Topdressing Lawns

Why do I topdress my lawn?

Topdressing your lawn is a great idea since it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil to help strengthen the root system that supports the grass throughout the season.  And when your lawn in more healthy and dense, it makes it more difficult for the weeds to grow.

When do I topdress my lawn?

The best time is in the spring and early fall when the days are warm with the sun and the evenings are cool.  This will allow for optimal conditions for grass seed to grow.

How do I topdress my lawn?

  1. First of all, make sure your grass is actively growing.  Remove all the dead grass from your lawn by thoroughly raking it.
  2. Core aeration should be done every 2-3 years.  Core aeration removes plugs of soil from the ground and leaves channels for air, water, and our Topdressing Soil to penetrate the surface.
  3. Cut your lawn the day before you apply the soil. Then apply a few shovelfuls to a few square feet at a time.
  4. Spread the soil using something flat, like the back side of a heavy garden rake, working it into aeration holes and covering low spots. Make sure the Topdressing Soil is no more than 1” deep (preferably ½” or less) over the existing grass.
  5. Keep working the soil until your grass peeks through and the depth is even.
  6. For small low spots that need a bit more Topdressing Soil, first remove the existing sod to prevent underground decay that can damage new grass seedlings. After filling in the low spot, either replace the old sod or re-seed the area.
  7. Spread some grass seed over the areas that you want to make more full.
  8. Water the area well.

AIR MILES® Reward Miles

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Get AIR MILES® Reward Miles* with Air MilesGreely Sand & Gravel Inc.

Proud to be part of Canada's largest coalition loyalty program, Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. is now a Promotional Sponsor in the AIR MILES® Reward Program!

 

Start collecting now on delivery service of landscape materials...
Single Trucks
Air Miles

Branded Greely TruckGet 5 Miles

Split-load TrucksAir Miles Logo white Split Load TruckGet 5 Miles
Mini Roll-Off Containers
Air Miles Logo white
Greely Roll Off Container NO TruckGet 5 Miles

 

[toggle title_open="What is the AIR MILES® Reward Program?" title_closed="What is the AIR MILES® Reward Program?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]
The AIR MILES® Reward Program is a shopping rewards program that enables Canadians to earn AIR MILES® Reward Miles by making everyday purchases at a variety of participating Sponsors. It's free for collectors to participate, and Miles can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards. See www.airmiles.ca to learn more.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="I don't have an AIR MILES® Collector Card, how do I sign up?" title_closed="I don't have an AIR MILES® Collector Card, how do I sign up?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]To enroll in the AIR MILES® Reward Program, visit www.airmiles.ca and complete the enrollment form. You will receive your AIR MILES® Collector Card Number immediately and may begin collecting Miles.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="How can I get Miles at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc?" title_closed="How can I get Miles at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]At the time of ordering, provide your AIR MILES® Collector Number and get Miles on the delivery service of landscape materials purchased at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. Offer is limited to one per purchase. All offers exclude landscape products picked up at landscape depots and purchases of gift cards. Available only to homeowners. Other exclusions may apply. Call the office at 613-821-3003 for details.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="How many Miles can I get at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc?" title_closed="How many Miles can I get at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

  • Get 5 Miles when you purchase the delivery service of landscape materials on Mini Roll-off Containers. (see exclusions above)
  • Get 5 Miles when you purchase the delivery service of landscape materials on a single truck. (see exclusions above)
  • Get 5 Miles when you purchase the delivery service of landscape materials on a split-load truck. (see exclusions above)

