West Seattle Dry Creek Bed with Gravel

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards take the weather full-on: heavy fall/winter rains, patchy summer sun, and moss-friendly shade on north-facing slopes. Soils are often compacted glacial till with pockets of clay and silt that don’t drain well, especially on older lots around Admiral, the Junction, and Fauntleroy. Low spots collect runoff from roofs and driveways, trunks of big maples and cedars drop debris, and invasive ivy or blackberry push through thin mulch beds. Slopes on Genesee Hill and cliffside properties toward Alki mean erosion risk and wet slides when channels aren’t defined.

Homeowners call us because gullies form after storms, lawns stay soggy, and walking across a yard becomes a muddy chore. HOAs and neighbors expect tidy rock features rather than bare mulch, so a gravel-lined dry creek can be a legal and practical fix that looks intentional. Seattle’s seasonal pattern—wet winters and drier summers—means installations must handle large winter flows but not waste summer water. For many West Seattle homes, the right grade, durable yet permeable materials, and native edge planting cut erosion, slow flows, and make the yard usable year-round without herbicides or heavy irrigation. This approach suits waterfront-exposed plots and those tucked under canopy alike.

Our Quality Service

We design and install dry creek beds with practical, sustainable techniques: hand and machine excavation, careful grading to defined outflow points, landscape fabric where needed, and a mix of washed gravel sizes to slow water and resist movement. We favor native grasses, sedges, and low shrubs for root-holding and low maintenance. Tools include mini-excavators for larger trenches, plate compactors for stable edges, and wheelbarrows and hand tools for tight access spots.

Typical timeline: small trenches done in a day; mid-sized installs 1–2 days; larger or phased projects 2–4 days. We schedule around weather when possible to limit erosion during work. We follow Seattle water-use guidance for plant establishment and do not use herbicides—only organic, mechanical, or fabric-based weed control. Benefits: safer drainage paths, improved curb appeal, less ongoing upkeep, and a stable solution that respects West Seattle’s soils and seasonal flows.

What’s Included

• Site assessment: flow mapping, grade check, and outlet planning.
• Excavation and grading to create the creek line (typically 1–2 ft deep, 2–3 ft wide unless specified).
• Geotextile where appropriate to separate soil from gravel and reduce weeds.
• Gravel placement: river-run, pea gravel, or washed stone per design.
• Edge planting with native species for erosion control and pollinator value.
• Final shaping and cleanup; haul-away of debris.

Options / upgrades:

• Mulch + fabric on adjacent beds for weed suppression.
• Organic weed control and manual ivy/blackberry removal (no herbicides).
• Decorative boulders or stepping features for aesthetics and flow control.
• Haul-away vs. green-yard bin disposal (we sort for recycling/compost where possible).
• Rain garden tie-in or French drain connection for heavy inflow points.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect some noise and temporary mud during work—small excavators and trucks are standard on larger installs. Access to the work area should be clear; tight side yards may need material staged on driveway or curb. Debris handling: we sort vegetation separately and reuse onsite when sensible; excess is hauled to approved facilities or green waste bins. Finish is stable rock bed with planted edges; we’ll compact edges so gravel stays put through typical West Seattle storms.

Care tips for West Seattle:

• Establish plants in late spring/early summer; water only during dry spells and follow Seattle advisories.
• Expect most weed pressure in spring — remove seedlings by hand or with organic methods before they set seed.
• Moss thrives in shaded, compacted spots; aerate and thin canopy where moss is a problem.
• Replenish gravel in high-flow sections after major storms (inspect annually).

FAQs

Q: How long does an install take?
A: Most standard runs finish in 1–3 days. Larger systems or tie-ins to existing drainage may take longer—schedule a site visit for a realistic window.

Q: Will this stop my yard from flooding?
A: It redirects and slows surface runoff; it reduces localized flooding and erosion but isn’t a substitute for major civil drainage fixes. We’ll assess if additional drainage work is needed.

Q: Do you use herbicides to control weeds?
A: No. We rely on landscape fabric, mulch, mechanical removal, and organic treatments only.

Q: Can you work on steep slopes or narrow access lots in West Seattle?
A: Yes. We plan equipment and staging to fit the site—hand work, mini-excavators, and material staging keep disturbance minimal.

Q: Do you handle permits or HOA approvals?
A: We’ll advise on common HOA aesthetics and can provide drawings or photos you can submit. For city permits, we’ll point you to requirements but recommend homeowners confirm with Seattle Public Utilities if unsure.

Call to Action

If water, erosion, or a perpetually wet yard is wearing you down, we’ll design a practical dry creek bed that fits West Seattle lots and neighborhood expectations. Quick scheduling, free photo-based estimates, and sensible, sustainable installs—no herbicides, just tried-and-true methods.

Email to book a free estimate: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone (local): 206-538-9344

Ready for a yard that drains and looks like it belongs in the neighborhood—Alki to Lincoln Park and everything between? Book a slot and we’ll come out, sketch a plan, and give you a clear price.