Landscaping Supplies Archives | Page 4 of 5

Using Polymeric Sand

Posted on July 11, 2022July 13, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Stone has become an increasingly popular feature in landscape projects in recent years. Whether you are planning an interlock driveway or a walkway using pavers or a natural stone patio, the options for colours, textures, sizes, and shapes are nearly endless when it comes to stone! Once you have planned your design and chosen your product, proper installation is key to ensuring that your patio, driveway, or walkway will stay stable, beautiful, and safe for years to come. Greely Sand & Gravel is proud to be able to provide all the products needed to create beautiful stone landscape features, from stone dust to pavers to polymeric sand!

What is Polymeric Sand?

While most people are familiar with the concept of using crushed stone and stone dust to create a base for your interlock stones or pavers, not everyone is aware of the important role that polymeric sand plays in the finishing stages of these types of projects. Polymeric sand is a specially formulated mixture of graded sand and a high-performance polymer binding agent used to fill the grooves and gaps between patio stones and interlock. It is designed to be used with all joints between stones up to 4” wide. When properly installed, polymeric sand will remain stable and flexible in the most extreme weather conditions and freeze/thaw cycles.

Benefits of Polymeric Sand

Polymeric sand offers many benefits that will increase the durability of your patio, walkway, or driveway and increase your project’s lifespan once finished. Polymeric sand stabilizes the stones to prevent them from becoming loose or a tripping hazard. Polymeric sand is also very durable when properly set, making it a great addition to high-traffic areas such as walkways and driveways. Another reason that our customers love polymeric sand is that it helps prevent weed growth between stones or pavers. Once you have finished your beautiful interlock patio, the last thing you want is to see weeds popping up between the stones. Sealing the grooves between stones with polymeric sand gives less opportunity for weeds to take root and grow. This means less maintenance for you and more time to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor space.

Our polymeric sand is available for purchase and pick up at both of our conveniently located landscape depots. We are also excited to announce that this year we now have both black and white polymeric sand, in addition to our classic beige and gray options. Our goal is always to provide our customers with the best possible array of products to take their landscaping projects to the next level.

For detailed instructions on how to install polymeric sand, visit our Polymeric Sand page on our website. You can also find information here on how much polymeric sand you will need to cover the area of your project sufficiently. If you have more questions regarding polymeric sand or other landscaping products, please give us a call at 613-821-3003. Our knowledgeable team is committed to helping make your project a success!

The Magic of Composted Pine Mulch

Posted on June 8, 2022June 9, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Our customers are often surprised about how many different options we offer at Greely Sand & Gravel when it comes to mulch. We are proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality mulches, perfect for any project. One of our mulches that has become increasingly popular is our Composted Pine Mulch.

What is Composted Pine Mulch?

Composted Pine Mulch is a unique product that offers a deep, rich colour combined with a unique texture compared to shredded pine mulch or pine bark nuggets. This mulch is partially decomposed, meaning that it has a texture more similar to soil than most other mulches while still retaining all the visual appeal of a wood product.

In addition to all the beautiful benefits of a typical mulch, including weed control, water retention, and increased visual appeal, Composted Pine Mulch continues to decompose over time, slowly releasing nutrients back into the soil. Adding Composted Pine Mulch to your garden or flowerbed ensures natural nutrients continually enrich your soil and strengthen your plants.

Another reason why Composted Pine Mulch is such a popular choice is because it is a very environmentally friendly product. This mulch is produced using by-products from sawmills and forestry operations, giving it a lower carbon footprint than other mulches. Our customers love having peace of mind knowing that they are getting a product that looks great and nourishes their plants, and is also better for the environment than other options.

Because of the nutrients released into the soil during the decomposition process, Composted Pine Mulch can act as a gentle, natural fertilizer. This is an excellent option for more delicate plants than a more potent natural fertilizer like Mushroom Compost. Composted Pine Mulch can also be applied directly on top of the soil rather than being combined with the soil at an appropriate ratio, making it a less labour-intensive product.

As with all our mulches, Composted Pine Mulch is available for delivery, either by the truckload or in our convenient Greely Gardening Bags. You can also pick it up at either of our landscape depots to save on the cost of delivery. Not sure about what type of mulch you want yet? Come and see us at our main office in Greely to see some actual samples of our products.

