • Insured