Landscaping Supplies Archives | Greely Sand & Gravel Inc.

Category: Landscaping Supplies

When Will Topsoil Be Ready in Ottawa?

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

Every year around this time, the same question starts coming up across Ottawa: when will topsoil actually be ready?

It usually happens right after the first stretch of decent weather, when the snow is mostly gone, the sun feels a little stronger, and suddenly everyone is thinking about lawns, gardens, and all the projects they didn’t get to last year.

The problem is that what you see on the surface doesn’t tell the whole story. Even when it looks like spring has arrived, the ground underneath can still be frozen or holding a lot of moisture. Until those conditions change, topsoil can’t be properly processed or delivered.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways: When Topsoil is Ready in Ottawa

  • Topsoil in Ottawa is usually ready between early April and early May, but timing depends on ground conditions, not the calendar.
  • Frost and excess moisture below the surface are the main reasons for delays, even when spring weather arrives.
  • Availability typically starts gradually, with limited supply early in the season and more consistent delivery as conditions improve.
  • Planning ahead gives you the advantage. When suppliers start confirming timelines, you’re ready to book instead of waiting.

What This Means for This Year

If you’re reading this in early spring and wondering if topsoil is ready yet, you’re not alone. This is exactly when most people start asking.

In Ottawa, topsoil is rarely ready the moment the weather turns. Even in years that feel like an early spring, it still takes time for the ground to fully thaw and dry out enough to work with.

In most cases, availability starts to open up gradually through April and becomes more consistent as conditions improve, so if it still feels a bit early, it probably is. And if you’re starting to see landscaping work happening across the area, that’s usually a sign that things are moving.

Why Topsoil Availability Changes Every Year

Topsoil isn’t a product that sits on a shelf ready to go year-round. It needs to be excavated, screened, and prepared under the right conditions. That process is heavily affected by the transition from winter to spring.

In Ottawa, winter doesn’t disappear overnight. Frost goes deep into the ground, and it takes time for that to fully release. A few warm days in March or April might feel like progress, but they usually aren’t enough to change what’s happening below the surface.

Then there’s the moisture factor. As the snow melts, all that water gets absorbed into the soil. That can leave conditions too wet to work with, even after the frost is gone. If topsoil is handled too early, it tends to clump and lose the consistency people expect, which creates more problems than it solves.

That’s why availability shifts every year. It’s not about hitting a date on the calendar; it’s about waiting for the ground to reach a point where the material can actually be prepared properly.

When Topsoil is Typically Ready in Ottawa

In most years, topsoil becomes available in Ottawa somewhere between early April and early May, but that window isn’t as predictable as people would like. This timing is typical for topsoil delivery across Ottawa and surrounding areas, where freeze-thaw conditions tend to follow a similar pattern each year.

Some seasons move quickly. A mild winter followed by steady spring temperatures can open things up earlier than expected. Other years take longer, especially when cold nights or late snow slow down the thaw.

It’s also worth noting that availability doesn’t happen all at once. Early in the season, supply can be limited, and scheduling may be tighter. As conditions improve, things become more consistent and easier to plan around.

What Affects Topsoil Readiness Each Spring

If you’re trying to get a better read on timing, it helps to understand what’s actually happening behind the scenes. These are the factors that determine when topsoil can be processed and delivered each spring.

Factor What It Means Impact on Availability
Ground Temperature Soil must fully thaw below the surface Frozen ground delays excavation and screening
Moisture Levels Snowmelt saturates soil early in spring Wet soil cannot be processed properly
Weather Patterns Consistent warm days vs. fluctuating temps Warm, stable weather speeds up availability
Site Access Equipment needs stable ground conditions Muddy conditions can delay operations
Processing Conditions Soil must be screened and prepared correctly Poor conditions affect quality and timing

This is why you can have a sunny week in March or April and still not see topsoil available yet. The conditions below the surface are what really matter.

How to Read the Season Without Guessing

You don’t need daily updates to get a good sense of timing, but you do need to pay attention to what’s actually happening on the ground instead of just watching the weather forecast. A few simple observations can tell you a lot about where things stand.

