White Center Landscape Repair — Add Gravel to Swale
Homeowner’s Issue
White Center yards see frequent winter rain, compacted native soils, and a lot of foot traffic from nearby streets. Many homes sit on gentle slopes toward the road, where seasonal runoff pools in low spots and erodes topsoil. Soils here often compact into heavy, slow-draining mixes—silt and clay that hold water and promote moss in shady corners, while sunny slopes bake and wash out. Clogged swales, invasive weeds, and broken curbside drainage are common complaints from homeowners in White Center, Highland Park, and parts of West Seattle.
Homeowners want safe walkways, fewer puddles, and a yard that looks tidy without weekly upkeep. Gravel in a properly shaped swale helps water move, reduces erosion, and filters runoff before it reaches storm drains. It also improves curb appeal and keeps lawns and beds from turning to mud during the rainy months. For many neighbors, Landscape Repair means smart, sustainable fixes—no herbicides, native planting options, and solutions that respect Seattle’s wet climate while cutting maintenance time for busy households.
Our Quality Service
We assess your swale, then clear debris, remove invasive roots, and regrade lines so water follows the path it should. We install a breathable underlayer when needed and place 1–2 inches of selected gravel for filtration and erosion control. Our crew uses low-impact equipment that fits tight White Center lots and focuses on sustainable techniques—no herbicides, organic weed control, and compost-friendly haul-away.
Benefits:
- Safer yards with less pooling and ice in winter.
- Better curb appeal that lasts through storms.
- Lower maintenance: less mowing, fewer clogged drains, and more stable slopes.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and swale evaluation
- Debris and weed removal (hand-pulled, organic methods)
- Regrading for proper flow and erosion control
- Gravel installation (1–2 inches where specified)
- Final compaction and performance check
Options / Upgrades:
- Landscape fabric beneath gravel to limit weeds
- Native plants for added filtration and habitat
- Mulch + fabric for adjacent beds
- Organic weed control programs
- Haul-away (dump fees included) or green bin composting for cleared material
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise from small equipment and a short window of disturbed soil and gravel dust during work. We need clear access to the swale and a short hose or water source for compaction checks. After installation, a tidy gravel swale will look finished but may settle; plan on a light follow-up the first season.
Care tips:
- Rake gravel lightly once a year and remove debris.
- Pull invading weeds by hand; use mulch or plants on edges to limit spread.
- Check for sediment build-up after heavy storms; we offer seasonal tune-ups.
- Keep ivy and aggressive vines away from swale edges to avoid clogging.
FAQs
Q: How long does a job take?
A: Most residential swales are completed in a day; larger or regraded jobs may take two.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Usually not for on-property swale work, but municipal curb and ROW changes may require permits. We advise and work with you.
Q: Will this stop all erosion?
A: Gravel helps a lot, but steep slopes may need additional planting or terraces for long-term stability.
Call to Action
Ready to fix drainage and get a low-maintenance yard? Book a free estimate—fast scheduling, reliable results, and neighborhood expertise across White Center, West Seattle, and Highland Park. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com to get started.
Neat & Tidy Landscaping — Local, sustainable Landscape Repair.
📧 neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
📞 206-538-9344
Mon–Sun: 9am–6pm
🔒 Licensed • Bonded • Insured
