Of all the features that can be added to a landscape, a well-placed pond is one of the most peaceful. Water features offer a sense of connectedness and calm, as well as a closer look at the aquatic environment. Whether you’re seeking a visually appealing addition to your existing landscape or you are starting from scratch, building a great backyard pond takes planning, patience, and professional help.
Outdoor ponds serve a few important purposes. They make great gathering spots when seating areas are added, and they’re also great homes for aquatic plants. When they’re installed and maintained properly, ponds attract animals that are exciting and fun to observe.
Now that you’ve decided to install a pond in your backyard, there’s a bit of planning to do first. Moving a pond is difficult, to say the least, and it’s important to understand a few rules before getting started.
Planning a Backyard Pond
Like all other landscaping projects, deciding what to install and why you want it should be the first step when building a pond. You’ll need to consider your landscape’s geography and choose products that suit your situation. While you may have your heart set on a beautiful koi pond, it may not work for your landscape design and your location. Once you’ve measured the area and decided how big the pond will be, it’s finally time to choose one of the design options listed in the sections below.
Above-Ground Ponds
While most people prefer in-ground ponds, it’s possible to create an enjoyable above-ground water feature. Various kits make it easy to build such a pond, which can hold a few fish and aquatic plants. Many people add fountains to above-ground ponds, which increases their visual appeal.
Not all fish like fountains, though, so it’s important to consider the health and safety of your animals before installing an above-ground pond. These ponds are easy to install and require minimal work, which makes them a great choice for homeowners with no prior pond experience.
Wildlife Ponds
As implied by the name, these ponds are built to attract animals. Of all the options on our list, wildlife ponds require the least maintenance. Because wildlife ponds closely imitate those found in nature, there’s no need to install a filtration or pump system. However, depending on where the pond will be installed, you might need to add a liner.
When determining placement for a new wildlife pond, it’s important to remember that they need substantial sunlight to remain self-sustaining and encourage the growth of aquatic plants. These plants help ponds stay oxygenated and they also attract the wildlife for which they are named. A well-maintained wildlife pond is a great place for fish, and after some time, you’ll also see frogs and other creatures.
Fish Ponds
A fish pond is another awesome way to bring wildlife into your surroundings. These ponds need a bit more maintenance than the wildlife ponds mentioned above. Depending on the type of animals you want to attract, you may need to clean the pond more often, because fish create a lot of waste.
Some aquatic plants create a natural filtration system, but if you don’t plan to include too many plant varieties in your pond, you’ll need to add a filter. Fish ponds take quite a bit of planning and implementation. To filter such a pond properly, you’ll need a powerful filter and an air pump. Finding the best way to maintain a fish pond takes a great deal of research as well as professional help and advice.
If you’re curious about the types of fish that can be added to a pond, there are numerous options to consider. For those taking care of a pond for the first time, we suggest choosing fish that require less care.
Plant Ponds
While some local homeowners want to introduce frogs, fish, and other creatures to their backyard ponds, others just want to grow some beautiful aquatic plants. A plant pond provides all the soothing, natural benefits of water features without the need to deal with animal waste.
Because certain water plants act as natural filters, plant ponds are some of the easiest to maintain. Many people ask, “Which plants are best for my pond?” The answer to that question is up to you. If you’re seeking a natural appearance and ambiance, pond grass is a great option. However, if you’re looking for something more memorable, irises and water lilies are good choices.
Koi Ponds
You may wonder why koi ponds aren’t in the same category as the fish ponds we discussed earlier. Koi ponds are quite challenging to maintain, and they can be costly compared to conventional fish ponds. Koi require clean, deep water to survive and thrive, and you’ll need high-quality pond pumps and filtration systems.
If you’re in the American Midwest, where winter temperatures can be very low, koi ponds require more detailed care. While it’s possible to have a koi pond if you live in a seasonal climate, you’ll have to take a few precautions to protect your fish. Koi stay at the bottom of the pond when the outside temperature dips, which is why these ponds should be deeper than others.
If you’re in an area where bodies of water tend to freeze over, you might need an indoor aquarium to house your koi. Some pond owners leave them outdoors, but to do so, you’ll need to add a heater, an air stone, and a deicer to your pond.
Creating a Backyard Oasis
As we’ve shown here, there are a few options for homeowners who want a pond that will attract wildlife and bring a sense of tranquility to their surroundings. Many ponds serve multiple purposes, which makes them an excellent addition to a landscape. If you want to create a beautiful, enduring water feature in your yard, we have the tools, experience, and creative vision to make your dreams a reality. Request more information online or call us today.