If the ground is still soft and wet underfoot, conditions likely aren’t ready yet. If you’re seeing standing water in low areas or your lawn feels spongy, the soil is still holding too much moisture.

On the other hand, when things start to firm up, contractors are back on site, and materials are moving around the city, that’s when availability is usually opening up. It’s less about the date and more about what’s actually happening on the ground.

How to Tell When Topsoil is Actually Ready

Homeowners often rely on temperature alone, but there are better indicators that topsoil is ready or close to being ready.

When you start seeing consistent daytime temperatures above freezing, combined with dry ground conditions and active landscaping work in your area, that’s usually a strong signal that supply is opening up.

Another clear sign is when local suppliers begin confirming delivery timelines rather than giving estimates. That shift usually means processing is underway and material is moving.

Early Spring vs Late Spring: What to Expect

Timing What It Looks Like What It Means for You
Early Spring (Late March–Early April) Snow mostly gone, but ground still wet or soft Too early for most deliveries
Mid Spring (April) Ground starting to firm up, warmer days consistent Limited availability begins
Late Spring (Late April–May) Dry, stable conditions and active job sites Full availability and easier scheduling

Planning Your Spring Project the Right Way

A lot of homeowners wait until they know topsoil is available before they start planning their project. It sounds logical, but it usually puts them a step behind.

By the time availability is confirmed, demand is already building. Landscapers are booking jobs, delivery schedules start filling up, and what could have been a simple order turns into something you have to work around.

Planning ahead doesn’t mean rushing. It just means having a clear idea of what you need, where it’s going, and how you want it delivered. When conditions finally line up, you’re ready to move instead of trying to figure everything out at once. This is especially true if you’re planning for topsoil delivery in Ottawa, where demand can build quickly once the season starts. If you want to get ahead of the rush, you can place your order directly through our website and schedule delivery for as soon as topsoil becomes available.

Bulk Delivery vs Garden Bags Early in the Season

Early spring is also a good time to think about how you want your material delivered, because that choice affects how the project actually plays out once everything arrives.

Bulk delivery is often the go-to for larger jobs. It’s efficient and straightforward, but it does mean dealing with a full pile right away. If the ground is still soft from the thaw, that pile can shift or spread more than expected, especially on driveways or lawns that haven’t fully firmed up yet.

Garden bags offer a different approach. They keep everything contained, which makes cleanup easier and gives you more flexibility if you’re working over a few days instead of trying to get it all done at once. For a lot of homeowners, that control ends up being the deciding factor. If you’re also refreshing garden beds, this is a good time to mix in mushroom compost to improve soil quality before planting.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

Getting your timing right can make the entire project easier. Ordering too early usually means waiting on conditions that are out of your control, while ordering too late can mean longer delivery windows and less flexibility when you need it most.

The sweet spot is being ready when topsoil becomes available, not scrambling once everyone else is already booking deliveries and trying to fit into a full schedule.

When Will Topsoil Be Available in Ottawa?

Topsoil season in Ottawa doesn’t start with a date, it starts with conditions. Some years it comes together quickly, other years it takes a bit more patience.

If you’re thinking about a project, the best move is to stay a step ahead. Pay attention to how the ground feels, watch what’s happening around you, and be ready to go when everything lines up.

That way, when the season does open up, you’re not trying to catch up. You’re already in position.

FAQs About Topsoil in Ottawa

How early do suppliers know when topsoil will be ready?

Most suppliers have a general idea based on the season, but timing still depends on when topsoil can actually be processed under the right conditions. A few warm days can help, but it usually takes a consistent stretch of stable weather before anything is confirmed.

Can I damage my lawn by placing topsoil too early?

Yes, especially if the ground is still soft. Heavy loads or repeated foot traffic can leave ruts or compact areas that take time to recover.

Does location within Ottawa make a difference?

It can. Some areas thaw faster than others, depending on sun exposure, drainage, and soil type. That said, most suppliers work off overall regional conditions.

What should I do while waiting for topsoil to become available?

This is a good time to prep your space. Clear debris, plan your layout, and measure the area so you know exactly how much material you’ll need.

Is there a benefit to ordering right at the start of the season?

Yes. Early orders often have more flexibility for scheduling, and you’re less likely to run into delays once demand peaks.

