Bellevue Dry Creek Bed Installation Services

Hey there, Bellevue! Are you tired of dealing with a soggy lawn or muddy paths in your yard? Dry creek beds are not just a pretty feature—they’re a functional solution to manage water flow while enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Our team at Neat & Tidy specializes in crafting dry creek beds that are designed with precision grading, durable materials, and an eye for aesthetics. Let’s turn that drainage problem into a stunning natural feature you’ll love showing off!

What’s the Problem?

Are you experiencing any of these frustrating issues?

• Water pooling on your lawn or walkway after heavy rains
• Downspouts washing away mulch and soil
• A soggy side yard that doesn’t drain well
• An overgrown “decorative creek” that’s more of a weed patch than a feature

What We Build: Form Meets Function

At Neat & Tidy, we design dry creek beds that are as functional as they are beautiful:

• Real Flow Path — We create a shallow swale graded at ~1–2% to ensure smooth water flow.
• Layered Rock Mix — Large cobbles for the banks, midsize river rock in the thalweg, and fine materials where needed to lock everything in place.
• Splash Pads & Inlets — Armored areas under downspouts to prevent erosion and control water flow.
• Check Stones / Weirs — We incorporate subtle stones to slow the flow and mimic natural streams.
• Hidden Structure — A compacted sub-base with non-woven geotextile separates layers for better drainage.
• Smart Outlets — Safe drainage solutions to a lawn basin, drain inlet, or dry well when local regulations permit.
• Native Planting — We choose local grasses and shrubs that not only beautify your creek bed but also attract local pollinators.

Remember: a dry creek helps manage surface water, while a French drain deals with subsurface water. Often, combining both is the best route for your property. We’ll provide you with honest, tailored advice!

How We Install: No Shortcuts Here!

Our installation process is comprehensive, ensuring quality and longevity every step of the way:

1. Site Evaluation & Elevations — We analyze the grades, runoff patterns, and identify legal drainage outlets.
2. Utility Locate — Safety is our priority! We always call 811 for utility locates before digging.
3. Excavate the Channel — We shape the subgrade, creating pools and riffles for effective water management.
4. Fabric & Base — Non-woven geotextile is laid over clay, with a crushed rock base in softer soil areas.
5. Place Stone by Size — Starting with larger cobbles for the banks, we fill the mid-channel and secure keystones at bends.
6. Construct Inlets/Outlets — We build downspout pads, pipe boots, and discreet check stones.
7. Backfill & Edge — We ensure fabric edges are buried, providing a seamless transition to mulch or grass.
8. Plant & Mulch — Choosing the right plants for each zone and adding mulch where needed for a polished look.
9. Hose Test — Before we finish, we run water through your creek bed to make sure it flows just right.

If your discharge affects public systems, we ensure compliance with local regulations, designing onsite solutions when necessary.

Sizing & Ordering: Getting It Right

• Coverage per yard of cobble/river rock:

  • 1 yd³ covers approximately 80–100 sq ft @ 3–4” depth (mixed sizes)

• Channel volume per linear foot:

  • 2.5’ avg width × 0.33’ avg depth ≈ 0.83 cu ft/LF → about 32 LF per yd³

• Add 10–15% for locks and banks; curves and splash pads use more rock.

Example: For a 24’ run × 2.5’ width × 4” depth, you’d need around 2.2 yd³ → we recommend ordering 2.5–3 yd³ (various sizes).

Where Dry Creek Beds Shine

Check out these incredible benefits of installing a dry creek bed:

• Downspout Dispersion — Manage roof runoff without extensive digging across your yard.
• Side-Yard Corridors — Create clear paths for water flow, eliminating muddy patches.
• Path Crossings — Seamlessly integrate stepping stones into the creek for easy access.
• Rain-Garden Pairing — Let the creek carry away excess water while the rain garden absorbs it; the perfect duo!

Our Annual Maintenance Plan: Your Yard’s Best Friend

To keep your dry creek bed looking its best, we offer an annual maintenance plan that includes:

• Leaf & Debris Sweeps — Keep the channel clear before the fall storms hit.
• Rock Reset — Rake fines out of the thalweg and reposition stones after heavy rains.
• Plant Care — Trim back any encroaching plants to maintain clear flow lines.
• Inlet/Outlet Check — Make sure splash pads are clear and downspouts still direct water onto rock.
• Top-Ups — A little fresh stone every few years keeps your creek bed looking sharp.

Our goal is to be your low-maintenance landscaping partner—fewer puddles, cleaner beds, and less work for you!

Service Cadences: Pick What Fits

Choose the maintenance schedule that suits your property:

• Quarterly — Perfect for fall storm prep, winter and spring checks, and a summer tidy-up.
• Bi-Monthly — Best for yards with heavy leaf drop or significant slope flow.

What Annual Maintenance Includes

When you sign up for our annual maintenance, you’ll enjoy:

• Debris removal and flow checks, plus a hose-test
• Rock re-seating and minor grade adjustments
• Inspection and touch-ups for downspout pads
• Plant cutbacks and light mulch refresh at banks
• Photo updates to see your creek bed in action

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Here’s why keeping up with maintenance is key:

• Prevents Blowouts — Open channels avoid undercutting banks, preserving your landscape.
• Keeps Water Moving — Helps to prevent slick, muddy spots that can be hazardous.
• Looks Better, Longer — Fresh stone and tidy plants enhance your yard’s appearance.
• Saves Money — Regular adjustments are way less costly than major rebuilds.

How It Works

Our process is straightforward and hassle-free:

1. Free Estimate — We provide clear, upfront pricing through photos, videos, or a quick walkthrough.
2. Design & Materials — We’ll help you determine the best path, depth, rock mix, and planting plan.
3. Build Day — Our team will excavate, install fabric/base, set stone, plant, test flow, and leave everything tidy.
4. Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and a maintenance schedule tailored just for you.

Why Bellevue Chooses Neat & Tidy

• We’re a local crew that understands Bellevue’s unique clay pockets, winter rains, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & insured; we adhere to all codes for safe outlets and a clean job site.
• Transparent pricing — all costs for materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
• Committed to on-time, respectful, and clean work.
• Eco-friendly approach — promoting natural infiltration and smart water dispersion.

Ready to transform your soggy yard into a scenic masterpiece?

Call or text Neat & Tidy today for a dry creek bed that not only looks great but also functions perfectly. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to!