Burien Dry Creek Bed Installation Services

Let’s be real—a decorative ribbon of rocks alone won’t solve the problems of soggy lawns or muddy pathways. Our dry creek beds are more than just pretty; they’re designed with precision grading, equipped with genuine inlets, and crafted from the ideal mix of rocks over a solid foundation. At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we specialize in creating functional creek beds that efficiently manage stormwater while seamlessly blending into your landscape throughout the changing seasons.

We proudly serve neighborhoods across West Burien, including Admiral, Alaska Junction, Alki, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights, Delridge, Gatewood, High Point, Morgan Junction, and Roxhill.

What’s the Problem?

Do you recognize any of these common issues in your yard?

• Water constantly flowing across your lawn or walkways?
• Downspouts eroding mulch and soil during heavy rainstorms?
• A soggy side yard lacking natural drainage?
• A “decorative creek” that’s turned into a weed patch?

What We Build (form + function)

Our dry creek beds are designed with a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics:

• Real flow path — a gently graded swale at ~1–2% to ensure smooth water movement.
• Layered rock mix — featuring large cobbles for the banks, midsize river rock in the thalweg, and fines strategically placed for stability.
• Splash pads & inlets — reinforced areas under downspouts and pipe outlets to combat erosion.
• Check stones / weirs — adding subtle “riffles” to slow the flow, minimize erosion, and mimic natural streams.
• Hidden structure — a compacted sub-base with non-woven geotextile to efficiently separate layers.
• Smart outlets — safe drainage to a lawn basin, drain inlet, or dispersion trench/dry well, adhering to local regulations.
• Native planting — selecting local grasses, ferns, and shrubs that enhance the beauty of your creek bed while attracting pollinators.

Remember: a dry creek diverts surface water, whereas a French drain tackles subsurface water. Often, a combination of both yields the best results. We’ll provide honest guidance tailored to your unique needs.

How We Install (no shortcuts)

We take pride in our thorough installation process, ensuring quality and durability every step of the way:

1. Site Evaluation & Elevations — Assessing grades, mapping runoff patterns, and identifying legal outlets.
2. Utility Locate — Safety first! We call 811 before any digging begins.
3. Excavate the Channel — Preparing the subgrade, shaping pools and riffles, and widening bends for secure stone placement.
4. Fabric & Base — Installing non-woven geotextile over clay and a compacted crushed rock base where soils are soft.
5. Place Stone by Size — Starting with larger cobbles for the banks, then filling mid-channel and setting “keystones” at bends.
6. Construct Inlets/Outlets — Creating armored downspout pads and discreet check stones to enhance functionality.
7. Backfill & Edge — Ensuring fabric edges are buried and smoothly transitioning to mulch or lawn without visible fray.
8. Plant & Mulch — Choosing the right plants for sun/shade and splash zones, adding mulch where appropriate.
9. Hose Test — Running water through your new creek bed to ensure proper flow before wrapping up.

Note: If your discharge interacts with the street or public systems, rest assured we’ll comply with all regulations. If not feasible, we’ll design an onsite solution that meets the necessary standards.

Sizing & Ordering (so the numbers pencil)

Here’s a quick guide for estimating your needs:

• Coverage per yard of cobble/river rock (rule of thumb):
  • 1 yd³ covers ~80–100 sq ft @ 3–4” depth (using mixed sizes).
• Channel volume per linear foot:
  • 2.5’ average width × 0.33’ average depth ≈ 0.83 cu ft/LF → ~32 LF per yd³.
• Add 10–15% for lock-in and banks; curves and splash pads may require more rock.

For example, for a 24’ run × 2.5’ width × 4” depth, you’d need approximately 2.2 yd³ → we recommend ordering 2.5–3 yd³ (varied sizes).

Where Dry Creek Beds Shine

Here are some fantastic benefits of installing a dry creek bed:

• Downspout dispersion — Effectively manage roof runoff without extensive trenching across your yard.
• Side-yard corridors — Create a clean, clear path for water, eliminating muddy spots.
• Path crossings — Integrate stepping stones seamlessly into the creek for functional use.
• Rain-garden pairing — Let the creek carry away excess water while the rain garden absorbs it; a perfect duo for your landscape.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)

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

• Leaf & Debris Sweeps — Keeping the channel clear before the first big fall storm hits.
• Rock Reset — Raking fines out of the thalweg and repositioning any stones that may have shifted after heavy rain.
• Plant Care — Trimming back any encroaching plants to maintain clear flow lines.
• Inlet/Outlet Check — Ensuring splash pads are clear and downspouts still direct water onto rocks.
• Top-Ups — A little fresh stone every few years keeps your creek bed pristine and secure.

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

Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)

Choose the maintenance schedule that works best for your property:

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

What Annual Maintenance Includes

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

• Debris removal and flow checks with 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 so you can see your creek bed thriving!

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Here’s why keeping up with maintenance is essential:

• Prevents blowouts — Open channels won’t undercut banks, preserving your landscape.
• Keeps water moving — Helps avoid slick, muddy spots that can be hazardous.
• Looks better, longer — Fresh stone and tidy plants enhance your yard’s allure.
• Saves money — Regular adjustments are far less costly than major rebuilds.

How It Works

Our process is straightforward and hassle-free:

1. Free Estimate — We offer 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 a clean finish.
4. Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs.

Why Burien Chooses Neat & Tidy

• A local crew that understands Burien’s unique clay pockets, winter rains, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & insured; we adhere to all codes for safe outlets and tidy job sites.
• 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!