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[toggle title_open="I don't have my AIR MILES® Collector Card when I placed my order. Can I call to have my Miles applied to a previous purchase?" title_closed="I don't have my AIR MILES® Collector Card when I placed my order. Can I call to have my Miles applied to a previous purchase?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Yes, but you must call within 3 business days of the date of delivery in order to have your Miles applied to a previous purchase.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="I shopped at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. but haven't received my Miles yet. When will they be posted to my Collector Account?" title_closed="I shopped at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. but haven't received my Miles yet. When will they be posted to my Collector Account?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Generally, Miles earned at Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. will be posted to your Collector Account within 30 days of purchase. For any questions, contact AIR MILES® Customer Care at www.airmiles.ca or 1-888-AIR-MILES.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="How do I check my AIR MILES® Account balances?" title_closed="How do I check my AIR MILES® Account balances?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]You may view your AIR MILES® Account balances anytime at www.airmiles.ca or by calling AIR MILES® Customer Care directly at 1-888- AIR-MILES.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open="I have additional questions about the AIR MILES® Reward Program. What do I do?" title_closed="I have additional questions about the AIR MILES® Reward Program. What do I do?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Please contact AIR MILES® Customer Care at 1-888-AIR-MILES or visit www.airmiles.ca to learn more.[/toggle]

®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Greely Sand & Gravel Inc.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Landscaping Tips

The following are recommendations and tips from Greely Sand & Gravel Inc.  Of course, there are many other websites that offer great ideas for do-it-yourself projects, but these are just a few to help you get started on your do-it-yourself project.

Want to do your do-it-yourself project but don't have the tools to get it done We offer a convenient all-in-one Lawn & Garden Tool Rental Kit.  It has a lawn roller, commercial grade wheelbarrow, tamper, various types of shovels, leveling rake, and much more.  Perfect for sodding a new lawn, installing interlocking,

Greely's Topdressing Soil

Topdressing a lawn: Add 1/2"-3/4" of Topdressing Soil to an old or sparse lawn and then rake the soil through the blades of the grass.  Adding seed to the new soil will help make your lawn more full.  But don't add too much soil for it can smother the lawn, so keep it to a minimum. Want more topdressing tips?

Gardens & flower beds: When adding to existing gardens and flower beds, 2"-3" is recommended.  For increased effectiveness, blend the new soil in to the existing soil.  When making a new garden or flower bed, a 6"-12" depth is recommended depending on the type of plants you will be planting.

Screened Topsoil

For seeding or sodding:  For a new lawn, a good base of 4"-6" of screened topsoil is recommended. When redoing an old lawn perhaps only a 2"-3" new layer of screened topsoil is needed.

Mushroom Compost

Flower beds & gardens: Add 1"-2" of mushroom compost on top of flower beds or gardens and then blend the mushroom compost in to the existing soil.  The mushroom compost is very high in nitrogen, so it is highly recommended to blend the mushroom compost in to the existing soil and to not leave it on top of the beds or allow it to rest against plants.

Mulch

For new flower beds:  Apply 3" of mulch to prevent weed growth yet still allow water to access the soil.

For older flower beds: Apply approximately 1" to refresh the mulch every year or alternating year, depending on the effectiveness of the mulch.

Coloured Riverwash Stone

When calculating depth, be sure to get full coverage.  For example, go with a minimum depth of 2" for the sizes 3/8"-5/8" and 7/8"-1".  For the 1 1/2" size Riverwash Stone, go with a depth of 3".  And for 2"-5", we recommend calculating at a 7" depth.  It is also recommended to add a weed barrier or GeoTextile first before placing the Riverwash Stone to ensure weeds are restricted.

Stone walkways: If you're thinking of using the 3/8"-5/8" Riverwash Stone, the smaller sized stone may provide more of a sugary feel under your feet.  However, if you want to place outdoor patio furniture on the stone, the smaller size will allow the outdoor patio furniture to slide in to the stone.  Where as the 7/8"-1" Riverwash Stone can provide a more stable feel under the feet but it may not be as effective with outdoor patio furniture.

 

Crushed Stone & Stone Dust

Under patio stones and interlocking: Add 4"-6" of 7/8" crushed stone for a base and then compact it with a hand or machine tamper.  What is more beneficial is compacting the crushed stone in lifts, which means that you would add 2"-3" of 7/8" crushed stone and then compact it.  Then add the next 2"-3" layer of 7/8" crushed stone and compact it.  This will allow for increased compaction.  Then add a 1"-2" layer of stone dust for levelling purposes for the patio stones or interlocking.  The other option is to use 1"-2" of concrete sand instead of stone dust since the concrete sand does not compact, allows for easier levelling, and provides good drainage.