If you are ready to place an order or would like more information, visit our online store or call us at 613-821-3003. We would be happy to speak to you further about our impressive array of mulches for your landscaping project.

Common Questions About Sod

Posted on May 5, 2022May 24, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Thinking of starting a new lawn from scratch and have questions about sod? It can be a daunting task to think of installing sod as a homeowner, but if you are well equipped beforehand with the right products and information, the process will be much more smooth and hassle-free! Not only does Greely Sand & Gravel sell premium locally-sourced Kentucky Bluegrass Sod and screened topsoil, but we also have answers to some of the most common questions we get from our customers about installing sod.

How do I calculate how much sod I will need?

Our sod is freshly cut daily in rolls that measure 2’ x 5’, so each strip covers 10 square feet of space. Find the area of your space by measuring the length and width in feet and multiplying them. The resulting number is how many square feet of sod you will need. If the area you need to cover is more of a triangular or circular shape, rather than a square or rectangle, use our helpful square footage calculator on the Sod page of our website to find out how much you will need. We always recommend purchasing at least a few extra rolls if you need to trim some to fit your specific space.

We sell sod by the skid or by the half skid. A full skid contains 70 rolls, enough to cover 700 square feet, while a half skid comes with 35 rolls, enough to cover 350 square feet.

How do I prepare the soil before laying my sod?

Having a good base is a crucial aspect of laying sod successfully. We recommend having a layer of fresh, high-quality soil, no less than 4” deep, spread in the area before you install your sod. Greely’s Screened Topsoil is perfect for creating a structured base for your sod. If you would like step-by-step instructions on the process, please visit the Sod product page on our website.

How quickly should I install the sod once it is delivered?

Sod should be installed the day it is delivered, so it is as fresh as possible. When deciding which day to have your sod delivered, try to plan for a time when you can spend most of the day working on the project. We always deliver sod as early in the day as possible to ensure it gets to our customers in the freshest possible state. Installing the sod quickly gives it less opportunity to dry out and will help preserve a healthy root system.

Should I fertilize before or after laying sod?

We recommend fertilizing before laying sod to spread the fertilizer directly in the soil and have access to the root system once the sod is laid.

How much and how often should I water my sod?

Frequent, generous watering is essential in the first few days and weeks after laying fresh sod. For the root system to take hold well in the soil and the grass to flourish, sod should be amply watered at least twice a day for at least a couple of weeks after installation. Consider installing a sprinkler system to make this task easier and to ensure that your sod receives frequent watering. Sod that does not receive enough water will not take root successfully and will wither quickly, especially in warm and sunny weather.

My lawn is quite large, do you offer any discounts on sod?

We do offer a multi-skid discount on sod! For the second and every additional full or half-skid purchased and delivered in the same order, we offer a $25 discount per skid. This also applies to Greely Gardening Bags delivered in the same order. Additionally, if you return the wooden skids to one of our landscape depots, you will receive $15 back for each skid returned. This also allows us to recycle the skids, resulting in less waste and taking the pressure off our customers when it comes to disposing of the skids.

Sod is typically ready for delivery in mid-May, depending on the weather. If you have questions, would like additional information, or would like to secure your spot for delivery once the sod is ready, please call our office at 613-821-3003. We look forward to helping you transform your lawn this year!

If you have questions about selecting a variety of mulch, installing it for the first time, or topping up an existing area, you can find lots of helpful information on our website. Once you decide which mulch you want, it is quick and easy to place your order for delivery using our online store. Still have questions? You can always pick up the phone and call us at 613-821-3003. If you want to see our premium selection of mulches before you buy, visit either of our landscape depots, we would be happy to give you a first-hand look at what we have to offer!

When to Top-Up Your Mulch

Posted on April 11, 2022April 11, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

As the snow starts to melt, it is time to look around your yard and figure out what areas may need a little TLC this spring and summer. One thing to take special note of is the condition of your mulch. Whether used in flower beds, as a border around your lawn or driveway or to accent a tree or bush, mulch sustains a certain amount of weather-related wear and tear each year. Spring is a great time to top up your mulch and ensure that it looks as fresh and vibrant as the day it was installed.

