Spring in the Glens Falls area is a narrow window. The ground thaws in late March or early April, temperatures stabilize by mid-May, and before you know it you're in the heat of summer with half your yard projects still on the list. Here's a practical checklist — organized by timing — to help you make the most of the spring season.
Early April: Assess Winter Damage
Before ordering any materials, walk your property and take stock of what the winter left behind. Look for frost heave in gravel driveways and walkways — areas where the ground pushed up and displaced stone. Check garden bed edges for erosion or washout from snowmelt. Note any low spots in the lawn that collected standing water during thaw. These observations will drive your material order.
Mid-April: Topsoil and Grading
Once the ground has dried out enough to work — typically mid-April in Washington, Warren, and Saratoga Counties — it's time to address grading and fill. Low spots that hold water should be filled with screened topsoil and raked level before seeding. If you're establishing a new lawn area or expanding garden beds, this is the time to bring in topsoil. A 4-to-6-inch layer is the minimum for a healthy lawn; raised beds benefit from 8 to 12 inches.
Late April to Early May: Mulching
The ideal mulching window is when soil temperatures have warmed but summer heat hasn't arrived. Applying mulch now accomplishes three things at once: it suppresses the first flush of spring weeds before they establish, it locks in soil moisture as temperatures rise, and it moderates soil temperature to protect newly planted perennials and shrubs. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to all garden beds, keeping it a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
May: Driveway and Walkway Refresh
Gravel driveways and stone walkways take a beating from winter plowing and freeze-thaw cycles. May is the right time to top-dress with a fresh layer of crushed stone — typically 1 to 2 inches is enough to fill ruts and restore a clean surface. For walkways, pea gravel or decorative stone can be raked back into place or supplemented with a fresh delivery if significant material was lost over winter.
Planning Your Material Order
Spring is our busiest season. If you're planning a mulch, topsoil, or stone delivery for April or May, we recommend requesting a quote at least one to two weeks in advance to secure your preferred delivery date. Use our online quote form — it includes a built-in calculator so you can estimate quantity and cost before you call. We deliver throughout Washington, Warren, and Saratoga Counties, typically within the same week.