Winter Products

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

You can feel it, that chill in the air, the crisp breeze when you step outside - winter is on its way!

As you clean out your yard, gardens, and flowerboxes, it is a great time to also consider stocking up on outdoor products you will need during the next couple months. Greely Sand & Gravel is open throughout the winter and has the premium products you need to tackle ice and snow on your property.

There are many practical ways you can prepare your home and property for winter including:

  • Raking and removing dead leaves from your lawn
  • Cleaning out and raking flower beds and gardens
  • Removing and putting away outdoor hoses
  • Cleaning and covering your barbeque and AC units
  • Covering bushes, shrubs, or small trees that need extra insulation

This is also a good time to ensure that your eavestrough and drainage systems are all in good working order to prevent flooding in the spring thaw. Fallen leaves can accumulate easily around your home and interfere with proper drainage. Last winter we had nearly record setting snow accumulation in some areas of Ottawa, which can lead to drainage issues as it thaws. Don’t get caught with a clogged eavestrough in the spring - prepare early!

Once your property is cleaned up and ready for winter, consider visiting our main landscape depot in Greely to stock up on salt and other deicing products that are critical to have on hand when reducing slip and fall hazards on your driveway, walkway, and stairs.

Thawrox Salt
is our premium de-icing product and is especially effective at lower temperatures. In addition to providing safe, effective de-icing, using Thawrox Salt will reduce your overall costs because it has a higher adhesion rate than other products, meaning that a little goes a long way.

Road Salt
is broken into large granules for easy spreading on roads, sidewalks and other surfaces. We recommend this product for commercial use as a roadway de-icer.

Salt and Sand Mix
is used to increase traction on thick icy surfaces or snow-covered roadways. If you are concerned about damage to concrete and asphalt, this product might be a great option as it only contains enough salt to prevent the sand from freezing.

Salt and Chip Mix
provides added traction in slippery areas at an economical price. Great for helping to prevent slips, trips, and falls in areas with heavy foot traffic such as stairs or walkways that tend to get icy.

Are you a contractor looking to get ice control products for your yard or job site?

Choose delivery by either bulk load or cubic yard bags. Need to pick up ice control products? Visit our Landscape Depot at 1971 Old Prescott Rd in Greely during business hours, or call our after hours Salt Hotline at 613-875-SALT to pick up from our salt depot located at 5362 Bank St. We’re here to keep you going during winter storms!

And remember, our website is always there with our product lists and handy cubic yard calculator so that you can get an early start on planning your 2026 landscaping projects! We can’t wait to see what you create.

Happy winter!

The Life of an Equipment Operator

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

At Greely Sand & Gravel, we are all about TEAMWORK. There are many different people with specialized skillsets who come together to make our business work each and every day. From sales staff to accountants, from dispatchers to dump truck drivers, we rely on each of our staff to bring their expertise to the table in order to provide the best possible customer experience.

In today’s blog, we want to highlight our equipment operators!

This may not be a role that many of our customers are familiar with, but they play a critical part in getting our products to your door. We have loader operators at our three landscape depots who are kept busy each day moving, loading, and stocking each of our many landscaping products. We also have loader operators and excavator operators in our manufacturing pit who blend and screen sand, soil, and custom mix products.

All of our equipment operators are highly trained and certified to operate heavy equipment. These are some impressive machines. The sheer size and weight make them tricky to operate. It is critical that the operators work in collaboration with our dump truck drivers and pick up customers in order to safely load each vehicle with minimal spillage and maximum safety. In addition to specialized driving skills, our loader operators must have excellent communication skills and heightened awareness of their surroundings in order to do their job well.

Our loader and excavator operators arrive on site at our depots and manufacturing pit bright and early. Before any trucks are loaded for delivery, or pick up customers arrive, the loader operators are busy cleaning up the yards and pit, and ensuring that their equipment is in tiptop shape for the day. In order to prevent any mixing of products, loader operators use different buckets for different products and regularly clean the buckets as well.

During the day, our dump trucks complete many commercial and residential delivery orders. All of this product must be loaded onto the various trucks by our loader operators. They also work hard to fill all our Greely Gardening Bags for delivery to our customers across the Ottawa region.