Driveways:  Top up old driveways with 7/8" crushed stone which provides structure and compacts.

Pathways: Use 7/8" crushed stone to create a sturdy path.

Under sheds:  A 4"-6" base of 7/8" crushed stone compacted with a hand or machine tamper.  The other option is to use 7/8" clear stone instead of 7/8" crushed stone.  But first, refer to installation instructions for your shed.

Under hot tub pads: A 4"-6" base of stone dust is recommended.  What is more beneficial is compacting the stone dust in lifts, which means that you would add 2"-3" of stone dust and then compact it.  Then add the next 2"-3" layer of stone dust and compact it.  This will allow for increased compaction.  But first, refer to installation instructions for your hot tub.

Clear Stone

Under sheds:  A 4"-6" base using 7/8" clear stone.  The other option is to use 7/8" crushed stone instead of 7/8" clear stone.

Washed Brick Sand

Used under pool liners:  A 4" base of washed brick sand provides a smooth surface for the pool liner to rest on.

Washed Concrete Sand

Under patio stones & interlocking: Add 4"-6" of 7/8" crushed stone for a base and then compact it with a hand or machine tamper.  What is more beneficial is compacting the stone in lifts, which means that you would add a 2"-3" layer of 7/8" crushed stone and then compact it.  Then add the next 2"-3" layer of 7/8" crushed stone and compact it.  This will allow for increased compaction.  Then add a 1"-2" layer of concrete sand for levelling purposes.  The concrete sand does not compact, allows for easier levelling, and provides good drainage.  The other option is to add a 1"-2" layer of stone dust

Ottawa Playground Sand & Playground Stone

The recommended depth for a safe playground is 12" of Ottawa Playground Sand or Playground Stone.

Adventure Playground Mulch

The recommended depth for a safe playground is 12″ of compacted Adventure Playground Mulch. It is best to compact the playground mulch in lifts which means adding a 3″-4″ layer and then compacting it with a hand or machine tamper, followed by another layer of 3″-4″, and so on. Therefore, due to compaction it is recommended to add an additional 20% to the calculated volume.

Measure Up

What does a cubic yard look like?

1 yard stone pile1 yard riverstone pile

1 yard mulch pile 1 yard soil pile

How big is a cubic yard?

In one cubic yard there are 765 liters.  Just think, if you purchased a cubic yard at the store, you would need 27 store bags!  That's a lot to carry and a lot of trips to the store...

bag-comparison

What does a full load look like?  How much space does it take?

Stone:

Stone tandem load with pile dimensions

Full tandem load of 7/8" crushed limestone. 16 metric tonnes or approximately 11 cubic yards in volume.  Measures 17 ft long X 17 ft wide X 5 ft high

Watch the video!

 Back of truck with gravel pile

Although the back of the truck is 8.5 feet (12 feet wide with the mirrors), all products will slide out 15 to 18 feet wide

Soil:

soil tandem load with dimensions

Full tandem load of soil.  18 cubic yards in volume.  Measures 21 ft long X 18 ft wide X 4 ft high

Watch the video!

Mulch:

Mulch tandem load with dimensions

Full tandem load of mulch.  18 cubic yards in volume.  Measures 21 ft long X 15 ft wide X 5 ft high

Watch the video!

River Rock:

River stone load with dimensions

Full triaxle load of River Stone.  22 metric tonnes or approximately 16 cubic yards in volume.  Measures 19 ft long X 18 ft wide X 5 ft high

Watch the video!

 Truck height with dimensions

The boxes of a triaxle or tandem truck can reach up to 20 feet high.  Be sure you have 25 feet of clearance for height.

