West Seattle Top up cedar wood chips

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards face a specific set of problems: heavy winter rains, shady slopes, salt spray on shoreline properties, and compacted, often acidic soils in older parcels. Beds that looked tidy last fall commonly thin out by late winter as cedar chips break down, wash down slopes toward street drains, or hide moss and invasive ivy. Shaded corners under big cedars and homes near Lincoln Park or Alki Beach stay damp longer, encouraging moss and persistent weed pressure. Meanwhile, sunny exposed spots up on the Admiral ridge dry out in summer, needing a mulch layer that moderates moisture without sealing the soil.

HOAs and neighbors expect neat edges and stable beds; thin or patchy mulch reads as neglect. Improper topping (too deep, piled against trunks) creates rodent harborage and stem rot in damp Seattle winters. Water restrictions in dry summers mean we focus on mulches that retain moisture so plants need less supplemental irrigation. For properties with slopes, poor drainage or heavy runoff, fresh cedar chips reduce erosion when applied and maintained correctly. In short: uneven mulch harms curb appeal, plant health, and safety on West Seattle terrain — what you need is a sustainable, site-aware top-up that lasts through wet winters and dry summers.

Our Quality Service

We provide a site-specific cedar chip top-up focused on longevity and low maintenance. Work includes assessment, selective debris removal, hand-weeding (no herbicides), and even spreading of cedar chips at recommended depths. Tools: rakes, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers for finishing, and tarps to protect lawns and hardscape. For steeper sites we use smaller loads and carry tools to avoid compaction.

Typical timelines: small yards (up to 1,000 sq ft) — half to one day; medium yards — one day; large or slope-heavy jobs — one to two days. We schedule around rain when possible to avoid tracking and to get a crisp finish. Local insight: we lay 2–3” in beds, 3–4” on newly prepared erosion-prone slopes, and keep mulch off trunks. All work is herbicide-free and leans on organic methods to limit future weed pressure.

Benefits: safer walking surfaces when wet, stabilized slopes, improved curb appeal, lower summer watering needs, and fewer visits from maintenance crews over time.

What’s Included

• Onsite assessment of existing mulch, soil contact, and slope/runoff issues.
• Hand removal of large debris, sticks, and obvious weed mass.
• Disposal: choice of green-waste bin drop-off or haul-away (customer preference).
• Even spread of fresh cedar wood chips to agreed depth (2–4”).
• Clean edging and final walk-through with homeowner.

Options / Upgrades

• Weed barrier fabric installation under new beds (where appropriate).
• Organic weed control: manual removal, repeated follow-ups, and mulching schedules.
• Additional soil amendment with compost for planting beds.
• Gravel or stepping-stone pathway installation (by quote).
• Haul-away vs. Seattle Public Utilities green-waste compliance handling.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise (blowers, trucks) and short-term mess during work. Access needs: a clear path from curb to beds for wheelbarrows or small equipment; narrow-drive properties may require extra labor time. We’ll bag or cart off old mulch unless you prefer it left for composting on-site.

After: beds look uniform, edges crisp, and slopes show immediate reduction in exposed soil. Timeline to settle: chips may settle and compact a bit after the first rain — we recommend a light top-up after 9–18 months depending on exposure. Care tips for West Seattle: water new plantings in early morning during dry spells, re-apply chips in spring to refresh appearance, remove invasive ivy and bindweed before topping, and keep mulch 2–3” away from tree and shrub stems to prevent rot.

FAQs

• Q: How thick should cedar chips be?
  A: 2–3” on established beds; 3–4” on erosion-prone slopes. Keep mulch off stems.

• Q: Will chips wash away in heavy rain on my slope?
  A: Proper depth and staging (short runs, mini-retaining edges) reduces wash; steeper sites may require additional erosion controls.

• Q: Do you use herbicides?
  A: No — we use hand weeding, repeated follow-ups, and organic mulch strategies only.

• Q: How often do I need a top-up?
  A: Typically every 12–24 months depending on sun, foot traffic, and slope.

• Q: Can you remove old mulch?
  A: Yes — we offer haul-away or green-waste drop-off. We’ll outline fees in your estimate.

Call to Action

West Seattle homeowners: if your beds are thinning or your slopes are slipping, book a free estimate and we’ll show exact coverage needs and options. Quick scheduling available for Admiral, Alki, Lincoln Park, and surrounding neighborhoods. Sustainable, local work with practical results — no herbicides, no nonsense.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Mon–Sun: flexible scheduling • free on-site or photo estimates

Licensed • Bonded • Insured