West Seattle Spring yard cleanup
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards take a beating every winter. We get long stretches of drizzle, high humidity, and quick spring greening that favors moss, English ivy, and opportunistic weeds. Many properties along Alki and the low-lying parts of Fauntleroy sit on compacted glacial soils and poor-drainage pockets; these hold water after storms and encourage moss and slug activity. Higher spots and sunny slopes toward the Junction see more sun and dry out faster, which changes planting choices and irrigation needs within a single block.
Homeowners here notice the same patterns: beds smothered by last year’s leaves, hedges flopping into sidewalks, and gutters choking with soil and composty debris. Slopes and driveways often funnel runoff toward curb cuts or narrow planting strips—something the city inspects visually during the rainy season. HOA rules in many West Seattle enclaves expect tidy edges and sight-line pruning, so unmanaged growth becomes both a nuisance and a compliance issue.
We focus on practical fixes that match local conditions: improve surface drainage, remove winter debris, treat invasive patches by hand, and add organic mulch that helps the soil breathe through the wet months. Sustainable methods only—no herbicides—so your yard recovers without toxic residues and supports pollinators and soil life.
Our Quality Service
We arrive with pruners, loppers, hand tools, battery blowers, and a chipper for woody debris when needed. Typical jobs take 2–6 hours; larger properties or heavy invasive removal may need a full day or staged visits. We always start with an on-site assessment and a short plan you can approve.
Local insight: we amend topsoil in compacted beds, regrade small drainage channels if needed, and choose mulch types that shed excess water. We schedule major pruning after heavy spring rains ease and before summer droughts start. We follow Seattle seasonal watering guidance and avoid overwatering. Benefits: safer walkways, better curb appeal, less weekly maintenance for you, and long-lasting results that respect West Seattle microclimates.
What’s Included
- Leaf, branch, and debris removal (green bin or haul-away)
- Hand-weeding and selective removal of ivy and blackberry
- Pruning of shrubs and small trees to maintain sight lines and health
- Edging of beds and paths for clean curb appeal
- Fresh organic mulch applied to beds (measurement by job)
- Gutter and downspout clearing (if requested)
Options / upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric underlay (for select beds)
- Organic weed suppression (manual + mulch layering)
- Soil testing and light amendment (compost/top-dressing)
- Native pollinator planting or seasonal color
- Haul-away vs. curbside green bin sorting
Before & After / Expectations
Work creates noise, wood chips, and green waste for a short time. Expect some leaf/dust residue until we finish cleanup; we sweep paths and tidy edges at the end of the day. Heavy ivy or blackberry removal may require a repeat visit to fully clear roots and re-mulch.
Post-service care tips for West Seattle:
- Water new plants early morning only; follow Seattle Public Utilities summer guidance.
- Watch for a spring weed flush—hand-weed every 3–6 weeks early season.
- Moss thrives in constant shade; thin overhead canopy if moss returns.
- Replenish mulch annually (2–3 inches) to suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
FAQs
Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. We use only sustainable, non-chemical methods: hand-weeding, mulching, and physical removal.
Q: How long will a cleanup take?
A: Most residential yards: 2–6 hours. Larger properties or invasive removals take longer; we give time estimates after the assessment.
Q: What do you do with debris?
A: We sort for green-bin composting when possible or haul away to recycling/compost facilities per your preference.
Q: Can you work on sloped sites or stairs common in West Seattle?
A: Yes. We have experience with steep front yards and narrow access; safety and erosion control are priorities.
Call to Action
Ready for a tidy, sustainable yard that suits West Seattle conditions? Book an estimate and we’ll give you a clear plan and timing. Quick scheduling for most neighborhoods from Alki to Highland Park.
Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com or call 206-538-9344 for a free estimate and local expertise you can trust.