Greely's Gardening Bags

Greely does it all...Soil, River Rock, Mulch, Sand, Stone & much more in our cubic yard bags, 1/2 cubic yard bags, and NEW 1/4 cubic yard bags. We've got you covered!

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Cubic Yard Bags of Topsoil
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[embed width="420" height="348"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrepHVoFa-A[/embed]

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[toggle title_open="What are the benefits of ordering products in bags?" title_closed="What are the benefits of ordering products in bags?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Greely’s Gardening Bags save you the pain and inconvenience of carrying home bags of landscaping products. Simply use what you need, and reseal the bag to complete your landscaping project another day. Greely’s Gardening Bags are clean and convenient!

100% Full Cubic Yard, 1/2 Cubic Yard, and 1/4 Cubic Yard, Guaranteed!

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What size are your bags?" title_closed="What size are your bags?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Our cubic yard bags are 36" X 36" X 36". Yes, our bags provide a 100% full cubic yard guaranteed.

Our 1/2 cubic yard bags are 29" X 29" X 28". Yes, our bags provide a 100% 1/2 cubic yard guaranteed.

Our 1/4 cubic yard bags are 24" X 24" X 20". Yes, our bags provide a 100% 1/4 cubic yard guaranteed[/toggle] [toggle title_open="How big is a cubic yard?" title_closed="How big is a cubic yard?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]In one cubic yard there are 765 liters. Just think, if you purchased a cubic yard at the store, you would need 27 store bags! That's a lot to carry and a lot of trips to the store...  Can you imagine trying to carry almost 2200 pounds in your car!

In a half cubic yard bag, there are 382.5 liters or almost 14 store bags.  That's approximately 1100 pounds!

In a quarter cubic yard bag, there are 191.25 liters or almost 7 store bags. That's approximately 550 pounds!

Cubic Yard Bags  [/toggle] [toggle title_open="What products can I put in the bags?" title_closed="What products can I put in the bags?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]These bags are very convenient and allow you to order soil, mulch, river rock, sand, and crushed stone.[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can I have two different products delivered in bags?" title_closed="Can I have two different products delivered in bags?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Yes. You can order as many bags as you want with different products in each bag. The maximum bags that can be delivered at one time on our flat deck truck is 12 bags. Multiple bag discounts will apply.[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can I order online?" title_closed="Can I order online?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Yes, you can order online.[/toggle] [toggle title_open="How long does it take after I place my order?" title_closed="How long does it take after I place my order?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]If you are ordering your Greely's Gardening Bags online, you can choose your preferred delivery date.   If you order online or via telephone, delivery of Greely's Gardening Bags are a minimum of 2 business days after the time of ordering, depending on availability.  [/toggle] [toggle title_open="Do I have to be home to receive my bag?" title_closed="Do I have to be home to receive my bag?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]No, you do not need to be home to receive your Greely's Gardening Bag. You just need to simply mark an "X" on your driveway with chalk or masking/painter’s tape where you want your Greely's Gardening Bag(s) to be placed.

Keep in mind when marking your "X" on your driveway for a Gardening Bag delivery we need a space 4ft X 4ft. Also, our forklift requires 9 feet of clearance to access the location.  Be sure to look up and make sure there are no overhead wires or low lying trees where you marked your "X" on your driveway.

cubic yard bags[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can I exchange a cubic yard bag?" title_closed="Can I exchange a cubic yard bag?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Greely’s Gardening Bag Return Policy

Due to the nature of our products, Greely Sand & Gravel cannot offer a refund on any Greely’s Gardening Bags. If you would like to have an unopened Greely’s Gardening Bag removed from your property, a charge of $149.50 (plus HST) will apply. We are only able to pick up a Greely’s Gardening Bag if it is accessible from the road and in good physical condition.

Please note: If we delivered a cubic yard bag of product to your home and you prefer to have the unused cubic yard bag exchanged for a different product, we will charge the difference in price between the products, along with a delivery fee of $149.50 (plus HST).

