Dry Creek Bed Installation Services in Normandy Park

Let’s be real—a pretty line of rocks alone won’t solve those waterlogged lawns or muddy paths! Dry creek beds are only truly effective when they are designed with proper grading, equipped with genuine inlets, and constructed from the ideal mix of rocks laid over a solid foundation. Our team excels in creating creek beds that efficiently channel stormwater while seamlessly blending into your landscape all year round.

Are You Facing These Issues?

Does your property experience any of these common water woes?

• Water pooling across your lawn or walkway
• Downspouts washing away mulch and soil during heavy rains
• A persistent soggy side yard with no natural drainage
• A “decorative creek” that has turned into a weed patch

What We Build: Form Meets Functionality

Our dry creek beds are crafted with both function and aesthetics in mind:

• Natural flow path — designed with a gentle grade of ~1–2% for smooth water flow
• Layered rock mix — featuring large cobbles for banks, midsize river rock in the main channel, and fines to secure the stone
• Splash pads & inlets — reinforced areas beneath downspouts and at pipe outlets to prevent erosion
• Check stones / weirs — adding subtle “riffles” that slow down the water, reduce erosion, and mimic natural streams
• Hidden structure — a compacted sub-base with non-woven geotextile to separate layers efficiently
• Smart outlets — ensuring safe drainage to a lawn basin, drain inlet, or dispersion trench/dry well where regulations allow
• Native planting — choosing local grasses, ferns, and shrubs that beautify your creek bed while attracting pollinators

Just a heads up: a dry creek helps manage surface water, while a French drain tackles subsurface water. Often, the best solution is a combination of both! We’ll guide you honestly based on your needs.

Our Installation Process: No Shortcuts Here!

Our meticulous installation process guarantees quality and durability at every step:

1. Site Evaluation & Elevations — We assess grades, map out runoff patterns, and identify legal outlets.
2. Utility Locate — Safety first! We ensure to call 811 before any digging starts.
3. Excavate the Channel — We prepare the subgrade, shape pools and riffles, and widen bends for secure stone placement.
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, then filling the mid-channel, and securing “keystones” at bends.
6. Construct Inlets/Outlets — Creating reinforced downspout pads, pipe boots, and discreet check stones.
7. Backfill & Edge — We bury fabric edges, transitioning smoothly to mulch or lawn without visible fray.
8. Plant & Mulch — Selecting 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 ensure proper flow before wrapping up.

And don’t worry! If your discharge affects the street or public systems, we’ll comply with all regulations. If that’s not possible, we’ll design an onsite solution that works.

Sizing & Ordering: Getting the Numbers Right

• 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 will require 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 (varied sizes).

Why Choose Dry Creek Beds?

Installing a dry creek bed offers fantastic benefits for your property:

• Efficient downspout dispersion — Manage roof runoff without extensive trenching across your yard.
• Clear side-yard corridors — Create a clean, clear path for water, eliminating muddy spots.
• Seamless path crossings — Incorporate stepping stones effortlessly into the creek for daily use.
• Rain-garden integration — Let the creek carry excess water away while a rain garden absorbs it; a perfect pairing!

Our Annual Maintenance Plan: Your Yard’s Best Friend

To keep your dry creek bed looking pristine, 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 the rock.
• Top-Ups — A little fresh stone every few years keeps your creek bed looking fresh and secure.

Our mission is to be your low-maintenance landscaping partner—fewer puddles, cleaner beds, and less work on your end!

Service Options: Pick What Suits You

Choose the maintenance frequency that fits your property best:

• Quarterly — Ideal for prepping for fall storms, winter checks, spring clean-ups, and a summer touch-up.
• Bi-Monthly — Perfect for properties with heavy leaf drop or significant slope flow.

What Annual Maintenance Covers

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

• Debris removal and flow checks, complete with a hose-test
• Rock re-seating and minor grade adjustments
• Inspection and touch-ups for downspout pads
• Plant trimming and light mulch refresh at banks
• Photo updates so you can see your creek bed thriving

Why Annual Maintenance is Essential

Here’s why keeping up with maintenance is key:

• Prevents blowouts — Open channels won’t undercut banks, preserving your landscape.
• Keeps water flowing — Helps avoid slippery, muddy spots that can be hazardous.
• Enhances appearance — Fresh stone and tidy plants elevate your yard’s overall look.
• Saves you money — Regular adjustments are far less costly than major rebuilds.

Our Simple Process

Our approach 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 assist you in determining the best path, depth, rock mix, and planting plan.
3. Build Day — Our team will excavate, lay fabric/base, set stone, plant, test flow, and leave a clean site.
4. Follow-Up — We provide simple care tips and a maintenance schedule tailored just for you.

Why Normandy Park Residents Choose Neat & Tidy

• A local team that understands Normandy Park’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 punctual, respectful, and clean work.
• Eco-friendly approach — promoting natural infiltration and effective water dispersion.

Ready to Transform Your Property into a Scenic Masterpiece?

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