Construction is the easy part. Careful planning ensures the design’s success. A dry river bed may be as large or small as your yard permits. Look for the natural lay of the land in your yard and watch how water flows during a heavy rainfall. Before digging, make sure you understand elevations and which way you’re directing water, especially if the dry creek will be near existing structures. Drain water away from the house and direct runoff into a landscape drainage system, such as a French drain, swale, or channel, on your property. Don’t assume you can direct water into a public street without researching local ordinances.