If the bag was placed on your property according to your delivery instructions, however you are not satisfied with the placement, we will gladly return to move the bag at a cost of $149.50 (plus HST).

If you are not satisfied with the product, you must call the office at 613.821.3003 or email us within 3 business days of the delivery date of the product.

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can you bring the bag into my backyard or over a fence?" title_closed="Can you bring the bag into my backyard or over a fence?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Unfortunately, we are not able to bring the bag into your backyard or over a fence since we use a forklift that requires 9 feet of clearance and which requires a stable surface to drive on.  Typically bags are placed conveniently on your driveway or front lawn.

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="How will the bag be delivered?" title_closed="How will the bag be delivered?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less"include_excerpt_html="no"] We deliver our bags with a flat deck and forklift.  The forklift requires 9 feet width of clearance and a stable surface to drive on.

[caption id="attachment_4950" align="alignnone" width="242"]Ottawa topsoil delivery Delivery by Moffett forklift[/caption]

[embed width="420" height="348"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDNYMwOJjYk&list=PLpZY1Vk1nbCB9gQkOTsF3d9mcVHKWC-Sl&index=2[/embed]

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What are your promotions?" title_closed="What are your promotions?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]You can earn 5 AIR MILES® reward miles when you purchase the delivery service of landscape materials (see exclusions). Or take a look at the promotions page for a list of our current promotions. [/toggle] [toggle title_open="What do I do with the bag once I am finished with it?" title_closed="What do I do with the bag once I am finished with it?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]There are various options you can choose from.

Option 1:  You can keep the bag for personal use.  Some ideas include using the bag to cover your air conditioner over the winter months.  The bag is also great for storage, such as storing patio furniture.

Bag for A/C Unite Bag on A/C unit  patio furniture

Option 2:  Choose to use our environmentally friendly DisposaBag Service.  This allows you to use your cubic yard bag to get rid of excavation material (old soil, sod, etc. that you dig out of your yard),  garden waste (leaves, branches, planting trimmings), or non-hazardous household waste.

Option 3: Bring the bag to one of our landscape depots to be recycled by Tomlinson Environmental.      [/toggle] [toggle title_open="Did you know, contractors use cubic yard bags to get landscaping products to the rooftop?" title_closed="Did you know, contractors use cubic yard bags to get landscaping products to the rooftop?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

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Frequently Asked Questions

[hr]

Information for Product Pick-Up

[hr] [toggle title_open="Can I pick-up my order?" title_closed="Can I pick-up my order?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Yes, you can come and pick-up your order.

We have two customer-friendly landscape depots located at either end of the city. Both of our depots are clean, safe and easy to use. If you have a pick-up truck or trailer, we are able to load it with our convenient 1 cubic yard bucket.  Keep in mind if your truck has a cap, we will not be able to load you with our loader; therefore, you would need to load yourself.  Please note: Any trucks or trailers being loaded must be safe and meet MTO standards.  Please bring a tarp to cover your load before leaving our yard.  There is a minimum charge of $40.00 for a pick-up truck or trailer loads. Applicable taxes are extra.

If you do not have a truck or trailer, there are many other means of picking up a product you desire – compost containers, recycle bins, pails, and much more.  Please remember to bring a shovel!

South-East Landscape Depot Price List for 2024

West-End Landscape Depot Price List for 2024

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What does picking up my order cost?" title_closed="What does picking up my order cost?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

We'd love to have you come to either of our two conveniently located landscape depots! For price lists for each depot, please click here.

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can I look at your products in person?" title_closed="Can I look at your products in person?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]Yes, you are more than welcome to come and view the variety of products we offer.  Please visit our landscape depots located in the South-East and West-End of Ottawa.  Not all of our products are found at our West-End Landscape Depot.  For a list of the available products and their prices, please click here.  [/toggle] [toggle title_open="Where are you located?" title_closed="Where are you located?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Click here for the locations to our main office and our two customer-friendly landscape depots.

