When plants in your yard start looking unhealthy—leaves turning yellow, spots appearing, branches dying back—it’s easy to assume they need more water or fertilizer. But often, the issue is a plant disease. The study of these diseases is called plant pathology, and knowing the basics can help you diagnose problems and choose the right solutions. … Read more

When you hear the word “pesticide,” you might picture something toxic or dangerous. But in reality, pesticide is a broad term that covers many different tools—some natural, some synthetic, some safer than others. For homeowners, understanding what pesticides are and how they fit into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is key to keeping your yard healthy … Read more

Healthy plants don’t just happen by accident—they depend on healthy soil, proper care, and smart pest management. In the Seattle area, where our mild, wet climate encourages both lush plant growth and stubborn weeds, homeowners often run into issues with insects, fungi, or invasive plants. That’s where Integrated Pest Management (IPM) comes in. What is … Read more

In Seattle, gardens and backyards don’t just attract plants and pollinators—they also attract animals. Some are welcome visitors, like songbirds and squirrels. Others, such as rats, raccoons, or deer, can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and even homes. Learning the basics of vertebrate pest management helps homeowners protect their landscapes while respecting the wildlife that … Read more

If you’ve spent any time in your garden, you’ve probably noticed it’s never just about plants. Insects are everywhere—flying, crawling, pollinating, chewing, or simply living quietly under the soil surface. This study of insects is called entomology, and for homeowners, it’s the key to knowing which garden “bugs” are friends, which are foes, and how … Read more

If you’ve spent any time in your garden, you’ve probably noticed it’s never just about plants. Insects are everywhere—flying, crawling, pollinating, chewing, or simply living quietly under the soil surface. This study of insects is called entomology, and for homeowners, it’s the key to knowing which garden “bugs” are friends, which are foes, and how … Read more

Good soil is the foundation of every healthy yard. In Seattle, many homeowners struggle with compacted, rocky, or nutrient-poor soils left behind by decades of construction and development. One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve that soil is through composting. Compost is decomposed organic matter—think food scraps, yard waste, and fallen leaves—that … Read more

If you live in Seattle or anywhere in King County, chances are your yard soil isn’t “natural.” Most urban soils have been shaped by decades of development—grading, construction, fill dirt, compaction, and pollution. The result? Hard, lifeless soil that struggles to support healthy lawns, gardens, or trees. The good news is that urban soils can … Read more

Healthy plants depend on healthy soil—and that comes down to the minerals and nutrients available to them. Just like people need a balanced diet, plants require certain elements to grow strong, resist disease, and produce flowers or fruit. Understanding plant nutrition and how fertilizers work can help Seattle homeowners make better choices for their lawns … Read more

Healthy yards and gardens don’t start with plants—they start with the soil. Soil is more than “dirt.” It’s a living system that supplies nutrients, holds water, supports roots, and houses billions of microorganisms. Understanding the basics of soil science can help Seattle homeowners make better landscaping decisions and avoid problems down the road. Why Soil … Read more

Have you ever looked at a plant in your yard and wondered if it was a weed, a wildflower, or something you should be taking care of? Learning a little basic botany can give you the tools to tell the difference. You don’t need to be a scientist—just understanding a few plant basics will make … Read more

Thinking about spraying salt or vinegar on weeds? It sounds like a simple, eco-friendly DIY trick—but here’s the truth: it’s not as safe or effective as it seems. The Myth Why They’re a Problem Vinegar (acetic acid): Salt (sodium chloride): Epsom salt: When It Might Be Okay If you want a quick fix in places … Read more

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a plant a “noxious weed,” here’s the quick scoop: Noxious weeds are plants that: These weeds aren’t just “annoying.” They can lower property value, damage forests, harm wildlife, and even pose risks to human or animal health. That’s why Washington State law requires certain weeds to be controlled or … Read more

Nearly 30 years after King County began its weed control program, the invasive plant garlic mustard has finally been spotted on Vashon Island—and that’s not good news. Garlic mustard is a Class A Noxious Weed, which means it is written into Washington state law: landowners are legally required to get rid of it. The King … Read more

Did you know you can help stop invasive weeds in King County—sometimes without even realizing it? Just by snapping a picture of a plant and posting it on the free app iNaturalist, you could be helping protect our forests, parks, and neighborhoods. Here’s a real story of how one curious photo posted on iNaturalist helped … Read more

When most people think of seeds, they picture the neat little ones you buy in packets—clean, dry, and ready to plant. But out in nature, seeds look very different. They hide inside all kinds of pods, fruits, and shells. Some are fluffy, some are sticky, some are buried inside berries, and others even explode out … Read more

Seattle has its fair share of invasive weeds, but none are as notorious as giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Known for its towering height and umbrella-like white flower clusters, giant hogweed is more than a nuisance — it’s a toxic plant that can cause severe burns, blisters, and even permanent scarring. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we’re … Read more

Seattle’s damp climate makes it the perfect breeding ground for invasive vines. One of the most common (and most dangerous) is bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). This plant may look pretty with its purple flowers and bright red berries, but it’s highly toxic and can quickly take over fences, garden beds, and wetlands. At Lee’s General … Read more

That little yellow flower popping up across your lawn might look harmless, but if it’s spreading in mats across the ground, you’re likely dealing with creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens). In Seattle’s wet climate, this invasive weed thrives in lawns, garden beds, and anywhere soil stays damp. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we help homeowners remove creeping … Read more

Seattle homeowners often notice clusters of tall, yellow-flowered weeds in summer and wonder if they’re just wild daisies. More often than not, those plants are tansy ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), a noxious invasive weed that poses serious risks to people, pets, and livestock. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we provide safe, professional tansy ragwort removal to protect … Read more

Bull thistle is one of those weeds that looks almost ornamental at first glance — big purple flower heads on tall stems — but don’t be fooled. In Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest, bull thistle is a noxious invasive plant that spreads aggressively and can turn your yard into a spiny mess if left … Read more

If you’ve spotted a tall, bamboo-like plant with broad leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers in your yard, chances are you’re dealing with Japanese knotweed — one of the most aggressive invasive weeds in Seattle. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we’ve helped many homeowners take back their yards from knotweed infestations. Here’s what you need … Read more

Weeds are one of the biggest headaches for Seattle homeowners. Between our rainy winters and sunny summers, invasive plants like blackberry, ivy, and even poison hemlock can spread fast. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we provide professional weed removal services that go beyond just trimming the surface — we get to the root of the problem … Read more