If you have a truck or trailer and want to come to one of our depots to pick up your product(s), you will meet our loader operators and witness the amazing work they do firsthand. It takes a lot of knowledge and skill to fill vehicles with the right amount of the right product in a way that is clean AND safe.

Still curious about the important role that our equipment operators play at Greely Sand & Gravel every day? Watch the video below to meet some of our team and hear their stories firsthand.

Dump Truck Driving With Greely

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

It’s one of the most critical roles within the GS&G team - our dump truck drivers! Each of our experienced and highly skilled drivers play a part in our efficient and convenient product delivery. Being able to properly place a Greely Gardening Bag or dump a full load of soil, stone, or mulch right where you need it takes a lot of practice and can save each of our customers a lot of time and effort as you complete your landscaping project. Today we want to showcase our amazing team of drivers and the training, effort, and care they put into their work everyday.

Driving a dump truck is not the same as driving a minivan or pick-up truck. The sheer size of the vehicle, as well as its job-specific functions such as operating the dumpbox, take training to master and operate safely. In Ontario, you must be at least 18 years old and have a DZ or AZ license to drive a dump truck or a tractor trailer (the specific type of license required depends on the exact type of vehicle you will be operating). In order to obtain one of these specialized licenses, a driver must take a training course, as well as pass both knowledge and road tests.

At Greely Sand & Gravel, we ensure that all our drivers have current and applicable qualifications to allow them to safely operate the equipment needed to deliver our products. Each morning, the drivers do a full inspection of the truck they will be driving that day, making sure that everything is in good, working order. At the end of the day, another inspection takes place, and any issues are reported to management, as well as our team of on-site mechanics. Our mechanics work with our drivers and other equipment operators daily to keep the entire Greely Sand & Gravel fleet in excellent shape.

Throughout a typical work day, our drivers will make up to 20 different deliveries from our landscape depots to our customers’ properties. This requires a thorough knowledge of the Ottawa area and the ability to safely operate their vehicle on many types of roadways and alongside different types of traffic including pedestrians, cyclists, and other motor vehicles.

Particularly at this time of year when school is back in session, our drivers are especially vigilant when delivering in highly populated areas or areas that require driving through a school zone. At Greely Sand & Gravel, safety is our top priority, and this extends not only to our team, but to everyone in our community and service area!

There are many different factors at play when our products are delivered to your property. A driver must take into consideration the size of the space where the product will be dumped, any overhanging branches or overhead wires, the amount of space available to complete the delivery, and anything else that might affect the delivery such as a sloped driveway, inclement weather, etc. Our drivers are specially trained to complete deliveries quickly and cleanly in a variety of environments, making the process easy and convenient for our customers.  As our drivers gain more experience, they become skilled in tricky deliveries such as delivery to compact urban areas or delivering two products on a split load truck.

 Do you have a unique property that might pose some challenges for product delivery? Give our office a call at 613-821-3003 - chances are that some of our drivers have delivered in a similar situation and have expertise that they would be happy to use to help make your project a success! We have been in this business for more than four decades and are honored to use our experience to provide a top notch customer experience.

Here's a great Video of Dave showing us the Dos and Don'ts when you see a truck on the road. 

Interested in some of the challenges our delivery drivers face in their day to day work? Watch the video below to learn more about a day in the life of a Greely Sand & Gravel dump truck driver!

What Is Mulch

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

Warm days, cold nights, stunning foliage, and bright sunshine - autumn in Ottawa is a beautiful time of year! While summer might be over, there is still plenty of time to get some quality work done around your property to ensure that your lawn and gardens come back strong and healthy in the spring.

One way that you can start preparing for spring now is by spreading mulch around your trees and in your gardens and flowerbeds. Mulch is a natural product made from the bark and fibers of trees that are either chipped into small pieces or shredded. Not only does mulch add textural variety and visual appeal to your property, it also is an excellent way to naturally discourage weed growth and increase moisture retention in your soil.

At Greely Sand & Gravel we offer mulch made from pine and cedar trees in a wide array of colours. From a natural brown to a rich black, choose the colour that complements your home and property best! And no need to worry about harsh chemicals - all our mulches are coloured using biodegradable dyes, safe for children, pets, and the environment.

