West Seattle One-time overgrowth cutback
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards grow fast. We get heavy winter rains, mild summers, and lots of shade under mature maples and cedars—conditions that favor moss, ivy, and aggressive perennials. Many properties sit on slopes or bluffs (Alki, Admiral, and parts above California Ave), so brush and blackberry tangles create erosion and sightline problems. Soil ranges from compacted glacial till to silty loam; in low spots you’ll see puddling after storms. North- and west-facing yards stay shadier and mossier; south-facing slopes dry faster but shed topsoil if not stabilized.
Homeowners call us when paths disappear, fences are overrun, ivy climbs trunks, and hedges block curb appeal. HOAs and neighbors in tight blocks expect tidy sightlines and safe walkways—overgrowth can violate those norms and attract pests. Seattle’s yard waste rules and the city green bin make clean-up straightforward, but access and parking on narrow West Seattle streets (especially near Lincoln Park and The Junction) affect scheduling. We focus on sustainable, low-toxicity approaches—no herbicides—so your yard recovers without harming soil life or Puget Sound runoff. This service resets your landscape to a manageable stage and reduces future maintenance needs.
Our Quality Service
We cut back heavy brush, prune shrubs and small trees, remove invasive vines, and tidy beds so the yard is functional again. We use hand tools, battery pruners, pole saws for branches within code limits, and mulchers where appropriate. Work windows are typically 3–8 hours for average lots; larger properties or steep slopes may take a day or two.
Local insight: we time big cuts to avoid heavy spring nesting, prefer fall or late winter for hard pruning, and always prioritize soil protection on slopes. We follow Seattle compost/green-bin guidance and haul material to certified facilities or load out per your preference. No herbicides—only hand-weeding, mechanical removal, and organic mulches to suppress regrowth.
Benefits: safer access, better curb appeal, reduced fire/slide risk on slopes, and lower maintenance going forward.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and written plan before work begins.
- Pruning back shrubs, small trees, and overgrown perennials.
- Removal of ivy, blackberry, and invasive vines by hand.
- Mechanical trimming of tall grasses and brush where safe.
- Edging and defining beds for future maintenance.
- Clean haul-away or green-bin sorting of cut material.
- Final sweep and tidy of hardscapes.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric installation for high-weed beds.
- Organic compost top-dress or soil amendment.
- Native plant replacements (drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant).
- Stump grinding or root collar excavation (by quote).
- Haul-away to transfer station vs. green-bin curb pickup.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and wood chip smell during the job; we’ll confine work to agreed hours and leave property accessible. Big cutbacks can look stark at first—pruned shrubs and removed masses will regrow more cleanly, but it can take a season to settle visually. On slopes we’ll stage work to avoid rutting and use temporary plywood for access if needed.
Debris handling: choose green-bin sorting (city pickup rules apply) or full haul-away. If you prefer chipping onsite, wood chips can be left as mulch where appropriate. We do not apply herbicides; regrowth is managed by mechanical follow-up and mulch. Aftercare tips: water new cuts sparingly in summer, monitor weed flushes in early spring, and replace mulch yearly to suppress moss and volunteer seedlings.
FAQs
How long will the job take?
Typical small-to-medium West Seattle yards take between half a day and one full day. Large properties or steep slopes may require multiple visits.Do you use herbicides?
No. We use only mechanical removal, hand-weeding, organic mulches, and targeted pruning.What about wildlife and nesting birds?
We avoid heavy pruning during primary nesting season and will discuss timing if you suspect nests on-site.Can you haul the debris away?
Yes. We offer green-bin sorting for city pickup or full haul-away to transfer stations at an additional charge.Do you handle hillside erosion or drainage issues?
We stabilize exposed soil with mulch and recommend soil amendments or planting; significant drainage fixes are quoted separately.
Call to Action
Ready to reclaim your yard in West Seattle? Book a free estimate and same-week scheduling in many neighborhoods from Alki to Admiral and the Junction. We handle access concerns and green-bin logistics, and we work cleanly with sustainable methods—no herbicides.
Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get a quote and set a date. For properties that need it, ask about mulch options and native replanting recommendations.