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What products are available at your West End landscape depot?" title_closed="What products are available at your West End landscape depot?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

A list of products and their prices are available at:  West End Landscape Depot Price List 2024

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Can I use a promo code for products picked up?" title_closed="Can I use a promo code for products picked up?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Unfortunately, coupons are available for online delivered orders only.

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Information for Ordering

[hr] [toggle title_open="How do I place my order?" title_closed="How do I place my order?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

The best way is to contact us at 613-821-3003 where you will always reach a live person when you call.  We will be happy to discuss your order with you to ensure you have the right product for your job.

You may also conveniently place your order online during the Spring and Summer seasons, from the comfort of your home or office!

If you visit our landscape depots to view our products, you are able to place your order in person at our landscape depot at 1971 Old Prescott Road in Greely.  Unfortunately, you are not able to place an order in person at our landscape depot located at 3350 Moodie Drive.

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="How big is a cubic yard?" title_closed="How big is a cubic yard?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

In one cubic yard there are 765 liters or 27 cubic feet. Just think, if you purchased a cubic yard at the store, you would need 27 store bags! That's a lot to carry and a lot of trips to the store...

bag-comparison

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What are the load sizes?" title_closed="What are the load sizes?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Full Loads (Soil & Mulch): Single Axle Dump Trucks 8 Cubic Yards
Tandem Dump Trucks 18 Cubic Yards
Tri Axle Dump Trucks 22 Cubic Yards

Note: All products are available as low as 1 cubic yard. Maximum load size for stone and aggregates varies by product. Please call us for more information.
(1 cubic yard equals 6-8 wheelbarrows)

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="Do you deliver split loads?" title_closed="Do you deliver split loads?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Yes, we deliver split loads in a single axle, tandem, and tri-axle trucks to one location. This means that you can get two different products in one truck. Our split truck boxes are designed to have a gate in the middle to keep the products separated. The middle gate is locked in place until the driver clicks the release button. So as the truck box lifts, the product at the back of the truck will come out first. The truck will move ahead, the driver clicks the release button which allows the middle gate to swing, which in turn allows the second product to slide out of the box into a second pile.

Refer to below for truck quantities available. Split loading charges apply.

split-load

[/toggle] [toggle title_open="What are the split load sizes?" title_closed="What are the split load sizes?" hide="yes" border="yes" style="default" excerpt_length="0" read_more_text="Read More" read_less_text="Read Less" include_excerpt_html="no"]

Single Axle Split Box: Front Back
Soils & Mulch 5 cubic yards 3 cubic yards
Stone, Riverstone, Sand 3 cubic yards 3 cubic yards
Tandem Axle Split Box: Front Back
Soils & Mulch 6 cubic yards 6 cubic yards
Stone, Riverstone, Sand 4 cubic yards 5 cubic yards
Triaxle Split Box: Front Back
Soils & Mulch 8 cubic yards 8 cubic yards
Stone, Riverstone, Sand 5 cubic yards 7 cubic yards

Note: All products are available as low as 1 cubic yard.
(1 cubic yard is approximately 6-8 wheelbarrow loads)

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Click here for photos and further explanations of what a cubic yard looks like.

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For online orders, you can pay by Visa, Master Card or American Express.

For orders placed via telephone, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express or E-Transfer.

For pick up loads, you can pay be Visa, Master Card, American Express, Debit or Cash.

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Unfortunately, only one coupon code can be used per online order.

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Unfortunately, coupons are available for online delivered orders only.

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Information about Bags

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Yes! Greely's Gardening Bags are 1 cubic yard bags that are 3 ft X 3 ft X 3 ft. You can receive soil, mulch, river stone, sand or crushed stone in our 1 cubic yard bags. And our Gardening Bags are a full cubic yard, 100% guaranteed! Clean and convenient!

We also have half cubic yard bags which are 29" X 29" X 28" AND 1/4 cubic yard bags which are 24" X 24" X 20".  Perfect for those small projects!

