What to Know Before Scheduling Material Delivery

Ordering bulk landscaping materials like gravel, mulch, or topsoil can be a game-changer for your outdoor project—whether you're tackling a new gravel driveway, installing fresh garden beds, or simply refreshing your property. But before you schedule your delivery, there are a few important things to understand that can help your project go more smoothly and avoid costly delays.

Plan ahead for the right materials

Before you schedule your delivery, it’s important to choose the right material for your project. The material you use can affect everything from drainage and durability to how your finished landscape looks. Picking the wrong one could cost you time and money—so a little planning goes a long way.

At Gath’s Landscaping, we deliver high-quality materials to homeowners and businesses across Clio, Mt. Morris, Birch Run, Frankenmuth, Flushing, Saginaw, and nearby areas. Some of our most popular options include:

• • Gravel – Great for resurfacing driveways, improving drainage, or creating a solid base for other projects
  • Screened topsoil – Perfect for new lawns, garden beds, and leveling uneven areas
  • Shredded mulch – Helps hold in moisture, block weeds, and give garden beds a clean, finished look
  • Crushed stone – Ideal for walkways, patios, or as a strong base for pavers and other hardscaping

We also provide custom material delivery for landscape construction projects. If you're having us regrade your yard, or build out a new landscape design, we can include everything you need in one scheduled delivery.

Not sure what material is best for your project? That’s where we come in. Our team works with clients across Mid-Michigan and understands the local soils, slopes, and site conditions. Whether you’re building a gravel driveway in Birch Run or refreshing your garden beds in Flushing, we’ll help you choose the right product—and make sure you get the right amount delivered on time.

Measure accurately to avoid shortages or waste

Getting the right amount of material is just as important as choosing the right type. Ordering too little can leave you short halfway through the job, while ordering too much can lead to unnecessary costs and leftover product you don’t need. Measuring carefully before scheduling your delivery helps avoid both problems.

Most materials are sold by the cubic yard

Gravel, topsoil, mulch, and other bulk landscaping materials are typically sold by cubic yard, which is a measurement of volume. To calculate how much you need:

• • Measure the length, width, and depth of your project area (in feet)
  • Multiply the three numbers together
  • Divide the result by 27 to convert to cubic yards

Quick example:

If you're installing mulch in a 10 ft × 12 ft bed at a 3-inch depth (which is 0.25 feet):
10 × 12 × 0.25 = 30 ÷ 27 = 1.11 cubic yards

Common material depth guidelines:

• • Mulch: 2–3 inches
  • Topsoil: 4–6 inches for new lawns or raised beds
  • Gravel (for driveways): 4–6 inches or more, depending on the base

Tips to make it easier:

• • Sketch your project area on paper and label the measurements
  • Break complex shapes into rectangles or squares to simplify
  • Round up slightly to account for settling or compaction
  • Consider ordering a little extra if the area has uneven terrain

If you're working on a larger project—like regrading a lawn in Mt. Morris, refreshing mulch beds in Frankenmuth, or resurfacing a gravel driveway in Clio—it's easy to miscalculate. That’s where our team can help.

At Gath’s Landscaping, we’ve handled material estimates for jobs of all sizes throughout Genesee County and the surrounding area. We can:

• • Double-check your measurements
  • Recommend how much material you really need
  • Help you avoid the cost and hassle of multiple deliveries

Still unsure? Just give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through the math or stop by for a quick site visit to confirm everything before you order. Getting it right the first time saves you time, stress, and money.

Prepare your property for a smooth drop-off

Material delivery requires adequate access and a safe area to unload. Before our trucks arrive, make sure:

• • Driveways and access paths are clear of vehicles or obstacles
  • There’s enough space to maneuver and safely dump materials
  • You’ve chosen a delivery spot that’s near your work area, but away from structures, power lines, or drainage routes

If you’re concerned about site access or space, let us know ahead of time. We’ve delivered to tight spots and tricky layouts across Genesee County—we’ll work with you to find the safest, most efficient option.

Understand delivery timing and weather impacts

When scheduling your material delivery, timing matters more than most people realize. While we work hard to meet your preferred delivery date, it’s important to understand that a few outside factors can influence the timing—especially weather and seasonal demand.

How weather can affect delivery

Certain materials are sensitive to moisture. For example:

• • Screened topsoil can become heavier and harder to spread after rain
  • Mulch may clump together or steam when wet
  • Gravel deliveries may be delayed if ground conditions are too soft for heavy trucks

Rainy conditions can also make it unsafe for our trucks to access your delivery site, especially on soft or unpaved surfaces. In those cases, we’ll work with you to reschedule at the earliest opportunity.

Plan ahead during peak seasons

In Clio, Mt. Morris, Birch Run, and surrounding areas, spring and early summer are the busiest times of year for landscaping projects. Homeowners and commercial property managers alike are racing to:

• • Refresh their mulch
  • Install new garden beds
  • Resurface gravel driveways
  • Prepare lawns with fresh topsoil

Because of this seasonal demand, delivery schedules can fill up quickly. Booking early helps you avoid delays and gives you more flexibility when choosing a delivery window.

What to expect from Gath’s Landscaping

We take pride in offering:

• • Flexible scheduling based on your availability
  • Clear communication so you’re never left guessing
  • Local expertise—we know how Mid-Michigan weather affects material performance
  • On-time delivery you can count on, even during busy seasons

Whether you're ordering gravel for a driveway in Saginaw or mulch for a garden in Flushing, we’ll make sure your materials arrive when and where you need them—rain or shine (when possible). If the weather changes or conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll notify you right away and work to find the next best option.

Planning around the weather and booking early are simple steps that help your project stay on track—and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why work with Gath’s Landscaping?

We’re more than just a delivery service—we’re your local partner in creating beautiful, functional landscapes. Whether you need gravel for a driveway resurfacing, topsoil for a new lawn, or mulch to refresh your garden beds, we provide:

• • Fast, affordable material delivery in Clio and surrounding areas
  • Expert recommendations based on decades of experience
  • Professional support and full landscaping services if needed

Proudly serving Mid-Michigan

Gath’s Landscaping proudly provides landscaping material delivery and gravel driveway resurfacing throughout Genesee County and northern Michigan, including:

• • Clio
  • Mt. Morris
  • Birch Run
  • Frankenmuth
  • Flushing
  • Saginaw
  • Surrounding Mid-Michigan communities

If you’re located in or near any of these areas, we’re ready to help with prompt, professional service and high-quality materials delivered right to your property.

Ready to schedule your delivery?

If you’re ready to order high-quality landscaping materials or want expert help planning your gravel driveway or landscape improvements, give us a call or request a free estimate online. Gath’s Landscaping is proud to be Clio’s trusted source for material delivery, gravel driveways, and complete landscape solutions.

We serve residential and commercial clients throughout Clio and surrounding Michigan towns—and we’re ready to bring the right materials to your doorstep.