Yard Clean-Ups — Starting at $250

Skip to main content
Swale gravel installation — Gravel
Swale gravel installation — Gravel
By Neat & Tidy Landscaping Product Team Published on April 2, 2023
Categories: landscaping , maintenance , services

Gravel Swale gravel installation

Homeowner’s Issue

Gravel homeowners know the drill: frequent rain, compacted glacial soils, and shady pockets that hold moisture create persistent drainage problems. Over time, poorly drained yards develop moss, patchy lawn areas, and invasive weeds that thrive in damp conditions. Many properties sit on subtle slopes or near driveways where runoff pools, undermining edges, trip hazards, and undermining curb appeal. Sun exposure varies across lots, so plant choices and placement matter more than in drier neighborhoods.

Swale gravel installations are a practical, low-maintenance fix for these issues in Gravel. A properly graded swale, lined with drainage-grade gravel and planted with deep-rooted native grasses, slows runoff, improves infiltration, and filters sediment before it reaches streets or storm drains. Homeowners want solutions that require little upkeep, don’t rely on herbicides, and fit neighborhood aesthetics — especially for properties near White Center or West Seattle that see similar heavy rains and soil types. We design for access, HOA standards, and long-term performance so you get a tidy yard that handles water without constant intervention.

Our Quality Service

We design and install swale gravel systems tailored to Gravel yards, using sustainable methods only. Work begins with a site assessment to map flow lines, soil type, and sun exposure. We then grade the swale, install a drainage-ready gravel base, and add native plantings or erosion-control fabric where appropriate.

Local insight guides our approach: heavier winter rainfall, compacted soils, and steep micro-slopes influence depth and gravel spec. Benefits include safer walkways, reduced standing water, improved curb appeal, and a durable solution that lowers maintenance over time.

What’s Included

  • Detailed site assessment and flow-line mapping
  • Excavation, grading, and compaction for correct slope
  • Gravel installation with drainage-grade material
  • Optional native planting to stabilize banks and filter runoff
  • Final inspection and homeowner walkthrough

Options / Upgrades:

  • Mulch + fabric at adjacent beds
  • Organic weed control and hand-weeding plans
  • Haul-away of old material or green bin composting
  • Erosion control mats on steep sections

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and truck activity on installation day and minor debris while we work. Properties with tight access, underground utilities, or steep driveways may require staged work or short permits. We clean up daily and perform a final tidy when the job is complete.

Care tips for Gravel yards:

  • Inspect swale after heavy storms and remove large debris.
  • Pull invasive weeds by hand early in the season.
  • Water new plantings for the first 2–3 months, then let natives establish.
  • Watch for moss in shaded, constantly wet areas and increase sun or airflow where possible.

FAQs

How long does an installation take?

Most residential swale installs finish in 1–2 days, depending on size and access.

Will this stop all standing water?

It reduces pooling in targeted areas but works best as part of a property-wide drainage plan.

Do you use chemicals for weed control?

No — we use organic, manual, and mechanical methods only.

Do I need a permit?

Small, on-property swales usually don’t, but we’ll advise if a permit or HOA approval is needed.

Call to Action

Gravel homeowners: book a free estimate and get a practical, sustainable swale that manages rain, reduces erosion, and improves curb appeal. We schedule quickly, work reliably, and know local conditions around White Center and West Seattle.

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

Licensed • Bonded • Insured



Seattle landscaping background

Seattle English Ivy Removal Experts

English ivy may look pretty, but it quickly damages trees, fences, and foundations. At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we provide professional ivy removal services in Seattle—eliminating invasive growth by hand, without the use of herbicides or sprays. We remove ivy from tree trunks, garden beds, fence lines, and more to help restore your landscape’s health and appearance.

Ivy cleared from wooden fence in Seattle
Tree Ivy Removal
Removing ivy vines from tree base
Fence Ivy Clean-Up
Digging out ivy roots from soil
Root Removal

We remove ivy by hand—safely and completely—from soil, trees, and fences.

Neat & Tidy Landscaping logo
 Landscaping photo

Our Seattle ivy removal team cuts vines at the base, gently unwinds growth from trees and wood structures, and digs out the root systems below. This root-level approach stops ivy from returning and protects nearby plants, wildlife, and structures—no chemicals, just clean results. Perfect for homeowners, property managers, and anyone dealing with ivy overgrowth. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and site visit.

Seattle Landscaping Packages: Clean-Ups, Lawn Care, and Small Repairs

Garden Bed Clean-Ups

Weed, prune, mulch, and refresh your beds. Includes blackberry, ivy, and bamboo removal. One-time • Monthly • Quarterly

Neat & Tidy Garden Service

Lawn Care & Turf

Mowing, edging, fertilizing, sod installs, and upgrades for a healthy, low-care lawn.

Lawn Care Made Easy

Repairs & Small Upgrades

Fix pavers, add gravel paths, repair fences, and improve drainage — simple updates that last.

Easy Upgrade Services

Trusted by Seattle Homeowners Since 2010

Book Your Free Landscaping Estimate

Why Choose Neat & Tidy Landscaping?

  • Competetive pricing & reliable workmanship
  • Low-maintenance solutions that last
  • Family-owned in Seattle • 15+ years’ experience
  • 1,000+ happy clients across King County