There are so many benefits to applying mulch around the base of trees or in your flowerbeds! A good layer of mulch helps to keep weeds at bay and protects your soil from getting too much sun which allows it to stay hydrated longer and is great for developing healthy plants. Additionally, choosing the right colour of mulch can be an excellent way to highlight the colour scheme and architectural features of your home’s exterior.

If you are laying mulch for the first time, we recommend creating a layer about 3” thick over your soil. This will ensure full coverage and better weed control as opposed to a thinner layer. For even more weed prevention and to keep the mulch from mixing with your soil, consider laying landscape fabric around your plants before applying the mulch. We have several great options for landscape fabric available at our landscape depots. If you have existing mulch and want to top it up, consider adding a 1” layer of new mulch to the area.

To calculate how much mulch you will need, find the length and width (in feet) of the space you want to cover and simply plug those numbers and your desired depth (in inches) into our Cubic Yard Calculator, found on the left side of every product page on our website.

You may have heard that cedar mulches are not good for your gardens as they can attract certain types of insects. In fact, the opposite is actually true! In most cases, cedar mulch and its strong aroma will deter bugs such as ants, moths, and mosquitos from entering and living in the space - just another benefit of adding mulch to your property!

Not sure what colour or type of mulch is right for you? Come out to any of our three conveniently located landscape depots (Greely, Kemptville, or West End) to see and touch our different options. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to answer all your questions and help select the right mulch for your project and property. We look forward to seeing you!

Our Disposabag Program

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

Cleaning up after a landscaping project, home repair job, or major yard overhaul doesn’t have to be a hassle. With Greely Sand & Gravel’s DisposaBag Waste Pickup Service, you can say goodbye to multiple trips to the dump and hello to a cleaner, more convenient solution.

The DisposaBag is a sturdy, reusable bag that holds a full cubic yard of waste and can handle up to around 1,500 kg. It’s perfect for garden debris, excavation materials like soil and rock, or non-hazardous household waste. Simply order an empty bag online for delivery or pick one up at any landscape depots. You can also reuse a Greely Gardening Bag from a previous delivery order, as long as it’s in good condition with no rips, tears, or holes. Once you’ve got your bag, place it on your driveway or on a flat, accessible surface with at least nine feet of clearance around it - this ensures that Greely Sand & Gravel’s forklift can reach it easily during pickup.

When your bag is in a good position, you can begin filling it with waste. Some important points to keep in mind are:

  • Different types of waste need to go in separate bags. Once you start filling a bag, keep the waste type consistent for that whole bag. You can use a second bag for a different type of waste if needed, and have both bags picked up at the same time.
  • The different types of waste are:
    • Garden Waste
      Any organic material from your lawn, garden or indoor plants, including grass trimmings, plants, pruning, old shrubs, tree trimmings, and leaves.
    • Excavation Waste
      Almost anything that you can dig out of your lawn, including non-contaminated gravel, rocks, sand, soil and interlocking bricks.
    • Non-Hazardous Household Waste
      Any material that doesn’t qualify as Garden or Excavation waste and can fit in your Greely’s DisposaBag, including small appliances, pieces of wood, scrap metal, plastic material, clothing and small pieces of furniture.

*Remember, items NOT permitted in the DisposaBag are paint, chemicals, solvents, fluorescent tubes, light fixtures with ballasts, batteries, drywall, contaminated waste and other hazardous material.

Different types of waste must be kept separate so that we can recycle as much material as possible to avoid sending it to the landfill. Organic waste can be used to rehabilitate our quarries and other natural areas, which is why any household waste must not be mixed in with it.

Fill your bags to the limit line (just below the duffle top) and make sure all four corner loops are accessible, as these are used by the forklift to load the bags onto the truck. When you’re ready, simply give our office a call at 613-821-3003 or schedule your pick up online at GreelySand.com. Our trucks deliver Greely Gardening Bags across the Ottawa region every day, so we are usually able to have DisposaBags picked up on those same trucks within 48 hours of the time you schedule your pick up!

