Surface & Ground Conditions for Pickups

General Placement Rules

• Level, firm, outdoor-only placement with a straight, unobstructed path for our truck and lifting equipment.
• Keep the staging area free of vehicles, bins, and obstacles, and ensure overhead clearance (watch trees, wires, and awnings).
• We do not enter homes, garages, buildings, or enclosed areas. If the surface or approach is unsafe, we may reschedule or decline service.

Concrete (driveways, pads, pavers)

• Best practice: Place bags/materials on flat, well-supported concrete away from slab edges, joints, or decorative/stamped sections.
• Fresh pours: Avoid new concrete until fully cured (typically 28 days). Curing slabs are more prone to scuffs and cracking.
• Edges and joints: Avoid loading near edges, control joints, or cracked sections to reduce the risk of chipping.
• When to add plywood: If our truck must roll or set stabilizers on your driveway—or if you’re using decorative/stamped or thin slabs—lay 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood to distribute weight.

Asphalt (driveways)

• Heat sensitivity: In warm weather and direct sun, asphalt softens and can rut under tire or stabilizer loads.
• Best practice: Schedule morning pickups in hot months and keep the approach as straight as possible to avoid tire “scrub.”
• When to add plywood: Strongly recommended any time the truck must drive or stabilize on asphalt, especially in temperatures above 70–80°F. Use 3/4-inch exterior-grade sheets.

Gravel (crushed stone, packed base)

• Stability: Only use well-compacted, level gravel. Loose or deep gravel can cause settling and slow loading.
• Best practice: Place a tarp or plywood under the bag to prevent sinking and simplify cleanup. Ensure the truck approach is firm and not rutted or washed out.
• When to add plywood: Recommended under the bag and along any soft approach to prevent ruts and wheel sink.

Grass and soil

• Soft ground risk: Wet or recently watered lawns, clay, or saturated soil can rut or cause equipment to sink.
• Best practice: Choose a driveway or street-side placement when possible. If lawn placement is your only option, allow ground to dry and use plywood under the load.
• When to add plywood: Always for lawn placements—use multiple sheets to create a stable platform and approach. Note that minor lawn impressions can still occur.

Plywood driveway protection (how to do it right)

• What to use: 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood (4×8 sheets), laid tight and flat. For heavier protection, double-layer with seams staggered.
• Where to place: Create a straight “runway” where the truck will roll, and place pads where any stabilizers may set. Under the bag, one sheet is often enough for gravel/grass; use two if the ground is soft.
• Who provides it: Please have plywood placed before our arrival. If you prefer not to use plywood, choose a curbside/street placement where permitted.

Weather and seasonal tips

• Rain/snow: Avoid staging on saturated ground; clear snow/ice and apply sand for traction (avoid salts on new concrete).
• Freeze–thaw: Small surface chips are more likely in very cold temps; plywood reduces point loads and scuffing.
• Wind: Secure lightweight debris; cover bags with a tarp if high winds are expected.

Safety and property guidelines

• You are responsible for selecting the staging surface on private property and for any surface protection (e.g., plywood) you choose to use.
• To minimize risk of cosmetic marks, ruts, or cracks, prioritize curbside or street-adjacent placements where legal and safe.
• If site conditions are unsafe (soft ground, steep slopes, poor clearance), we may suggest an alternate placement or reschedule.

Quick checklist before booking

• Is the surface level, firm, and dry?
• Is there a straight, unobstructed path with overhead clearance?
• Have you laid 3/4-inch plywood where needed (concrete edges, asphalt in heat, gravel, or grass)?
• Is everything staged outdoors and accessible?

Questions about your site? Text us photos of your placement area before booking, and we’ll advise on surface protection and the best pickup approach.

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