Why Use Mulch?

Our mulches at Greely Sand & Gravel are natural products made from high-quality wood and coloured with biodegradable dyes. We are proud to offer our customers a wide array of colours and several different textures to ensure that you can find the perfect mulch for your space. The advantages of adding mulch to your flower beds include protecting soil from erosion, adding visual appeal, controlling weed growth, deterring pests, increasing moisture retention, and even replenishing nutrients in the soil through organic matter. Mulch is more than just an added pop of colour - it can be a vital component of a healthy and vibrant flower bed!

Because mulch is a natural product, it is affected by the changing seasons and weather conditions. Long hours of sunlight can cause coloured mulches to fade, while heavy rainfall can wash away a layer of mulch. These are perfectly normal occurrences and one of the main reasons we encourage customers to consider replenishing their mulch each year. When you first install mulch, we suggest laying a generous 3” layer to ensure complete coverage in your space. A 1-2” layer is generally sufficient when adding additional mulch.

How to Top-Up Mulch

When topping up your mulch, it is a good idea to gently rake the existing mulch first. Doing so can break up any clumps that might have formed and can rotate faded pieces so that more vibrant colour is restored. This is also an excellent time to remove any weeds that may have sprung up through the mulch, and any sticks, stones, or debris that have fallen into the area. Once this is done, you can proceed with adding a 1” layer of new mulch. The easiest way to do this is to spread the mulch gently in the area by shaking it off a shovel. Following this process every year or every other year should ensure that your mulch stays looking fresh and vibrant.

If you are installing mulch in an area for the first time and want something that will require little maintenance, we suggest going with a natural coloured mulch rather than one that has been dyed. The dyes create rich, beautiful hues, but these mulches tend to have more noticeable fading in areas with high sun exposure. We recommend our Composted Pine Mulch for an aesthetically pleasing, lower maintenance option. This naturally deep brown product slowly decomposes into the soil over time, enriching it with organic matter and nutrients.

Choosing the Right Grass Seed for Your Lawn

Posted on March 28, 2022April 11, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Topdressing your lawn or starting a new lawn from scratch can seem like overwhelming tasks. Before you even get outside to start the project, there are many decisions regarding materials. Should you use seed or sod? Screened topsoil or a topsoil blend? And what is the difference between coated and non-coated grass seed? How do you know which seed is right for your project?

At Greely Sand & Gravel, we take the time to thoroughly research and carefully source all our products so that we can ensure our customers get the best material for their job. When you purchase from us, you can rest assured that you are getting the very best, and our knowledgeable team will help you select a product that is just right for your needs!

Selecting the Right Grass Seed

When it comes to selecting grass seed, there are many different products on the market at various price points. It can be hard to know the differences between products and what you should look for in quality grass seed. The first step is to assess the area you are trying to cover. How many square feet of lawn do you need to cover? Is the area primarily in the shade, or does it get full sun exposure? Once you have determined these key factors, you will know how much grass seed you need and whether you should look for a particular product that works well in more shaded areas.

Should I Use Coated or Uncoated Grass Seed?

An important thing to look for when purchasing grass seed is whether the seed is coated or not. Many companies that produce grass seed add a coating that is said to help with even distribution, water retention, and fertilizing the seed as it germinates. While these things may sound great, the reality is that often the coating used acts as little more than a filler, meaning that you get less seed in each bag and will likely end up spending more money on grass seed as opposed to selecting a non-coated option. Additionally, if you use high-quality soil with your seed, such as our Greely’s Topdressing Soil, the soil blend itself provides moisture retention and fresh, natural fertilizer to your grass seed.

What Kind of Grass Seed Should I Buy?

Another factor you may be wondering is what kind of grass seed to purchase. From Kentucky Blue Grass to Ryegrass, there are many types, each with its advantages. At Greely Sand & Gravel, we sell three different selections of grass seed, all of which feature a premium blend of different types of grass seed at a carefully calculated ratio to give you a full, luscious-looking lawn. All three options are non-coated seed, ensuring you get 100% grass seed with no fillers. Choose from:

All three options will be available for pick up at both our landscape depots as of mid-April. Visit us at our south or west end locations to stock up on grass seed and learn more about all the great landscaping products we offer!