For more information about our disposabags here's a great video

Whether you’re sprucing up your garden, clearing out clutter, or digging up a new patio, Greely’s DisposaBag service gives you a reliable and eco-friendly way to manage the mess. No bins, no dump runs, no stress - just fill, book, and let Greely Sand & Gravel do the rest. Clean up your space and your schedule with the DisposaBag. From mess to magic - Greely Sand & Gravel makes it easy!

Let’s Talk About Sand

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

Summer is officially in full swing and we hope you’ve had a chance to soak up some sun! For many of us, summer is a time when we can kick back and relax or tackle that backyard project that we’ve been waiting all year to finish. It’s also a great time to transform your property into that oasis you’ve been dreaming of! Whether you need to top up your waterfront beach, create a fun play area for the kids, or even do some work on your septic system, sand is an important component in many landscaping projects. At Greely Sand & Gravel, we stock many top quality varieties of sand, perfect for whatever project you are tackling this summer!

Let’s start with the basics - where does our sand come from? Most of the sand we stock at Greely Sand & Gravel is locally sourced from our pits here in the Ottawa region. Once removed from the pit by our excavators, the sand goes through a machine called a Powerscreen. When screening sand, a very fine screen is used to ensure that only the smallest particles get through. This makes the resulting product uniform in size, and also removes any stones, sticks, or roots that may be in the sand. Our Screened Sand can be used to backfill large areas or build up the grade around your home - it is a great value-conscious option for a project that requires a large quantity of sand. Looking for sand for a playground or patio area? Read on!

Greely Sand & Gravel’s Playground Sand is an ideal choice for families, contractors, and schools looking to create a safe and fun play area. This sand is washed, leaving only the sand grains with no silt or clay mixed in. All organic matter has been removed from this sand, making it a great product for beaches, playgrounds, outdoor volleyball courts, waterfronts, patios, and more. This sand does not compact, allowing water to flow through it and reducing weed growth. Additionally, this product has undergone rigorous impact testing which ensures it is safe for children and for use in play areas, so no need to worry!

Other washed sands include Concrete Sand and Brick Sand.  Course washed Concrete Sand is ideal for levelling interlock bricks or patio stone and is installed on top of the granular compacted base in a 1”-2” depth.  Washed Brick Sand is also known as Masonry Sand and is used for cement for brick laying.  Brick Sand can also be used as a base for pool liners as it is always free moving and is soft against the pool liner.

Perhaps you need to do some work on your septic system this summer. At Greely Sand & Gravel, we stock Septic Sand that we wash in-house to ensure that it is the correct T-time for use around a conventional septic system and drainage pipes. T-time is a measure of how quickly treated wastewater is absorbed into the soil and it is used to determine the size and design of a septic system. Watch the video below to learn more about our Septic Sand.

If you have an Eljen system, we stock an Eljen/Enviro Sand which is a washed, coarse sand approved for Eljen Systems and Enviro Systems. The T-time for this sand is six to eight minutes.

At Greely Sand & Gravel we also stock Hydro Sand, a soft sand containing silt and clay, perfect for filling trenches and burying wires. Because it will compact if exposed to natural elements, it is not recommended for under playgrounds or on beach fronts. However, hydro sand is a wonderful option for smaller, contained sandboxes, as the sand will compact together nicely to build sandcastles. Its soft texture makes it a wonderful choice for burying utility wires with little risk of damage.

Dave Explains the different types of Sand

Still not sure exactly what sand is right for your project? Our online store has detailed project pages which provide more specific information on each project, including safety testing results and sieve analyses. Simply visit our homepage and hover over “Homeowners” on the top left. The second column from the left contains links to all our different varieties of sand.

You are also welcome to come see us in person at any of our three landscape depots: Greely, Barrhaven, and Kemptville! We are happy to help you find exactly what you need to complete your landscaping project this summer!

Different Types of Gravel

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

When you think of landscaping products, your mind might automatically jump to soil, mulch, and decorative stone. But at Greely Sand & Gravel, we also provide top quality gravel products - it’s in our name! Buying gravel can be a tricky process because it goes by many names and the slight differences between the different products can make or break your project. Our experienced team is ready to help you figure out exactly what you need to make your landscaping project a success this summer!

