How to Build Dry Creek Bed Erosion Control
Dry creek beds are troughs that direct the flow of water away from structures and vegetation where standing water tends to accumulate during substantial rains. Dry creek beds can be built to prevent erosion on your property. By guiding the water along a path, loose topsoil is left in place and the ground does not become saturated and hard, acting like a slide for erosion to slip down. A dry creek bed can blend in naturally with the environment, and it adds aesthetic value to the property with twists and turns as it weaves away from flat ground. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plot the path of the dry creek bed. Generally, it should be curvaceous, with a series of twists and turns as it meanders through the yard.
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Remove soil to a depth of 1 to 1 1/2 feet along the path of the bed with a shovel. Slope the edges to a 30- to 45-degree angle. The trail depth should be half the width.
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Line the trough, including the slope, with landscaping fabric. Secure the fabric in place with fabric pins. If you do not pin it in place, you will have to weed the area periodically. You can purchase landscaping fabric and pins at most lawn and garden stores.
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Cover the lined bed with pea-sized gravel. You can use local rock, or you can purchase bags of gravel at any home improvement store.
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Lay medium to large rocks along the slope of the bed to prevent the sides from eroding. Varying sizes of rocks not only add aesthetic value but also better prevent erosive forces from affecting your dry creek bed.
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Fill in the gaps with cement. Changes in weather will cause the rocks to shift and render them superfluous if they are not solidified into place.
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Plant vegetation along the edges of the bed, choosing plants that control erosion. Effective ground covers include sage and yarrow, and trees that work well include lilac and willow. For a more comprehensive listing of plants that help prevent erosion, visit the Theodore Payne Foundation.
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Tips & Warnings
Dig slightly deeper around the curves of your bed to ensure the flow of water is directed successfully.
Local rock often better blends the creek into the surrounding landscape, but be prepared to haul it. Most companies deliver a pile of rock to the end of the driveway, which leaves you having to haul it load by load to the creek bed.
