Spring fever makes grass grow and your dreams of outdoor living thrive . This is the year for that stone patio you've always wanted. But how long do you need to wait before booking the install? It's one of the most common questions asked at this time of year - when can the patio go in?

Wet Conditions and Spring Thaw

Snow can still fall in March, and that white blanket often hangs around on the grass until April. But warm daytime temperatures and spring rains help to thaw the frost and prepare your yard. Your landscaper may have reservations about jumping right into the work, though.

Installing a stone patio often requires extensive excavation and heavy machinery. If your yard is soft, that equipment will damage the grass and gardens. It may even affect the grading, and cause more trouble than it's worth. Waiting for a few weeks of semi-dry weather can make the difference between a small mess and serious damage.

High water levels can become a problem as well. If consistent rain and spring thaw have pushed the water table above the excavation depth, your landscaper may have trouble installing the bottom drainage layer of gravel. This design component is vital, and affects the durability and appearance of the entire patio. If this condition applies, your landscaper will halt excavation in order to let the water levels recede.

Book Your Landscaper Early

If you're anxious to have the patio installed early in the season, book your landscaper or patio contractor as soon as possible. Their schedules fill up quickly, and you want to get your project on the list sooner, rather than later. Secure your contractor with a deposit or signed contract, and get a head start on any prep work you need to do. That way you'll be ready when the patio installation crew rolls in.

It's difficult to nail down exactly when the stone patio can go in, since scheduling depends on the specific conditions of your yard. Get in touch with your landscaper asap to get the job going, and you can look forward to enjoying as much as the coming season as possible.