West Seattle Slope Clearing

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards are lush and beautiful, but that rainfall and coastal exposure create recurring slope problems. Steep parcels above Alki, Sunnyside, or near Lincoln Park commonly show surface erosion, mossy soil, and invasive vines like English ivy and holly that pull nitrogen and destabilize roots. Many lots sit on glacial till with a thin loam layer over denser clay or compacted fill; during our long, wet winters those soils slump and channel water, while summer storms can produce short, intense runoff.

Sun exposure on southerly slopes dries things quickly in summer, but north-facing gullies stay damp and moss-prone year-round — that means mixed weed pressures and different planting strategies across one property. Drainage is often undersized where older properties were terraced; runoff concentrates and undercuts edges. Add typical West Seattle lot constraints — narrow access, parking on the street, and HOA sightline rules — and you’ve got a maintenance problem that’s both aesthetic and structural.

We focus on practical, sustainable fixes: remove problem vegetation by hand or with mechanical brush crews, stabilize soil with native groundcovers and biodegradable erosion matting, improve drainage with rock or gravel where needed, and return usable organic material to your compost or green bin. No herbicides. The goal is less work for you and longer-term slope stability tailored to microclimates around West Seattle homes.

Our Quality Service

We clear, stabilize, and restore slopes using hand tools, brush saws, a small skid-steer when access allows, and biodegradable erosion control materials. Work begins with a measured assessment and photo documentation, then a written plan with timing and haul options.

Typical timelines:

• Small residential slope (under 500 sq ft): 1 day.
• Medium slopes (500–2,000 sq ft): 1–3 days.
• Complex slopes with retaining walls or heavy replanting: up to 1 week.

Local insight we apply: expect heavy wet-season erosion, compacted glacial till, and persistent moss in shaded ravines. We size drainage fixes for Seattle rain patterns and recommend summer watering strategies that follow Seattle Public Utilities’ conservation guidance. We do not use herbicides — only manual removal, mulches, native plugs, and organic compost. Benefits include improved safety, increased curb appeal, lower seasonal maintenance, and native habitat that holds soil long-term.

What’s Included

• Site assessment with photo record and suggested plant palette.
• Manual and mechanical vegetation removal (no herbicides).
• Debris sorting: green‑waste for composting, wood for chipping, and hauling options.
• Mulch application and light grading to reduce concentrated flow.
• Installation of biodegradable erosion control matting or coir logs where needed.
• Small drainage upgrades (rock, gravel, or shallow swales).

Options / Upgrades:

• Native replanting (Salal, Oregon grape, bunching fescue, native sedges).
• Retaining wall or terracing (design + build quote).
• Mulch + landscape fabric (biodegradable fabric available).
• Organic weed-control follow-ups (manual weeding, mulch refresh).
• Haul-away vs. green‑bin delivery for compostable material.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and a visible pile of green material on service day. Narrow driveways or steep access may require more crew and time; we’ll note that at estimate. We separate material for recycling where possible and can haul to the transfer station if you prefer.

Timelines: allow 24–72 hours for cleanup on small jobs; larger replanting work may take multiple visits. New plantings need focused watering windows: water deeply twice weekly in summer’s first 4–8 weeks, taper as roots establish. Avoid heavy irrigation in fall/winter — Seattle’s wet season does most of the work. Watch for ivy and perennial blackberry in spring; schedule follow-up hand-weeding in May–June to reduce seed set. Moss thrives in shaded, compacted spots; improving drainage and opening the canopy reduces it over time.

FAQs

• How long until the slope is stable?
  Small fixes show results immediately; full root establishment for planted areas usually takes one growing season.

• Do you use chemicals to kill weeds?
  No. We remove invasive plants by hand and mechanically, use mulch and native plants to suppress regrowth, and rely on organic composting.

• Will you haul debris away?
  Yes — we offer green‑bin delivery (compost) or haul-away to the transfer station. We’ll include options in your estimate.

• Do you need water access on site?
  Preferable for new plantings; if not available we bring water tanks for initial establishment.

Call to Action

West Seattle slopes settle into problems fast. If you’re on a bluff above Alki, near Lincoln Park, or tucked into an Admiral ravine, book a free estimate and we’ll give a clear plan and honest price. Quick scheduling for urgent erosion spots; multi-visit plans for long-term stabilization.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Trusted local crew — licensed and insured, focused on sustainable results.