Mercer Island Dry Creek Bed Installation Services

Let’s be honest—a decorative ribbon of rocks won’t solve those soggy lawns or muddy pathways. Dry creek beds are only as effective as their design. With the right grading, functional inlets, and a carefully selected mix of rocks, we specialize in crafting creek beds that efficiently manage stormwater while seamlessly integrating into your landscape’s charm throughout the seasons.

What’s the Problem?

Are you struggling with any of these common issues?

• Water constantly pooling across your lawn or walkway?
• Downspouts washing away mulch and soil during heavy rains?
• 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 for both functionality and beauty:

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

Remember: a dry creek handles surface water, while a French drain manages subsurface water. Often, the best solution is a combination of both. We’ll provide honest guidance tailored to your needs!

How We Install (no shortcuts)

Our installation process is thorough, ensuring quality and durability every step of the way:

1. Site Evaluation & Elevations — We assess grades, map runoff patterns, and identify legal outlets.
2. Utility Locate — Safety first! We call 811 before any digging begins.
3. Excavate the Channel — We prepare the subgrade, shape pools and riffles, and widen bends to secure the stone.
4. Fabric & Base — We install 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 and filling mid-channel, we set “keystones” at bends for stability.
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 choose the right plants for sun/shade and splash zones, adding mulch where appropriate.
9. Hose Test — We run water through your new creek bed to ensure proper flow before we wrap up.

Note: If your discharge touches the street or public systems, we adhere to all regulations. If not feasible, we’ll design an onsite solution that complies.

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’ avg width × 0.33’ avg 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

Here are some fantastic benefits of installing a dry creek bed in your Mercer Island property:

• Downspout dispersion — Handle roof runoff without extensive trenching across your yard.
• Side-yard corridors — Create a clean, clear path for water, eliminating muddy areas.
• 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 soaks it up; a perfect duo.

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 — Keep the channel clear before the first big fall storm hits.
• Rock Reset — Rake fines out of the thalweg and reposition any stones that may have shifted after heavy rain.
• Plant Care — Trim back any encroaching plants to maintain clear flow lines.
• Inlet/Outlet Check — Ensure splash pads are clear and downspouts are still directing water onto rocks.
• Top-Ups — A little fresh stone every few years keeps your creek bed looking 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 — Ideal for fall storm prep, winter and spring checks, plus a summer tidy.
• Bi-Monthly — Perfect 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 in action.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Here’s why keeping up with maintenance is crucial:

• 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 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 Mercer Island Chooses Neat & Tidy

• A local crew that understands Mercer Island’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!