West Seattle Scalp lawn for renovation prep

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards come with a particular set of headaches: heavy winter rainfall, compacted clay pockets, and shady slopes below the bluff that hold moisture and encourage moss. Lawns on the Alki‑to‑Admiral corridor get full sun on the south faces and heavy wind exposure, while properties near Lincoln Park and Fauntleroy get shaded winters and moss pressure from persistent damp. Many homes were built on fill or shallow topsoil, so roots sit in tight, compacted ground that chokes seed and reduces drainage. Steep front lawns on High Point or along California Ave often wash out or thin where runoff concentrates.

That combination makes thin, patchy grass common and turns routine mowing into a damage control exercise. HOA covenants and curb appeal expectations in older West Seattle neighborhoods push owners toward a quick fix, but the right prep—scalping, core aeration, dethatching, and amendments—matters more than flashy seed mixes. We work with Seattle watering windows and city water-use guidance, use sustainable, non‑chemical methods only (no herbicides), and focus on soil health so new seed establishes quickly and resists moss and invasives like ivy. The result is a tougher, lower‑maintenance lawn tailored for West Seattle’s microclimates and slopes.

Our Quality Service

We scalp lawns to remove old growth and thatch, then core‑aerate, overseed, and topdress with compost as needed. Our crew uses a commercial reel mower, core aerator, and dethatching machine for larger jobs; hand tools for tight access. Typical timeline: prep and scalp day one, seed and finish day two; germination depends on fall/spring temperatures—expect visible green-up in 2–6 weeks.

We focus on sustainable practices: compost topdressing, organic seed blends, and mulch for beds. No herbicides. We account for West Seattle drainage quirks and slope stabilization—adding erosion control options when necessary. Benefits: safer footing, improved curb appeal, less frequent watering, and a lawn that tolerates foot traffic and coastal weather.

What’s Included

• Mow down to 1–2 inches to clear old growth.
• Core aeration across the lawn.
• Mechanical dethatching where thatch exceeds ½”.
• Overseeding with an appropriate shade/sun blend.
• Compost topdress and light raking for seed contact.
• Initial clean-up and haul-away of large debris.

Options / Upgrades:

• Soil test and tailored amendment plan.
• Compost or topsoil import for low areas (measured loads preserved).
• Erosion control mats or coir logs for steep runoffs.
• Mulch + landscape fabric for beds (organic mulch only).
• Green‑bin haul‑away or full dump‑truck removal.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and a light-to-moderate mess the day we work—cores, thatch, and surface debris are normal. We remove large clumps; fine particulate and seed will settle and can be swept off paths. Access: a standard driveway or 10–15’ side gate is ideal; tight stairs may require extra time and a small crew.

Aftercare tips for West Seattle:

• Water lightly twice daily for the first 10–14 days in spring/fall; follow Seattle watering guidance in summer.
• Watch for moss in shaded, drip‑line zones — keep canopy trimmed and increase compost to improve drainage.
• Delay heavy foot traffic until turf reaches 2½–3” and roots feel anchored.
• Rely on organic compost topdressings over chemical fertilizers.

FAQs

• How long until I see results?

  • Germination is 7–21 days in favorable fall/spring conditions; full fill‑in takes 4–8 weeks depending on weather.

• Do you use herbicides for weeds?

  • No. We use mechanical removal, hand weeding, mulches, and cultural controls only — no herbicides.

• Will you fix drainage or slope issues?

  • We address minor erosion with topdressing and mulch; significant regrading or hardscape changes are quoted separately.

• What access do you need?

  • A 10–15’ clear path or driveway is ideal. Tight access may add labor time.

• Do you haul away debris?

  • Yes—choose green‑bin composting or dump haul‑away as an upgrade.

Call to Action

If you’re in West Seattle and tired of thin, muddy turf, book a scalp renovation with a crew that knows the neighborhood. We’ll give a frank assessment, sustainable options, and a clear timeline. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com for a free estimate and quick scheduling — Alki to High Point, we’ve been doing this for years and we’ll keep it simple and long‑lasting.