WATCH OUR VIDEO - A delivery of a 1 cubic yard Gardening Bag

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A cubic yard in a bag and a cubic yard in bulk is the same volume, 27 cubic feet.  Check out our video!

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Click here...

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Information for Delivery

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No, you do not need to be home for the delivery. We ask that you mark your desired delivery location with an X. When placing your order you are required to select a delivery location, you can also leave notes for additional information.

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We need a space of 12 feet wide and 15 feet high.
The trucks vary in length from 18 feet to 30 feet, which depends on the size of your load.

Need more visuals? Click here.

soil tandem load with dimensions

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What are Greely's THREE different delivery options?

Single TrucksAir Miles

greely delivery truckAvailable for five different delivery windows in a day
Split-load TrucksAir Miles Split Load TruckPerfect for jobs that require two different types of materials
Mini Roll-Off ContainersAir Miles Greely Roll Off Container NO TruckReceive your product and rent the container for your excavation and/or yard waste clean-up
Pick-Up pic-truck2You can also pick up your supplies at either of our two customer-friendly landscape depots.

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You take responsibility of your driveway past the curb and must give us permission to drive on to your driveway, via online order or when placing the order via telephone.  During a hot summer the driveway can get very hot.  So when a heavy dump truck goes on to your hot driveway, it could cause damage.  Be sure to keep this in mind when placing your order online or discussing your dump location with our staff.

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If you would like your bulk load dumped, or the Yard Waste Bin placed, on the street in front of your home rather than on your driveway, you MUST arrange for a temporary encroachment permit through the City of Ottawa. The driver will not dump the load or place the container on city streets until you provide the driver with the proper permit. For more information on temporary encroachment permits, please email row_permit_office@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.

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Excess Soil

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Yes, we will still accept small amounts of excess soil from residential sites. The excess soil must be uncontaminated and free of toxins. To comply with the new regulations for excess soil you will be required to provide more information about where the soil originated.

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  • We will need the address of the site of origin of the excess soil.
  • Name and phone number of the person responsible for overseeing the loading and transportation of the excess soil.
  • The license plate number of the vehicle transporting the excess soil.
  • Date the excess soil was removed from the original site, and where it has been since removed from the original site.
  • Forms can be found at here.

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Yard Waste Bin

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The Yard Waste Bins are similar to a dumpster, they are 8 x 10 feet and left on your property for you to fill at your convenience. they can hold 8 cubic yards of soil.

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Our bins are for landscape materials only. You can fill them with excavation waste such as excess soil, sand, stone, sod, and interlocking bricks OR the bin can be filled with leaf and yard waste such as grass clippings, branches, leaves, and plant clippings.

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We don't want the materials mixed because they need to be taken to different disposal sites.

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Our bins are for landscape materials only. Not only do we haul away unwanted landscaping waste, but we also deliver fresh landscaping materials in the bins. In order to keep our bins clean and uncontaminated for all deliveries, we do not want any household waste in our roll-off bins.

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Yes, when you order a Yard Waste Bin rental we can deliver up to 8 cubic yards of soil or mulch and up to 5 cubic yards of sand or stone. The new landscaping products can be left in the bin for you to empty at your convenience or can be dumped loosely on your property with the bin left empty and ready to be filled.

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Other Information

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This article defines organic topsoil and outlines the benefits of using organic topsoil, such as Greely’s Topdressing Soil, in your gardens and flowerbeds.

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The undesirable grasses that are appearing on lawns during hot summers are annual grasses. There have been two types that become active due to the hot and humid weather.  Both Barnyard grass and Green Foxtail  have a lighter colour to the leaf which makes them very conspicuous compared to darker lawns. These annual grasses have sprouted from seed that was either in the sod base soil or the topsoil. These seeds can stay dormant for years and only initiate when they get the right summer weather conditions. Being annual grasses they will not survive past the first killing frost, or mid September. The nature of the plant is to grow quickly and try to create new seed. It is important that homeowners overseed regularly to encourage a dense root system so as to not provide space for annual grasses to grow and to keep their lawns mowed so the annual grass doesn’t have the opportunity to form new seed heads. These grasses are more of a nuisance and will not affect the quality of the lawn long term. These annual types seed are present in soils throughout Ontario and unfortunately there are no tools available to control these dormant seeds.

