West Seattle Cut vegetation away from gutters
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle’s strengths — big trees, dense shrubs, and quick coastal growth — are the same things that clog gutters. We get frequent rain and long, cool damp seasons; leaves, needles, moss and ivy accumulate fast, especially under maples and alders common around Admiral, High Point and the bluff above Alki. North- and west-facing eaves stay shaded and hold moisture, so moss and seedlings sprout in gutters and on roof edges. Many houses are on slopes or raised lots, so overflowing gutters can send water where you don’t want it: foundations, walkways, and lower yards that already struggle with clayey fill and poor surface drainage.
HOAs and neighborhood covenants in some pockets expect tidy rooflines; clogged gutters are visible and can reduce curb appeal at resale. Practical timing matters: gutters should be cleared before the heavy autumn rains and again mid-winter if there are big storms. Because Seattle enforces summer water conservation and many properties limit irrigation, we emphasize pruning and mulching over repeated watering or chemical fixes. The net result of neglect is rot, ice in rare freezes, and more frequent, expensive repairs — all avoidable with simple, sustainable cutting back and routine cleaning.
Our Quality Service
We prune and clear plant growth away from gutters using hand tools, pole pruners, compact electric saws, gutter scoops, and blowers when appropriate. Crews tarp work areas, bag debris for compost or green-bin disposal, and avoid herbicides entirely — all work is low-impact and sustainable. Typical residential jobs take 1–3 hours; larger properties or heavy ivy and moss may need a half-day. We recommend scheduling pre-fall service and a mid-winter check after storm runs. For steep lots or tricky rooflines we use rope access or harnesses and follow Seattle safety rules.
Benefits include reduced water damage risk, safer walkways and roofs, better curb appeal, and less frequent maintenance visits. We focus on lasting fixes: pruning to open canopy, clearing gutter channels, suggesting drainage tweaks, and lowering recurring weed/moss pressure with mulch and screening.
What’s Included
- Inspect gutters, roofline, and nearby trees/shrubs.
- Trim back branches, vines, and groundcover encroaching on gutters.
- Scoop and clear gutter channels and downspout inlets.
- Bag, compost, or green-bin acceptable yard waste; haul-away available.
- Final sweep of work area and basic recommendations for ongoing care.
Options / Upgrades
- Mulch + landscape fabric around foundation plantings.
- Gutter guard consultation and fitting (if suitable for your roof).
- Green-waste haul-away vs. customer green-bin drop-off.
- Ivy removal and manual spot-moss scraping (no herbicides).
Before & After / Expectations
- Mess & noise: expect leaf and twig debris during the job and brief blower use for cleanup. We tarp and contain debris to minimize spread.
- Access: we need safe ladder placement and clear ground space for tools. Steep driveways or OBSTRUCTED access may add time.
- Timelines: most standard West Seattle homes: 1–3 hours. Heavy ivy/moss/trees: up to a half-day.
- Debris handling: we compost where possible or haul to green-waste; we avoid landfill when feasible.
- Care tips: clear gutters before autumn rains and again after heavy winter storms. For shady north-facing eaves, inspect for moss in spring; cut ivy at the root and pull up slowly to reduce regrowth; add 2–3” of mulch to beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture during dry summer restrictions.
FAQs
- Do you use herbicides?
No. We use manual, mechanical, and organic methods only — no chemical herbicides. - How often should I schedule service?
Twice yearly is typical (pre-fall and mid-winter). Shadier, tree-heavy lots may need quarterly attention. - Can you compost my yard waste?
Yes. We compost on-site when allowed, put material in green-bin, or haul to a green-waste facility. - Do you need ladder access or special parking?
Yes — safe ladder placement and a short close parking spot for tools make the job faster and safer. - How quickly can you come out?
We prioritize pre-storm and pre-fall slots; email for a free estimate and we’ll usually schedule within 7–14 days.
Call to Action
West Seattle homeowners: keep gutters flowing and your roofline tidy before the next big rain. Book a free estimate and get scheduled quickly — we know the neighborhoods, the microclimates, and the real problems that cause repeat clogs. Sustainable methods, clear pricing, and local expertise.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
