Gravel has become a popular alternative to traditional grass landscapes and is used for planting beds, side yards, patios, driveways, and walkways. Landscaping contractors often need to store bulk gravel at their business location to complete these projects. If you're the owner of a growing business, you might not be familiar with the delivery of this material in large quantities. Here are a few tips to help make the process go smoothly.

What to Do Before Your Gravel Delivery Arrives

1. Decide on Delivery Area

Prepare a spot for the pile before it arrives. This prevents the delivery truck from unloading it in a location where it's difficult to retrieve and move later. Consider leaving the gravel where it can be easily shoveled into a wheelbarrow or picked up by a backhoe and trucked. If the gravel won't be used right away, unload it in a covered area to keep wind and rain from disturbing it. You could also cover the pile with a tarp after it arrives.

2. Prepare Site

Remove obstructions that may prevent the delivery truck from unloading in your chosen location. Failing to do this could create unsafe conditions for the delivery crew and waste time.

The path leading up to the drop zone should be debris-free. Vehicles and landscaping equipment should be away from the area. If a fence, wall, tree, or permanent structure is in the way, you'll need to choose another route to the unloading spot or a different location.

3. Give the Driver Delivery Instructions Ahead of Time

When talking to the driver over the phone about the delivery, make it clear where you want them to unload and discuss any logistical concerns. Taking this step days in advance will make the process go more smoothly. 

For instance, you can tell them to place the gravel in a shaded area behind your building or next to the parking lot. You may also want them to leave half the load in one area and the other half in another. If necessary, place markers at the exact spot you want to load to go.

Whether you're a lawn care novice or an experienced contractor, you can use a little help in creating beautiful and functional landscapes. You can count on LaSalle Sand & Gravel in Kalispell, MT, to provide land grading services, sand, gravel, washed stones, and other bulk landscaping supplies. Call (406) 756-9070 to speak with a team member or visit their website to view a complete list of their products and services.