French Drains & Dry Creeks

French drains and dry creeks are two effective solutions for the same problem: standing water and saturated soil. When installed correctly, both can significantly improve drainage. Unfortunately, neighborhoods are rarely designed with drainage in mind—especially in Central Arkansas, where we face elevation changes, high water tables, and clay soil.

The drainage issue is exacerbated with the addition of every impermeable surface, such as roofs, downspouts, driveways, patios, pools, etc.. In neighborhoods with hundreds of homes, there’s little ground left to absorb water before it builds momentum downhill. When water runs into these hard surfaces, including foundations, it is redirected or blocked, causing pooling, saturated soil, mosquito habitats, fungal diseases, root rot, and muddy yards trampled by kids and pets.

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- settling
- cracking
- flooding
- mold & mildew
- wood rot
- thinning
- root rot
- fungal diseases
- matting down
- erosion of topsoil
Ideal for low-lying areas, French drains use perforated pipes, drainage rock, and geo-textile fabric to filter and move ground water by providing a path of least resistance. French drains are often paired with catch basins and/or sump pumps for maximum efficiency.
Pros
French drains are ideal in areas you need a functional drainage solution that is unseen. French drains are functionally identical to dry creeks but are typically dug deeper allowing for soil and sod to conceal its existence.
Cons
French drains are typically more expensive than other drainage solutions. The increased depth of the trench increases labor costs and covering the drain requires fresh soil and sod further increasing costs.
Combining function and form, dry creek beds provide above-ground water drainage while adding an attractive, natural feature to your landscape. Utilizing similar materials and techniques, dry creeks are functionally identical to french drains with slight aesthetic differences.
Pros
Dry creeks can be as simple or elaborate as desired. Simple dry creeks offer a more cost effective alternative to french drains without sacrificing functionality. Elaborate dry creeks can be turned into stunning landscape features.
Cons
Dry creeks utilize drainage rock exposed to the surface. Exposed rock creates an obstacle in the lawn or landscape that might require crossings and can increase labor associated maintenance for edging, weed control, etc.