A dry stream bed (or dry creek bed) is a beautiful landscaping feature and can help control drainage in your yard or property. During dry seasons of the year, these beds are attractive features for low-water landscape designs. There are many design styles to choose from, and your landscaping supply team can help you decide what will work best for your yard. With a few simple tips from the team at Hilton Landscape Supply, you can build a dry stream bed to accentuate your backyard.
Tips to Design and Build a Dry Stream Bed
Tips to Design and Build a Dry Stream BedThe first step is to consider the placement and layout of your dry stream bed. In nature, water runs downhill, so creating a meandering path on a downhill slope will look most realistic. Take into consideration where water will flow after significant rainfall or snowmelt. Make sure the creek terminates somewhere you want the water to end up–not at the base of your home or into your neighbor’s yard, for example!
Use landscaping spray paint to draw the edges of your dry stream bed. A stream should be about twice as wide as its depth, so don’t go crazy. If your stream bed is two feet wide, you’ll need to dig out about a foot of ground.
Once you’ve decided on the layout, it’s time to clear out all the vegetation and dig out the dirt. You can use the excavated ground to slightly raise the sides of the creek bed or fill in other yard areas. Line the bed with landscaping fabric and secure it with landscape pins.
Now you will layer the dry stream bed to help create good water drainage. Start with a thick layer of gravel or coarse sand. Next, spread crushed river rocks over the top. There are many choices for stones based on the look you want to achieve, such as mexi mix buttons, mexi pebble black, pami pebble, and salt and pepper. Finally, add larger boulders to the sides and scatter a few within the bed to create a natural, varied look. There’s no need to use mortar to secure any of the stones.
Finally, add shrubs and plants to the border of your dry creek bed. Solar lights will help accentuate your new landscaping feature in the evening hours. Add a little wooden bridge for a bit of fun. The sky’s the limit in customizing your landscaping design!
If you’re not sure where to start on your landscaping project, talk with the experts at Hilton Landscape Supply.
Whether you’re looking for the broadest selection of hardscape materials perfect for our local area, or you need help figuring out where to start with your dream project, Hilton Landscape Supply is the place to go. We’ve been serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1956, so we know the best materials to bring your projects to life. Our team members will walk you through the steps you’ll need to take, help you select the best materials for the project, and arrange to have them delivered right to your property. Don’t let another season pass you by. Visit us in Central Point, and let’s get started on your project today!