West Seattle Topdressing with Compost

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle lawns face a predictable set of problems: compacted glacial till, seasonal saturation from heavy fall–spring rains, persistent moss in shady pockets, and thin, stressed turf on slopes and dry mid-summer hills like High Point and Delridge. Many yards here sit under large maples and cedars or in the shadow of houses and fences, which means moss pressure and poor surface drainage are constant headaches. Near Alki and Admiral you’ll also see salt spray and wind exposure that thin turf and make seed establishment harder.

HOAs and neighbors expect tidy curb appeal in our close-knit blocks, but city soils tend to be acidic and low in organic matter—so lawns hold water in winter and bake in summer. Topdressing with compost addresses those conditions by improving structure, increasing water retention where needed, loosening compacted soils, and helping seed establish in thin areas. In West Seattle we favor sustainable, non-chemical methods: manual weed removal, aeration, compost, and overseeding timed for Seattle’s mild fall and spring windows. Properly done, topdressing reduces mud and erosion on slopes, limits moss, and delivers a lawn that looks better with less upkeep.

Our Quality Service

We apply a thin, uniform layer of quality compost (about 1/4”–1/2”) and combine it with mechanical or hand aeration and overseeding where required. Crews use core aerators, compost spreaders, rakes, and seed slitters for even establishment. Typical job times: small yards take a few hours; average West Seattle lots finish in half a day; larger or aeration-plus-seed jobs may take a full day.

Local insight we use every day: pick application windows in late April–May or September–October to avoid heavy winter rains and summer drought; match compost to local soil pH and texture; avoid topdressing during persistent heavy rain so material can integrate rather than wash off. We never use herbicides—weed control is mechanical and organic. Benefits: safer, less muddy play areas for kids and dogs, improved curb appeal, stronger turf that needs less water and mowing over time.

What’s Included

• Site assessment and soil-surface check
• Manual weed removal in targeted areas (no herbicides)
• Compost application, 1/4”–1/2” thickness, evenly raked
• Light post-application watering and settling
• Basic overseeding of worn zones (seed included where listed in estimate)
• Cleanup and haul-away of organic debris

Options / upgrades:

• Core aeration prior to topdressing (recommended for compacted soils)
• Slit-seeding for better seed-to-soil contact
• Thicker compost lifts for lawn renovations (price adjusts by depth)
• Organic weed control program (mechanical repeat visits and spot hand-weeding)
• Haul-away of green waste vs. owner/City curbside composting

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and visible material on lawns during the job; we leave the yard broom-clean. Jobs are brief but can leave compost residue until a light rain or a few waterings settles it into the turf. Access: we need a clear path from driveway or curb to the lawn for wheelbarrows and machines—narrow alleys or stairs may increase time and cost.

Timing and weather: avoid scheduling during hard rainstorms. Best windows in West Seattle: late April–May and mid-September–October. Aftercare: lightly water newly seeded areas for the first 2–3 weeks if dry; avoid heavy foot traffic 24–48 hours after application. Watch shady areas for renewed moss pressure in winter and plan follow-up mechanical cleanups every 12–18 months if moss is persistent.

FAQs

• How long before I see improvement?
  Expect soil structure and drainage to begin improving within a season; visual turf thickening takes one growing season after overseeding.

• Will compost wash away in heavy rain?
  If applied thinly (1/4”–1/2”) and raked in, it integrates quickly; we avoid work during heavy downpours to prevent wash-off.

• Do you use herbicides?
  No. We use mechanical and organic approaches only—hand removal, mulching, aeration, and compost.

• Do you need access to water?
  Yes, a hose hookup is helpful for light post-application watering, or we can advise on timing around forecasted rain.

• Can you handle steep slopes and erosion-prone spots?
  Yes. On slopes we combine aeration, targeted compost lifts, and erosion control practices such as mulch strips or seed blankets as needed.

Call to Action

West Seattle homeowners: if your lawn is thin, mossy, muddy, or sliding on slopes, schedule a free estimate. We book fast for Alki, Admiral, Lincoln Park, and nearby neighborhoods and provide practical, sustainable fixes that last. Quick scheduling, clear pricing, and local experience—no greenwashing.

Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344

Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm
Licensed • Bonded • Insured