If you have questions about choosing the right grass seed or would like assistance with placing your order, please give our office a call…we would be happy to help!

(613) 821-3003

Let Our Mushroom Compost Help Your Garden Grow!

Posted on March 14, 2022March 22, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Are you looking for an effective way to provide healthy nutrients to your soil to bolster the life and health of your plants? Look no further than Greely Sand and Gravel’s Mushroom Compost. This excellent addition to regular topsoil or garden soil acts as a slow-release fertilizer in your garden.

Mushroom compost also aids in moisture retention, making your garden look healthy while supplying plants with the water they need. Mushroom compost is an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, critical to healthy plant growth and development.

How to Use Mushroom Compost

The best time to add mushroom compost to your garden is in the spring, before the growing season. If your garden soil is looking light brown and dry, adding and thoroughly mixing in mushroom compost is a great way to enhance the health of the soil. Simply blend the mushroom compost into the existing soil using a trowel, small shovel, or hoe.

Mushroom compost should not be used on its own, as it is high in salt content and can cause waterlogging. You should also know that having too much mushroom compost can harm the plants because the product is highly concentrated. A good ratio of mushroom compost to soil is one part mushroom compost to two parts soil. This ratio allows the mushroom compost to provide nutrients to the soil without overwhelming the plants.

More About Mushroom Compost

There are a few other essential things to be aware of when planning to use mushroom compost. If you are creating a new garden this year, we recommend using our Greely’s Topdressing Soil, which already has our mushroom compost blended in at the perfect ratio. This saves you the extra step of adding it in yourself after you have created your new garden. If you are working with an existing garden and soil that has already been used for several years, adding mushroom compost is an excellent way to revitalize that existing soil.

Our Mushroom Compost is Certified Organic

On top of all of these benefits, Greely Sand and Gravel’s Mushroom Compost is now certified for organic growing. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that proper screening and testing procedures have taken place before putting the mushroom compost into your garden. Ottawa customers will be pleased to learn that our mushroom compost is also locally sourced produced in Osgoode, ON.

Mushroom compost is typically ready for delivery and pick-up at our landscape depots in mid to late April. We offer delivery by the truckload and in our convenient Greely’s Gardening Bags. If you are only looking for a small amount of mushroom compost to add to a planter, small garden, or garden box, consider coming to pick up a bag or fill a pail at one of our landscape depots, located in Ottawa’s south and west end. This is a great way to save on delivery costs and try out our product before ordering a larger amount.

If you have questions about how to use mushroom compost or would like assistance with placing your order, please give our office a call…we would be happy to help!

(613) 821-3003

When Will Topsoil Be Ready?

Posted on February 28, 2022March 4, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

Now that spring is right around the corner; you may be getting anxious to get your landscaping projects started sooner rather than later! One of the most common questions we get this time of year is – “when will topsoil be available?” and “why is it not ready yet?”

When Will Topsoil Be Ready in Ottawa?

Typically our topsoil is ready to be delivered after the middle of April. The reason why our topsoil is not available earlier is due to the weather in Ottawa. Sometimes we even get snow in April!

Whether you choose our Screened Topsoil or our Greely’s Topdressing Soil, Greely Sand & Gravel’s topsoil is an entirely natural product. We never mix our topsoil with any synthetic compound or preservative. This means that the product will freeze when the weather is cold, just like the ground.

Because of the large quantity of topsoil we move every year, the product is generally stored and screened outside. These factors make the process of preparing topsoil for delivery extremely weather dependent.

What Makes Greely’s Topsoil So Great?

At Greely Sand & Gravel, we care about providing the best quality topsoil to our customers every time they buy from us, at any time of the year. To achieve a top-quality product, we never rush the process of preparing topsoil so that it is in excellent, usable condition when delivered. This means that we wait for our topsoil to defrost before screening it.

The screening process is key, as it removes rocks, sticks, weeds, and anything else that may affect the quality and consistency of our soil. If the soil is still frozen, it forms clumps and cannot pass properly through the screener. Waiting for the soil to defrost adequately in the spring also allows us to ensure that the moisture levels in the soil are appropriate for delivery and end-use. No one wants to end up with a pile of frozen mud at their home!

