Garden bridges can increase the safety and beauty of small ruts in your back yard. Not everyone has a smooth back yard, or even a smooth hill for a backyard. If yours features a troublesome dip, you might be afraid that people will twist their ankles when they attempt to cross it. Perhaps it just forms a muddy rut in the spring, and you are tired of dirtying your feet or constantly cleaning floors after children or dogs have dragged mud into the house. Garden bridges can span the rut. With some additional planning and expense, you can turn your annoying rut into a miniature garden haven.

Begin by checking some options for filling the rut. You will need to figure the approximate amount of material you will need by measuring the area of the rut. Check into large stones, gravel, or sand. Your goal isn't to fill the rut so you can grow grass. You are going to add some sand or rocks to make the dip in your yard look like a stream bed, but without the water. When you calculate how much of the filling material you will need, you can select an option that fits your budget.

You may be able to obtain free stone if you visit a construction site. If the builders must excavate, they might dig up rock that they have to get rid of. They may be willing to give you the rock for free if you take it off their hands. Make sure you have a good hauling vehicle and enough help to transfer the rock.

Next, you will need to shop for garden bridges. To ensure you select one that will fit, measure the length between the “banks” of your “creek.” Before you buy, compare this measurement with the finished length of the bridge. Assemble and install your bridge according to the product directions.

Finish the transformation of your rut with the addition of some plants and flowers. Garden bridges look very charming when color and life surround them. Choose some of the following options to add flair: Pot some flowers and place them at the corners of the bridge. Hang window boxes over the side railings. Plant a tree off to the side. Place a couple outdoor chairs and table on the far side of the bridge. Plant flowers or interesting foliage along the sides of the rut.

Back yard ruts do not need to trouble you any longer. Fill the rut to make it appear like a creek running through your back yard, minus the water. For an economical option, you can check at local construction sites where workers have dug up rock. Some contractors will let you have the rock for free, just for taking it off their hands. Shop for garden bridges in styles you enjoy. Check the lengths of these bridges against the width of the rut. After you install the bridge, add details to liven up the spot. Grow plants and flowers near the bridge. Use outdoor furniture to create a new spot for your family to relax together.