Step 1: Map Your Dry Stream Bed Map out its size and shape You can easily map your dry creek bed by watching the natural flow of water in your yard. Obviously, water doesn't flow in a straight line.

To create your own dry creek bed, remove all grass and plants in the area where you determine a dry creek bed is needed. Excavate the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.

Additional Expert Insight “A dry creek bed can work well to control erosion,” says landscape architect Susan Jacobson. “ If there’s a place for the water to go, such as a sandy area ...

To tackle rainwater runoff and erosion, garden designer Leah Churner built a dry creek bed, installed cedar log erosion curbs, and chose shade-tolerant, wildlife habitat plants that work in clay soil.