As the warm season wraps up and winter descends on Massachusetts, many homeowners wonder about those last minute landscaping projects. Is it possible to install a stone patio in cold weather? Can you fit that stone retaining wall in before the chill truly hits New England? Depending on the location, design and current weather patterns, you may be able to plan for a patio installation this fall.

Ideal Temperatures for Laying a Stone Patio

There are two things to consider when planning to lay a stone patio--frost and mortar.

Frost Concerns for Dry Fit Patios

A heavy frost can actually shift the ground a little. If this happens midway through an installation, expect to see an uneven or unstable base. Excavations for dry stone patios (using limestone or sand for a dry fit, as opposed to mortar between the stones) generally go below the frost line commonly seen in late fall or early winter. If a heavy frost hits before the stones are laid, ensure your base is well compacted and frequently checked for level during the installation process.

Mortar Concerns for Brick Patios

For best results, mortar must be used in air temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your landscape plans include a brick patio or pathway, check the weather forecasts to ensure the temperatures are not set to dip far below that 40 degree mark.

Some contractors will use mortar in the day and cover it well each evening, keeping frost off and allowing the mortar to set properly. Depending on how much frost your property is getting, based on exposure and the current weather patterns, this process may work. Unfortunately, if freezing temperatures hit, your brick patio may need to be ripped out and replaced due to mortar failure.

An efficient contractor can get in and out quickly, completing a well laid patio that's ready to weather the winter and get an early start next spring. But some homeowners may want to err on the side of caution and wait.

Professional landscaping contractors can look at your project and property to assess whether or not installing a stone patio in cold weather is a good plan. Consider the type of patio and the likelihood of overnight frosts or freezing temperatures, trusting the experience of your landscaper for the best possible course of action.