The term “gravel” can refer to different things… crushed stone, GA, stone dust, clear stone. Each name refers to a slightly different product but it can be confusing to know which product you need for your specific application.

The three main gravel products we stock at Greely Sand & Gravel are:

    • ⅞” Crushed Stone - This is high quality limestone that has been put through a crusher creating pieces of different sizes all the way from ⅞” pieces down to stone dust. 
    • ¾” or ⅜” Clear Stone - This is also high quality limestone, but the pieces are screened to remove stone dust and smaller particles, leaving just more uniformly sized pieces, available in smaller or larger stone sizes.
  • Stone Dust - This refers to just the limestone dust that is a byproduct of the crushing process.

Each product mentioned above has a different application within construction and landscaping. Crushed Stone, also called GA, is perfect for creating a solid base for your patio, walkway, hot tub, or garden shed. The inclusion of all different sizes of stone and also Stone Dust, allows this product to compact well, creating a very solid base layer for your project.

Stone Dust is often applied on top of the Crushed Stone base, prior to laying pavers or interlocking stones. The fine grain of Stone Dust allows you to level each stone or paver, creating a safe, stable, and uniform final product.

Clear Stone is excellent for areas that require drainage because the stones are all the same size, which means that small spaces are left between the pieces when you install them. Clear Stone is often used for areas around your property where water will need to drain away from structures. It is also used as a base layer under a concrete slab, again to provide adequate drainage away from the area.

Here's a great video showing the different types of Gravel

In terms of specific projects, here are a few examples of what type of gravel would be required. 

  • Gravel Driveway - Fill potholes and level a gravel driveway with ⅞” Crushed Stone. This stone will compact down when it is spread and leveled, creating a solid and safe surface on which to drive or walk.
  • French Drain - Use Clear Stone to fill the trench or drainage area. The spaces left between the stone pieces will allow water to move quickly away from your home, shed, or barn.
  • Interlock Walkway - Use ⅞” Crushed Stone to create a base layer. Once you have leveled and compacted the ⅞” Crushed Stone, spread a 1” thick layer of Stone Dust on top and then begin placing your interlocking stones.

If you aren’t sure about what specific gravel product you need for your project, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 613-821-3003. Our experienced team members can help you select the right product to meet your needs.

Once you know what you need, place an order for delivery by dump truck or Greely Gardening Bag on our website, or visit one of our three conveniently located landscape depots to pick it up yourself. Stop by today and make your landscaping dreams a reality!

Topsoil and Grass Seed

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

At Greely Sand & Gravel, quality soil is our specialty. Our Screened Topsoil and Topdressing Soil is what keeps customers coming back to us for decades! Now that spring is in full swing, you might be noticing a few bare or patchy areas in your lawn that need attention. Or maybe you moved into a recently built home and need to start your lawn from scratch. Whatever your specific situation, we have the products to give you a beautiful, luscious lawn from the ground up!

With so many different options for soil on the market, it is always helpful to get back to the basics. What is topsoil and why does it matter what type of soil you use on your lawn?

Greely Sand & Gravel’s Screened Topsoil is high-quality, locally sourced soil, put through a screener to remove any sticks, stones, weeds, or clumps. This soil provides the right amount of structure needed to create a solid base for a new lawn, whether seed or sod. Greely Sand & Gravel’s Topdressing Soil is a blend of Screened Topsoil, Mushroom Compost, and black peat. This soil is packed with nutrients to naturally fertilize your lawn - making it perfect for overseeding or filling in some patchy areas.

We also offer several varieties of premium grass seed. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select a product that is best suited to your specific property and project. The best times to plant grass seed are the spring and the fall, but you can also plant in the summer, as long as you water the area very frequently.

To plant grass seed, ensure you have a good base of soil in the area. As mentioned above, we recommend using Screened Topsoil for a brand new lawn, and Topdressing Soil for fixing patches or overseeding. Once you have spread and leveled the soil, sprinkle the grass seed on the area. This can be done manually or with a seed spreader. Try to spread the seed as evenly as possible, creating a generous layer. Rake the seed lightly into the soil and water generously. Continue to water the area at least twice daily.

