Drainage Solutions: Dry Creeks Beds vs French Drains
Investing in a proper drainage solution can be incredibly beneficial for your home or business, especially with all the rain that we get in the Tyler, TX area during the rainy season. When it comes to the type of drainage solution to choose from, you typically have a wide variety of choices, but many people tend to go with either a dry creek bed or a French drain. A dry creek bed is a trench dug up in your yard and filled with either stones or gravel that looks like a creek when it rains. A French drain, much like a dry creek bed, is a trench dug into your yard to redirect the flow of water. However, this drainage solution is a more subtle option, designed to blend into your landscape rather than be a standout feature. Both options will prevent water from building up on your property, so whichever option you choose will come down to personal preference.
What are dry creek beds?
A dry creek bed is a trench dug in your yard that prevents water from building up on your landscape by redirecting the flow of water away from your property towards a proper drainage location. The trench is filled with stones and has plants lined along the edges. Once it rains, the water will flow down the dry creek bed towards a suitable drainage location. People often choose a dry creek bed as their drainage solution because it resembles a natural creek when it's raining.
Dry creek beds are typically around 3 feet wide and 1 - 1 1/2 feet deep.
What are French drains?
A French drain, like a dry creek bed, is a trench dug in your yard which diverts water away from your property. However, this drainage solution is more subtle than a dry creek bed. A long perforated pipe is placed in the trench before being covered by layers of stone or gravel. Water will be naturally drawn to the trench and then find its way into the pipe. The pipe will then redirect the water away from your home or business towards a suitable drainage location.
French drains can also be installed behind retaining walls to help relieve ground water pressure.
Is a dry creek bed or a French drain the right choice for you?
Both options make fantastic additions to any property, so when it comes to deciding between the two, it comes down to personal preference. Dry creek beds will add a certain level of beauty to your yard, especially when it’s raining. Dry creek beds are perfect for accentuating your landscape beds. French drains are more low-key if you prefer to keep your drainage solution subtle.
Dry creek beds are the better option whendealing with large amounts of water on a sloped property because they’re usually bigger, so they can divert more water from your property. Another factor to consider is where you notice water collecting on your property. Dry creek beds will typically help with any drainage issues on your landscape, while French drains are better suited for any drainage issues around the base of your home or business!
Give us a call today to have one of our drainage solutions installed on your property!
If you’re tired of pools of water forming on your property after a downpour, then let us solve those issues with one of our drainage solutions. At Salcido Lawn, our team of experts will design and install the perfect drainage solution best suited for your property, whether it be a dry creek bed or a French drain. We’ve been servicing commercial, HOA, and residential properties in Tyler, Whitehouse, Flint, and nearby areas in Texas since 2003. Give us a call today at (903) 502-0669 to have one of our drainage solutions installed on your property!