Lynnwood Dry Creek Bed Installation Services

Let’s be real—a simple ribbon of rock won’t solve your soggy lawn or muddy walkways. Dry creek beds are only effective when designed with the right grading, equipped with proper inlets, and built using a thoughtful mix of rocks on a solid base. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in constructing creek beds that efficiently manage stormwater while seamlessly blending into your landscape all year round.

What’s the Problem?

Are you dealing with any of these frustrating issues?

• Water constantly flowing across your lawn or pathways
• Downspouts washing away mulch and soil during heavy rain
• A soggy side yard with no natural drainage
• A “decorative creek” that’s merely a weed patch

What We Build (form + function)

Our dry creek beds are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind:

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

Remember: a dry creek channels surface water, while a French drain handles subsurface water. Often, the best solution combines both systems. We’ll provide honest recommendations tailored to your unique landscape needs.

How We Install (no shortcuts)

Our installation process is detailed and thorough, ensuring quality and durability at every step:

1. Site Evaluation & Elevations — We assess grades, chart runoff patterns, and pinpoint legal outlets.
2. Utility Locate — Safety is our priority! We call 811 before any digging starts.
3. Excavate the Channel — We prepare the subgrade, shape pools and riffles, and widen bends to secure the stone.
4. Fabric & Base — We lay down 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, we fill mid-channel, ensuring “keystones” are set at bends.
6. Construct Inlets/Outlets — We create armored downspout pads, pipe boots, and discreet check stones.
7. Backfill & Edge — We ensure fabric edges are buried, transitioning smoothly to mulch or lawn with no visible fray.
8. Plant & Mulch — We select the right plants for sun/shade and splash zones, adding mulch where necessary.
9. Hose Test — We run water through your new creek bed to confirm proper flow before finishing up.

Note: If your discharge reaches the street or public systems, we’ll comply with all regulations. If that’s not feasible, we’ll design an onsite solution that works.

Sizing & Ordering (so the numbers pencil)

• Coverage per yard of cobble/river rock (rule of thumb):

  • 1 yd³ covers ~80–100 sq ft @ 3–4” depth (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 consume more rock.

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

Where Dry Creek Beds Shine

Installing a dry creek bed comes with some fantastic benefits:

• Downspout dispersion — Manage roof runoff without extensive trenching across your yard.
• Side-yard corridors — Create a clean, clear channel for water, eliminating muddy patches.
• Path crossings — Seamlessly integrate stepping stones into the creek for convenient transit.
• Rain-garden pairing — Allow the creek to carry excess water while the rain garden absorbs it; a perfect match.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)

To keep your dry creek bed in top shape, we offer an annual maintenance plan that includes:

• Leaf & Debris Sweeps — Keep the channel clear before the first major fall storm hits.
• Rock Reset — Rake fines out of the thalweg and reposition any stones that may have shifted after heavy rains.
• Plant Care — Trim back overgrown plants to maintain clear flow lines.
• Inlet/Outlet Check — Ensure splash pads remain clear and downspouts direct water onto rock.
• Top-Ups — A little fresh stone every few years keeps your creek bed looking pristine.

Our mission is to be your low-maintenance landscaping team—fewer puddles, cleaner beds, and less hassle for you!

Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)

Choose the maintenance schedule that suits your property best:

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

What Annual Maintenance Includes

When you enroll in our annual maintenance program, 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

Keeping up with maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevents blowouts — Open channels don’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 appearance.
• 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 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 a clean finish.
4. Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs.

Why Lynnwood Chooses Neat & Tidy

• A local crew that understands Lynnwood’s unique clay pockets, winter rains, and tight spaces.
• 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 punctual, 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!