Are you itching to add an interest point to your backyard? Maybe you envision a beautiful rippling pond, stocked with colorful fish and rimmed with decorative stones and lovely plants. That vision can become a reality this summer! Find out how to plan a pond in your backyard.
Drainage Considerations
First, it's important to understand how water drains in your
backyard. When it rains, how does the water flow? Where does it tend to
collect? How does the stormwater drainage pattern affect the current quality of
your soil and the growth of your plants?
You may be able to strategically position your new pond so
that it performs a dual function— correcting drainage issues on your property
as well as providing a pleasant water feature for your backyard. Consult with
Kurtz Bros., Inc. experts to find out more about stormwater management
strategies for your land.
Sun and Shade
A healthy, naturally thriving pond requires a good mix of
sun and shade. Try to position the pond in a spot where it will be half in the
shade for most of the day, with the other half bathed in sunlight.
Too much open sun, and you'll have an algae problem on your
hands. Too many trees over the pond, and it could become clogged with leaves
and twigs. Consider placing the pond near a small tree, and then adding a few
shrubs for additional shadow.
Keep in mind that a growing tree's roots may disturb the
pond liner. You'll need a tough, hardy liner; and you should also ensure that
you keep the tree far enough away and prune it periodically so it doesn't grow
too large a root system.
Liner Options
Pond liners come in hard, preformed varieties or flexible
options. Flexible liners are often easier to install, and they lend themselves
to a more natural look. However, a hard liner is more durable, and it gives you
the certainty of knowing how the pond will look in advance.
Cleaning Solutions
Before you create the pond in your backyard, think ahead about the tools and equipment and time you'll need in order to keep it clean. The last thing you want is a scummy, unsightly pit of stagnant water.
Add plants and a block of barley straw in your pond to
reduce algae buildup. Introduce fish as well, but not too many. An overcrowded
pond will become dirty quickly.
Keep leaves out of the pond as much as possible, removing
them with a skimmer. If you let them float in the water, they'll decay and
produce ammonia, which isn't healthy for your pond life.
Each spring, you'll need to clean out your pond, pumping out
the water, scrubbing the liner, and adding fresh water. Avoid using chemicals
or soaps that could contaminate the water and injure your fish when you replace
them.
Aeration Choices
A big pond in your backyard gets enough air from natural breezes. However, a small pond needs artificial aeration. Introducing a waterfall or a fountain will do the trick, keep the water moving and pushing oxygen through it. You can also opt for a filtration system that moves the water and cleans it, too.
To order soil, decorative
rocks, sand, or tools
for your pond installation, visit the Kurtz Bros., Inc. website. You can also call or email
us anytime, and our landscaping experts will be happy to give you
professional tips for the process.