West Seattle Large Shrub Removal
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards come in all shapes—steep lots above Fauntleroy, windy exposures near Alki, and shady ravines around Longfellow Creek. That variety means you’ll see shrubs outgrow their space fast: leyland cypress, English laurel, oversized rhododendrons, and volunteer salal can take over beds and block light, views, and sightlines to the street. Our clay‑rich, compacted soils in parts of West Seattle hold water in winter and bake in summer; combined with the city’s typical 35–45 inches of rain, that creates both drainage problems and moss pressure under shallow canopy. North‑facing slopes and yards shaded by big firs encourage moss and ivy, while west‑facing properties get harsh afternoon sun and salt spray on exposed Alki and Admiral lots.
Homeowners want cleaner sightlines, safer walkways, and lower maintenance without swapping one invasive for another. HOAs around Morgan Junction or the Junction often expect tidy edges and visibility at intersections. We remove shrubs with an eye for erosion control on slopes, respect curb appeal rules, and recommend replacements that tolerate our microclimates—native and drought‑tolerant where possible. Our goal: remove the problem plants, fix drainage or erosion risks, and leave you with a sustainable base for future planting.
Our Quality Service
We assess each large shrub on size, root spread, and nearby infrastructure, then plan a low‑impact removal. We use hand tools, chainsaws where needed, and stump grinders; no chemical herbicides. Work is scheduled to avoid the wettest days when possible and to protect soil structure on slopes. Typical job timeline: small single‑shrub jobs are a few hours; larger multi‑shrub or root‑heavy removals take a day or more. We compost green waste when accepted by the city, otherwise haul to licensed green‑waste facilities.
Local insight: much of West Seattle benefits from amended soil and a layer of mulch after removal to reduce compaction and prevent erosion. On steep lots we install temporary erosion control and recommend native groundcovers to stabilize the soil. Benefits include safer access, improved curb appeal, fewer return visits for resprouts, and lower long‑term maintenance.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment and written photo estimate.
- Cutting down and safe removal of above‑ground shrub mass.
- Root extraction or stump grinding (stump grinding is an add‑on if requested).
- Raking, soil backfill in disturbed areas, and light grading for drainage.
- Haul‑away of green waste or preparation for Seattle green‑bin pickup.
- Final tidy: edging and a fresh layer of mulch where requested.
Options / Upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric (recommended for new beds).
- Organic hand weeding and repeating manual spot‑treatment (no herbicides).
- Stump grinding (priced per stump).
- Soil amendment and planting plan with native, low‑water replacements.
- Gravel or drainage channels for persistent wet spots.
Before & After / Expectations
Removal creates noise and wood debris—expect saws and a crew working on site. Jobs can be dusty and generate wood chips; we protect patios, fences, and nearby beds with tarps. Access matters: tight alleyways or stairs add time and may require more crew for safe carry‑out. Disposal: we offer haul‑away to green‑waste facilities or staged pickup for Seattle’s green bin program.
Post‑job care tips for West Seattle:
- For new plantings, fall is ideal; water during dry spells in summer (May–Sept) for the first two seasons.
- Watch shady north slopes for moss and cut back canopy to increase light if moss is persistent.
- Remove ivy roots fully—cutting top growth alone will resurface.
- On steep or compacted sites, leave a 2–3” mulch layer to slow erosion and retain moisture.
FAQs
Q: How long will a typical removal take?
A: Small single bush: 1–3 hours. Multiple large shrubs or root work: half a day to multiple days depending on access and stump grinding.
Q: Do you use herbicides to prevent regrowth?
A: No. We rely on mechanical root removal, stump grinding, and organic follow‑up hand weeding to prevent resprouts.
Q: Will the work damage my lawn or beds?
A: We protect surrounding areas, but expect some temporary disturbance; we refill holes and tidy beds as part of the service.
Q: Can you replant after removal?
A: Yes. We offer soil amendment and planting options with native and drought‑tolerant species suited to West Seattle microclimates.
Call to Action
If your West Seattle yard needs a clean, sustainable reset—lift blocked sightlines, stop resprouts, and make slopes safe—we’ll get it done cleanly and without chemicals. Quick scheduling, transparent estimates, and local know‑how around Alki, Admiral, and Lincoln Park. Book a free photo estimate or onsite visit today.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Insured • On‑time • Respectful of your property