We appreciate our customers’ patience as we take the time to ensure that our topsoil is perfectly prepared for your project. We understand that it can be tempting to rush the process, but after decades of producing quality topsoil, we guarantee it is worth the wait!

If you want to learn more about what makes Greely’s topsoil so great, read our article 10 Great Reasons to Choose Greely’s Topdressing Soil and learn why it’s been the best Ottawa topsoil for over 40 years!

Order Your Topsoil & Other Landscaping Needs Online

In the meantime, you can always reserve your spot now by placing an order for topsoil delivery through our convenient online store. While you’re planning your order, this is also a great time to ensure that you have everything else you need for your project. Will you need grass seed or sod? Are there tools that you will require to complete the work? Perhaps you want to consider adding a layer of mulch to your flowerbed after you have laid your soil? At Greely Sand & Gravel, we have the products and the expertise to get you ready for this year’s landscaping season.

Screened Topsoil being dumped in to trailer

If you have further questions regarding topsoil preparation and availability, one of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to assist you!

How Many Cubic Yards Do I Need?

Posted on January 28, 2022March 4, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

We may have been experiencing our fair share of snow and freezing temperatures in Ottawa over the past few weeks, but that just makes us more excited for the upcoming spring season! In a few short months, the snow will be melting and you’ll be ready to enjoy your lawn and gardens. Why not take some time now to prepare yourself for this year’s spring maintenance projects? Whether it’s starting a new lawn from scratch, topdressing an existing lawn, creating a new garden, or adding mulch or decorative stone to take your yard to the next level, Greely Sand & Gravel is here to help you plan for a successful landscaping project!

Get an early start to the spring season and lock in your delivery date on our convenient online store. It’s the perfect place to browse our extensive catalogue of landscaping products. From soil to stone, from grass seed to decorative pavers, we have everything you need to transform your lawn or garden this spring. Once you have decided on your project and selected the materials you will be using, the next step in the process is to figure out how much of each product you will need. No one wants to end up being short, or paying too much and ending up with a lot leftover.

To help our customers with this step, Greely Sand & Gravel has a quick, easy-to-use Cubic Yard Calculator located on the left-hand side of each product page on our website. All you will need to use the Calculator is the length, width, and depth of the area you need to cover with your chosen material (soil, sand, stone, etc.). These measurements should be taken in feet and inches, as we sell all our products by the cubic yard. Simply input these dimensions into the Calculator and it will instantly tell you how much product you would need to cover that specific area at your chosen depth.

Keep in mind that if you are compacting your material for the purposes of your project, it is important to ensure you have ordered extra product to allow for compaction. As the compaction rate differs from product to product, it can be difficult to determine how much extra material you will need. If you have questions regarding compaction before ordering, please feel free to call our office to speak with one of our team members.

Once you know how much product you will need, you can then proceed to pricing out different options for delivery. If you only need a small amount of product, or you require small amounts of multiple products, Greely’s Gardening Bags might be a great delivery option for you! These sturdy, convenient bags minimize mess and allow you much more freedom in deciding where your products are placed when delivered. They come in three different sizes for maximum convenience: ¼ cubic yard, ½ cubic yard, and full cubic yard. Additionally, when you purchase two or more bags for delivery on the same date (regardless of size), you will receive a $25 discount off the second and any subsequent bags.

For larger amounts, our dump truck load delivery option is cost-effective, and allows you to have up to two different products delivered on one truck. This is an excellent option for customers who require three or more yards of the same product or of two different products, and who have space on their driveway or in their yard for the product(s) to be dumped loose.

As you plan for your upcoming project, remember that our staff are always on hand to answer your questions, or walk you through different options for products and delivery. You can call our office at 613-821-3003 to speak to one of our knowledgeable and friendly team members. We look forward to working with you to achieve your landscaping goals this year!

Disposabag

Posted on October 11, 2021March 4, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

After the back to school rush, it’s time to start thinking about Fall cleaning and preparing your home and yard for winter.

