West Seattle Prune insect-infested wood
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards present a specific set of headaches: compacted glacial soils on the bluff, water pooling in low pockets, and long cool, damp shoulder seasons that keep wood wet and attractive to wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants. North-facing slopes under big conifers (think Highland Park and parts of Admiral) stay damp and collect moss; south-facing exposures like parts of High Point dry quickly but can hide stressed trees after hot summers. Close-to-shore properties near Alki see salt spray that weakens bark, and older fences and decks near Fauntleroy can trap moisture against posts.
Homeowners spot symptoms—small exit holes, frass, soft rot, or chewed galleries—but the underlying issue is almost always moisture and poor air circulation more than the insect alone. Left untreated, infested branches and structural wood fail and create hazards in wind events common here. HOAs and neighbors also notice sightlines and curb appeal; a single dead limb on a street tree lowers the whole block’s appearance. Sustainable intervention—timely pruning, drying, and removing infested material—stops spread without chemicals. We focus on the West Seattle microclimates, practical timing around rainy seasons, and solutions that lower future pest pressure while improving safety and the look of your property.
Our Quality Service
We inspect trunks, branches, fences, and supporting posts for live activity and telltale signs of decay. Work is done with hand pruners, pole saws, battery chainsaws, and a chipper for clean removal. We prioritize pruning when weather windows allow drying, and we never use herbicides—only mechanical removal, sanitation cuts, and approved organic surface treatments when needed.
Typical timeline: inspection and quote within 3–7 days, small jobs done same week, larger removals scheduled within 1–3 weeks. We follow seasonal best practices to reduce re-infestation and recommend re-inspection schedules based on species and site moisture.
Benefits:
- Safer trees and structures, reduced fall-risk.
- Better curb appeal for streets like California Avenue and Fauntleroy Way.
- Lower long-term maintenance with sustainable, chemical-free methods.
What’s Included
- Visual inspection of trees, shrubs, fences, and exposed structural wood.
- Pruning out and removing insect‑infested branches and wood.
- Chipping on-site or haul-away of infested material per your choice.
- Sanitation cuts and targeted organic surface treatments (no herbicides).
- Written notes on sources of moisture, ventilation fixes, and follow-up schedule.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + fabric bed refresh (composted mulch only).
- Organic insect deterrents and sticky bands for targeted species.
- Haul-away vs. green‑bin drop-off for all removed material.
- Planting recommendations with pest‑resistant natives to replace removed specimens.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and visible debris on service day—chainsaw and chipper are typical for larger limbs. Access: we need 3–4 feet clear around the work area for safety and chipping. Small pruning jobs are tidy by end of day; larger removals may take multiple visits to schedule disposal and stump treatment.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- Prune during drier spells; we avoid heavy rain periods to limit pathogen spread.
- Watch for increased beetle activity in late spring–summer; schedule inspections then.
- Remove ivy and English laurel at the trunk base—these keep trunks damp and encourage pests.
- Keep mulch pulled back 2–3 inches from trunks and posts to avoid trapped moisture.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides or strong chemicals?
A: No. We use only mechanical removal, sanitation cuts, and organic surface treatments—no herbicides.
Q: How soon can you inspect my property?
A: We typically offer photo/video estimates within 48 hours and onsite inspections within 3–7 days, faster for urgent hazards.
Q: Will pruning harm my tree?
A: No—cuts follow ANSI best practices (clean cuts, proper pruning points) to preserve tree health and reduce stress.
Q: What if you find structural rot in a fence or deck post?
A: We can remove the compromised wood and offer replacement or recommend pest‑resistant post options and drainage fixes.
Call to Action
If you’re in West Seattle and you’ve found holes, frass, or soft wood, book an inspection. We schedule quickly, give clear, written estimates, and work with sustainable methods that protect your trees and neighborhood. Email us to get started: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com. Licensed & Insured — local crews who know West Seattle microclimates and what actually works.