You should begin to see germination within a few days to a week, but full germination can take up to a month depending on the weather. Monitor the growth and add seed starter fertilizer if needed. Allow the grass time to grow a strong and healthy root system before mowing.

To overseed your lawn, use a shovel to sprinkle a layer of Topdressing Soil into your existing grass. Once you have spread the soil evenly throughout the area, sprinkle grass seed over the soil and water generously. Alternatively, you can premix the Topdressing Soil and grass seed and spread them together, as long as you ensure that the seed is evenly distributed in the soil.

For more information on our premium soils and grass seeds visit one of our three convenient landscape depots including our newly opened Kemptville location! Otherwise, give our office a call today at 613-821-3003 to speak with our friendly team about achieving your dream lawn this year.

Can I Pick Up Landscape Products?

Posted on by Greely Sand And Gravel

Canada Day parties, picnics, and barbeques are just around the corner! Now is the time to make sure your lawn, flowerbeds, and patio are ready to go and looking fantastic. Maybe completing a large landscaping project seems daunting, but often there are small changes you can make around your property that can make a huge difference in visual appeal. From small jobs to large, Greely Sand & Gravel is equipped with top quality products available in the exact quantity you need to complete your project this summer!

If you are looking for some quick and easy ways to spruce up your outdoor space this year, consider starting with a few of the following projects:

  • Choose a few pots or planters to fill with soil and a colourful array of annuals.
  • Top-up any mulched areas on your property with a fresh layer of new mulch.
  • Use landscape edging to regain those crisp edges along your gardens, driveway, or patio.
  • Plant a small garden box with a few luscious herbs and small vegetable plants.
  • Revitalize your stone walkway with a new layer of pea stone to fill in any bare patches.

These are just a few of the simple DIY ways to improve the visual aesthetic of your property. Not sure where to start? Visit one of our three conveniently located landscape depots to pick up products in smaller quantities so you can get started today!

Our landscape depots are located at the following addresses:

  • 1971 Old Prescott Road, Greely
  • 3350 Moodie Drive, Barrhaven
  • NEW: 405 Van Buren, Kemptville

Once you know how much material you need, you can come pick it up from one of these three locations! Our Greely location stocks the most products, while the Barrhaven and Kemptville locations offer all our best-sellers. Wondering what products are available at which locations? Give us a call at 613-821-3003 to make sure we have your desired products in stock and ready for you to pick up.

If you have an open-box pick up truck or a trailer, our experienced staff can load the product of your choice loose, into your vehicle. Generally, most trucks and trailers can hold one to two cubic yards, depending on the weight of the individual product. It is very helpful to our staff if you know the load capacity of your vehicle when you come to pick up your product!

Here's a video of how easy we can load your trailer

No truck or trailer? No problem! You can easily pick up enough soil for a few planters or pots, some sand to fill a small sandbox, or a bit of mulch to top-off a garden by bringing five-gallon pails or recycling bins, or use our durable 35L plastic bags, which you fill yourself. Don’t forget to bring your shovel!

We also offer pre-bagged products at our Greely and West End (Barrhaven) depots. The size of the bags varies but they are approximately the size of the bags you might pick up at the grocery store or in a garden center. These products include:

  • Pine Bark Nuggets
  • Highly Polished Black Pebbles
  • Semi-Polished White Pebbles
  • Stone Dust
  • Crushed Stone
  • Clear Stone
  • Marco Portland Cement
  • Polymeric Sand

When picking up your own products from any of our depots, safety is always our top priority. While we do our best to keep our depots clean and free from any hazards, there is always some level of risk when vehicles and heavy machinery are present. Please keep children in vehicles at all times and stay well clear of our loaders, whether you are in your vehicle or on foot. Always make eye contact with a loader operator or dump truck driver first, before approaching their vehicle for any reason. We are happy to be able to offer pick up service to our customers but it takes a team effort to ensure that everyone stays safe at all times!

Planning your visit to one of our depots to pick up a product or two? Our website has lots of helpful information including exact locations and hours of each depot. If you have questions regarding the weight, price, or availability of a specific product, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 613-821-3003. Happy gardening!