Are you looking for a neat and tidy way to dispose of garden, excavation, or non-hazardous household waste you have around your property? Look no further than Greely Sand & Gravel’s Disposabag service! It’s a fast, efficient, and affordable way for you to get your home or property ready for next season.

The first step in this process is to purchase a Greely Gardening Bag in one of our three convenient sizes: cubic yard, half cubic yard, or quarter cubic yard. You may even have one from an earlier order in the season! This is a great way to use your Greely Gardening Bag after you have emptied it of whatever product you ordered. If you are using a bag that was previously full, ensure that the bag doesn’t have any significant rips or tears that may cause it to open up while being transported.

Fill the bag with whatever waste you may have, as long as it’s garden, excavation, or household waste. Each bag must only contain one type of waste, as each type of waste is disposed of differently. Ensure when you are filling up the bag that it is in a location that can be accessed by our forklift when you are ready to have it picked up. Our forklift requires a minimum of nine feet of clearance to maneuver. Make sure the corner loops are accessible and that you do not fill the bag past the maximum fill line. Once the bag is full, you should be able to close the top of the bag with the attached tarp.

When you are ready, give our office a call or book a pickup of your Disposabag online! We will be glad to remove the bag for you and dispose of the contents. Whenever possible, we recycle construction waste and use garden waste to rehabilitate our quarries. So you can rest assured knowing that your waste is being disposed of in a responsible manner when you use our Disposabag service.

This service is available until the end of October but you can schedule your pick-up any time either online or by calling us at 613-821-3003. Our staff would be happy to help you and are ready to answer any questions you may have about our Disposabags.

Wondering what else you can use that empty Greely Gardening Bag for?

Many people use the bags to store organic material around their property or cover their air conditioners for the winter. If you have another idea for how to use your bag, we would love to hear it! We are passionate about reusing, recycling, and reducing waste in our community.

Fall Topdressing

Posted on September 15, 2021March 4, 2022 by Greely Sand And Gravel

While we continue to enjoy a beautiful summer, it is never too early to start planning for the colder weather. Many people think that lawn care happens in the spring and summer seasons only, but there are some helpful things you can do for your lawn in the fall that will make your lawn look beautiful come next spring. In order to get the full, lush, green grass that you’re looking for, it’s important to topdress your lawn as the temperatures get a little cooler in the later months of the year, before the snow flies.

Topdressing your lawn is the process of adding a thin layer of nutritious content to your grass in order to improve the overall soil quality. Adding this layer provides nutrients to your soil which promotes new growth and strengthens your lawn’s ability to retain moisture. As your grass grows each year, the nutrients in the soil become depleted, so it is key to ensure that you are replenishing them regularly. In addition, adding this layer can help level out bumps and low spots, allowing your lawn to look thick, even, and rich next spring.

If this sounds like something that might be helpful for you, Greely Sand & Gravel can get you set up for fall topdressing. Greely’s Topdressing Soil is perfect for giving your lawn that little extra boost in September and October. This rich triple-mix blend of topsoil, mushroom compost, and black peat moss will enrich your lawn with the nutrition it needs to thrive.

Greely’s Topdressing Soil is available for pickup at both our south-east end and west-end landscape depots. We also offer two convenient delivery methods: dump truck load (for larger areas) or our Greely Gardening Bags (for smaller areas). Our Greely Gardening Bags come in three sizes and are delivered using a forklift to ensure optimal placement of your bag.

To topdress your lawn, simply apply a thin, even layer of the soil to your grass using a rake, spade, or shovel. It is often helpful to use the back end of your rake to level out the layer of soil evenly across your lawn. The layer of soil should be about ¼” to ½” in depth. Beware of spreading the soil too thickly, as you don’t want to choke out your grass. Continue to work the soil into your lawn with a garden tool until the existing grass pokes through and the soil is evenly spread. To allow the soil to permeate, give it a light watering after spreading and continue to water daily if the weather is dry. This process can be done annually in the spring and fall to yield the best results.

If you plan to topdress your lawn this fall, give us a call today at 613-821-3003 or visit our online store to place an order for soil delivery. Give yourself the peace of mind, knowing that your soil will arrive on time for your fall topdressing. Our team will be happy to deliver your soil exactly when and where you need it!