Answers to our Most Frequently Asked Questions

If your property is within our current service area, we will provide a free quote on the minimum landscape management program for your property.

26 visits is the seasonal average number of times that lawns in our area need to be cut in order to keep a neat and maintained appearance.

Yes,  a crew will be assigned to service the property for the season for lawn maintenance. There may be times that a different crew will perform other tasks or help out in inclement weather to ensure that the property does not miss a service period.

The property will be re-scheduled for the next day in which the property is dry enough to service without incurring damage from equipment or when horticulturally appropriate.

Our internal work order system automatically schedules and routes services by type and area to provide for the most consistent and efficient service possible.

Depending on the service, most sites will be serviced within the next week. For example, new lawn maintenance customers are serviced within 7-10 days. 

No. It is up to our clients to enjoy hassle free service whether at home or away managing their busy schedules.

Customers receiving lawn care applications will receive information and precautions regarding specific products used on their properties at least 48 hours in advance.

We will not offer lawn care treatments without weekly mowing services.

Additives are used to enhance absorption in dry periods and reduce wash-off effects during rainy periods. 

Yes.

When it comes to pools, safety is a must – and of course, this extends to your pool patio material, too. Think about what kind of material offers texture or finishes that help to reduce slipping. Think through some of your material options and ask yourself, "Will this reduce the chance of slipping when wet or dry?"

This is an especially important question if you have children, seniors, or those with physical challenges planning to spend time on your pool deck.

As a local in the Capital Region, you know that our intense winters mean freeze-thaw cycles. You also know that these can wreak havoc on certain materials. Options like pavers and natural stone are known to hold up well despite these cycles.

The question you need to ask yourself: would you prefer to pay more upfront for a durable option or lower your upfront cost with a different material that you might need to replace sooner as a result of the weather?

Some materials are bound to get hotter in the summer sun, while others, like natural stone or lighter pavers, can stay cooler even as the summer temperatures rise. Does your pool patio material's heat resistance matter to you? Do you prefer to choose a material that retains less heat?

The cost of pool patio decking is a multifaceted one. Since this is an investment in your property, you need to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term cost. 

Sure, a more expensive option like natural stone is a larger investment immediately, but its longevity can outweigh the frequent repairs and maintenance of lower-cost material options.

Where you live plays a big role in what type of pool decking makes sense. Here in the Capital Region – whether Albany, Saratoga Springs, or Clifton Park – your pool deck has to withstand hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between.

That means thinking about how materials handle freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and even salt or de-icing products. It also means factoring in drainage: poor installation or the wrong surface can cause water to pool as snow melts, leading to cracks or surface damage over time.

Your regional climate should always be part of the conversation with your pool decking professional so that you end up with a surface that looks great and performs well year after year.

Your pool deck is more than a functional surface – it’s an extension of your home and landscape. The right pool patio material should complement your architecture, enhance your outdoor space, and align with the way you plan to use your pool area.

Do you want a sleek, modern look that ties in with a contemporary home? Large format pavers with smooth/polished finishes and crisp lines might be your go-to. Prefer something timeless and natural? Pavers or stone can create a classic backyard retreat.

Also think about color, texture, and layout. Lighter colors can help keep surfaces cooler, while textured finishes add grip and dimension. And since your pool deck is often the first thing people see when they step into your backyard, choosing the right design elements makes a lasting impression.

This is completely determined by your goals. Ideally the planning process should start at minimum 3-6 months prior to when you would like to have a finished pool and landscape to use for your enjoyment.

With proper installation and maintenance, fiberglass pools will last many years: the gelcoat surface may need refreshing every 20-30 years if showing signs of fading.

The best thing you can do is choose an installer with the proper knowledge, labor force, and management to start and stay on a project through completion on time and on budget. Here at Gallivan we have some of the best designers, project managers, and installers in the region with many years of experience and knowledge.