Trimming Dividing crowded perennials
Homeowner’s Issue
Trimming yards here face the Pacific Northwest mix: long, wet winters, short dry summers, and soils that range from compacted glacial till to heavy clay in low spots. That combination creates crowded perennials that suffer from poor drainage, moss invasion, and reduced blooms. Many yards around Westcrest Park, Highland Park, and the surrounding Trimming neighborhood are on slopes or have patchy sun exposure — north-facing beds hold moisture and moss, while south-facing banks scorch in summer.
HOA rules, narrow driveways, and riparian setbacks can limit when and how you work, so projects need clear staging and low-impact methods. Crowded perennials choke one another for nutrients and sunlight, invite fungal problems in our wet season, and reduce curb appeal. Dividing plants restores airflow, evens root distribution, and makes irrigation and mulching more effective. In Trimming we prioritize sustainable practices — no herbicides — and focus on long-term low-maintenance results that respect drainage patterns, slope stability, and neighborhood guidelines.
Our Quality Service
We assess each bed and recommend dividing only where plants are stressed or overcrowded. Our team carefully digs, splits, and replants sections to preserve root systems and reduce transplant shock. We time work to avoid the soggiest weeks and aim for early fall or spring when the soil is workable.
Local insights guide our choices: we adjust planting depth for clay pockets, add mulch on slopes to reduce erosion, and improve planting zones that sit in seasonal runoff. Benefits include improved safety on walkways, stronger blooms, simplified maintenance, and healthier root systems that resist pests and rot.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment and plant identification
- Careful digging, dividing, and replanting of perennials
- Light Trimming to shape and remove dead growth
- Hand-weeding and tidy bed edging
- Mulch application around divided sections (standard mulch included)
- Debris haul-away (or green-bin option)
Options / upgrades:
- Mulch + landscape fabric for aggressive weed suppression
- Organic weed control and moss management (no herbicides)
- Soil amendment for heavy clay or sandy spots
- Additional planting (new perennials to fill gaps)
- Gravel or improved drainage installation
- Extended haul-away for large-volume projects
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise from hand tools and brief periods of soil disturbance; we leave the site tidy but separated roots and plant pieces may be visible immediately after work. Narrow gates or limited driveway access can add setup time; please clear a small staging area if possible.
Post-service care tips for Trimming yards:
- Water new divisions lightly for the first 2–3 weeks, then taper.
- Monitor moss and reduce shade or improve drainage where possible.
- Keep ivy and aggressive groundcovers away from divided clumps.
- Apply a 2–3” layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
FAQs
How long does dividing take?
Small beds can be done in a few hours; larger or steep sites may take a full day. We provide estimates after the assessment.
Do you use herbicides?
No. We use sustainable, mechanical, and organic approaches only — no chemical herbicides.
Will my HOA need documentation?
If your HOA requires scheduling or plant lists, we’ll provide the details needed to comply.
Can you haul clippings away?
Yes — choose haul-away or green-bin drop-off at booking.
Call to Action
Trimming homeowners: ready for clearer, healthier beds and better curb appeal? Book a free estimate and we’ll suggest sustainable, site-appropriate timing and a simple care plan. Fast scheduling, reliable crews, and local experience around West Seattle and Highland Park.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Bonded • Insured