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Preventative Practices
Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilization practices prevent many weed problems. Mow every three to five days during growth periods to keep the lawn at a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches during the summer months. Leave clippings on the grass after mowing. Grass clippings provide about 20 percent of the fertilization needs of most grass types. Fertilizer needs vary according to grass species, but nitrogen is the nutrient most needed by all grass types. It is important that homeowners overseed regularly to encourage a dense root system so as to not provide space for weeds to grow. Organic compost fertilizers are applied once or twice yearly because they release nutrients slowly into the soil. Irrigate when the top 2 inches have dried out -- or two to three times per week. Deep, infrequent watering discourages weed growth.
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The dye used in our mulch has been proved to have extremely low toxicity and is manufactured by Colorbiotics.

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Yes, click on the link for tips...

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Be sure when applying mulch to not choke out your plants.  Let them have some breathing room by keeping the mulch away from the base of the stems.

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GS&G's Organic Turf Blend - Good Enough to Play On

In keeping with GS&G’s dedication to research and product development, Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. was proud to introduce another fine product that helped rejuvenate well-used sports fields, such as soccer fields, football fields and Ultimate Frisbee fields. This engineered soil is a free-flowing sandy based soil where Category A compost is mixed and screened through a 5mm screen to allow for easy spreading with a topdresser. Our product has been used throughout the City of Ottawa on many fields and has had great results in a short time.

If your local ball field, playground or greenspace looks like it is in need of a little help – ask your municipality to contact Greely Sand & Gravel Inc., and we’ll take good care of your public spaces, quickly and effectively… Game On!

Sports field Topdressing Soil Hints:

  • Apply mix after the playing season to a maximum depth of 1/4" with a topdresser for a more even application.
  • It is most important not to over spread! As the saying goes "less is more."
  • Always aerate fields first before applying mix.

Canyon Stone - A Chip Off a New Block

Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. is proud to offer three different colours of Canyon Stone new in 2011, blue, brown and granite. With rougher natural edges, visible striations and incredible texture, these stones are a different breed from our large landscape stones. Stunning and always unique, these canyon stones can transform a garden into a masterpiece, providing a focal point for your landscape design.

There are hundreds of ways to achieve landscaping with rocks. When many people think about landscaping they focus only on flowers, ground covers, shrubs and trees. The elements missing in this type of landscape design are stones and rocks, which provide varying heights and contours that keep the landscape interesting and unique. Successfully integrating rocks into your landscape turns them into a focal point with each rock being placed to create a specific look and feel.

Accent boulders help you build levels into your landscape without bringing in extra soil. They also give the whole landscape design a unique character that impacts the view with a little drama and interesting angles. One of the keys to using accent boulders effectively is making them appear as if they literally grew out of that spot. Putting the bottom of the stone down about 4"-6" achieves that effect, particularly in combination with decorative grasses nearby.

Whether you want a splash of texture and natural colors for ground covering or a full-out rock garden, landscaping with rocks is a great choice. Rocks endure the elements and truly offer one-of-a-kind uniqueness in sizes and shapes, some of which are sure to fit your plans.

Ottawa's Pond Clinic

Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. is a proud supplier to Ottawa’s “The Pond Clinic”Pond Clinic 3

A wonderful example of what you can build with our landscape rocks, boulders, and Coloured Riverwash Stone can be seen at The Pond Clinic’s owner’s house. Nicholas Bott created a 60,000 gallon pond with a 14 foot waterfall. This incredible koi-filled swimming pond is rocked using GS&G’s landscape boulders. The Pond Clinic only uses Greely Sand & Gravel Inc. for their projects, due to the incredible textures and variety available.

Read more about our landscape boulders