West Seattle Clear shrubs from siding
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards get lush fast — lots of rain, mild winters, and shady pockets near Schmitz Preserve Park and the ravines off Fauntleroy. That’s great for green growth but bad for anything touching your house: constant moisture, moss, and soil splash cause siding stains, rot, and tiny gaps that invite pests. Many properties around Admiral and Alki face salt spray on windward plants and compacted, clayey fill on hillsides that holds water against foundations.
Shrubs pressed to siding also prevent proper air flow and trap leaves in gutters, which makes moss and mildew a year-round problem. Spring and early summer bring aggressive weed pressure and ivy re-growth after pruning; Himalayan blackberry can encroach in lower yards and ravine edges. West Seattle’s microclimates mean one side of a house can be sun-dry while the other is damp and shady, so a one-size approach fails. HOA sight-line rules and curb appeal in prominent blocks require tidy edges and predictable maintenance, not reactive chopping. We focus on sustainable methods — no herbicides — that respect slope stability, drainage lines, and Seattle’s seasonal watering guidance so your siding stays clear without causing erosion or repeat regrowth.
Our Quality Service
We remove shrub contact with siding using hand-pruning, battery-powered trimmers, loppers, and low-impact root work where needed. Tasks are timed for plant health (late winter/early spring for big cuts; selective summer pruning for shaping) and to minimize stress on shrubs that can be retained.
We work sustainably: hand-pull invasive vines, compost healthy green material, and sort cuttings for green-bin vs. haul-away. No herbicides. Typical jobs take 2–6 hours for a standard lot; full removals or slope work may require half to full day plus a safety setup. We bring tarps, ladders, and protective sheeting against siding damage.
Benefits:
- Prevents moisture damage and pest harborage.
- Improves curb appeal and HOA compliance.
- Low-maintenance, longer-lasting results with proper follow-up.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and pruning plan.
- Trim shrubs back to a recommended clearance (usually 6–12 inches from siding).
- Remove invasive vines and ivy touching walls.
- Clean-up: sweeping, gutter checks, and hauling debris to green-bin or truck.
- Final inspection with homeowner walk-through.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + fabric at shrub bases to cut weed pressure.
- Organic soil amendment and compost top-dress.
- Permanent edging or gravel swale to improve drainage away from foundation.
- Full stump/root removal for replanting.
- Haul-away vs. green-bin sorting (we can do either per Seattle Public Utilities rules).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise and green waste on service day — we cut, bag, and either load out or sort for your green bin. Access to the house exterior and a clear path for our crew helps speed the job. If shrubs are tight to siding, careful hand work protects paint and trim; full removals on slopes may need extra anchors or spot shoring.
Timelines: small trim jobs scheduled within 1–2 weeks; larger removals or hillside work may need a site visit and a 1–3 week window depending on permits or slope safety prep. Debris handling: we prioritize green-bin drop-off and composting; haul-away is available for oversized jobs.
West Seattle care tips:
- Water established plants early morning in summer; follow city watering suggestions on dry summers.
- Expect the highest weed/ivy push in April–June; plan follow-up visits then.
- Watch for moss on north-facing walls and shade bands; trimming for light reduces moss over seasons.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides to stop regrowth?
A: No. We rely on hand-pulling, mechanical removal, mulch barriers, and organic soil work only.
Q: How close should shrubs be to siding after work?
A: We usually recommend 6–12 inches clearance for airflow and inspection access; specifics depend on species.
Q: Can you handle steep front yards and ravine edges?
A: Yes — we assess slope stability first and use low-impact techniques or staged removal. Some sites need additional time and safety gear.
Q: Will this harm my shrubs if I want them kept?
A: We prune to preserve health when possible and recommend timing and cuts that promote vigorous regrowth.
Q: How do you dispose of green waste?
A: We sort for green-bin composting where possible, or haul away to approved yards if volume or contaminants require it.
Call to Action
If you live in West Seattle and want shrubs off your siding before the next rainy season, book a free estimate. We schedule quickly, give honest recommendations, and stick to sustainable methods that protect your home and hillside. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com or call 206-538-9344 to set a time. Licensed • Bonded • Insured.
