West Seattle Bed cleanup and refresh
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards age differently than elsewhere in the city. Our soils are a mix of compacted glacial till and pockets of sandy loam, and many properties sit on slopes coming off the ridge toward Alki and Harbor Avenue. Combined with 35–40 inches of annual rain, that means beds that hold moisture a long time, constant weed pressure in spring and fall, and lots of moss in shady spots under big maples and firs. Salt spray affects exposed beds near the water, while inland blocks like Admiral and near Lincoln Park get more shade and root competition from mature trees.
Typical problems homeowners call about: grass edging into beds, English ivy or blackberry resprouts, soggy areas that choke perennials, and mulch that’s been left to rot into a compacted mat. Summer droughts still happen, so plants stressed in July need different care than those crowded in February. HOAs and neighbors in sightlines off California Ave expect tidy edges and low growth near curbs, so we balance function and curb appeal. We always work without herbicides — that means hand removal, grease‑free mechanical tools, solarization where useful, and steady soil-building to stop problems coming back.
Our Quality Service
We come in with hands, pruners, battery trimmers, wheelbarrows, and a plan that suits your block. Typical jobs:
- Small bed refresh: half‑day; larger patches or heavy ivy take a day or two.
- Tools: hand hoes, oscillating shears, battery trimmers (quieter on narrow streets), rakes, and soil probes.
- Methods: manual weed removal, native and drought‑tolerant plant swaps, organic compost top‑dress, and fresh mulch. We use erosion‑aware techniques on slopes and reinforce drainage where water ponds.
Timelines are realistic: estimate within 48 hours, booking within 1–2 weeks in spring/fall. We coordinate around Seattle summer watering recommendations and will suggest drought‑smart plants for sunny spots near Alki or salt‑tolerant choices for waterfront views.
Benefits: safer walkways, cleaner sightlines for HOAs, reduced maintenance, better water retention, and longer‑lasting beds that don’t need weekly attention.
What’s Included
- Full hand weeding and root removal (no herbicides)
- Pruning and light shaping of shrubs and perennials
- Clean edging along lawn, walkways, and curb
- Fresh organic mulch application (depth per plant need)
- Soil assessment and compost or top‑dress as needed
- Haul‑away of green waste OR green‑bin sorting at request
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric under pathways (recommended sparingly)
- Organic soil amendments (compost, worm castings)
- Native plant swaps and erosion planting for slopes
- Solarization for severe weed patches
- Seasonal color plugs or bulbs (low maintenance selections)
Before & After / Expectations
Be upfront: we’ll make noise for a few hours and create piles of green debris while we work. Access requirements: a driveway or 10–20 feet of clear access makes jobs faster and cheaper. Typical turnarounds: small beds done same day, full‑yard refreshes 1–3 days depending on material removal and planting choices. We sort debris for green‑bin pickup or haul to certified compost facilities.
West Seattle care tips:
- Water deeply and early in summer (best before 9am). Shallow daily sprinkles encourage weeds.
- Peak weed sprouts: late March–May and again in September—plan follow‑ups then.
- Moss thrives in shaded, compacted beds — improve drainage and thin tree canopy if possible.
- Ivy and blackberry need repeat visits; expect at least two removals the first year.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. We remove weeds by hand, solarize, or use organic techniques only.
Q: How long will it take for my beds to look “finished”?
A: Basic cleanup shows immediate results. Plant swaps or slope work may take a planting day plus a settling season (4–12 weeks).
Q: Can you handle steep front yards or narrow alley access?
A: Yes. We bring smaller tools and erosion controls; narrow access may add time.
Q: Will you replace plants I don’t want?
A: We can remove and recommend native or drought‑tolerant replacements tailored to your microclimate.
Call to Action
If you’re in West Seattle and want a practical, sustainable refresh that actually reduces upkeep, book a free estimate. We schedule quick, honest visits and stick to realistic plans.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Trusted local crew — we know the hills, parks, and microclimates around Lincoln Park, Admiral, and Alki.
