DIY Dry River Beds

Placing a dry river bed in your landscaping can really help add interest in an area. Not only are they a great visual feature but also practical. Dry river beds can help redirect water run off to help with erosion. 

Materials Needed 

• Cobble
• Boulders
• Landscaping fabric *Optional

Tools/Equipment 

• Shovel
• Measuring Tape
• Skid Steer *Optional for projects requiring digout, leveling or large quantity placement.
• Sod Cutter *Optional for easy removal of existing sod.

1 – Mark and Measure

Mark and measure the area

Find the boundaries of your soon to be dry river bed. If needed contact local bluestakes to mark underground utilities. Calculate the square footage of the area

2 – Level and Clear

Leven and clear the area

Dig out desired bed space making sure to clear all sod, debris, and weeds. Level out area filling any holes and low areas. Compact ground to provide a sturdy base. 

3 – Order Materials

Order Materials

If you’ll be using landscape fabric to help reduce weeds be sure to order it first so it can be intalled before the cobble arrives. Order the needed quantity of cobble.

4 – Placement

Placement

Dump rock into desired area. Use shovels to spread material over area making sure smaller pieces settle to cover any bare ground. Place boulders as desired to help give river beds a pop for the eye. 

FAQs

• How deep does the cobble need to be? Between 3-6 inches. If you are using a smaller cobble like a 2-4” size than 3-4” deep is common. If larger sizes are used than the depth needs to be at least 5-6”.