Pond Construction, Pond Maintenance, Ponds
For thousands of years, creative architects have employed formal ponds to provide focus, noise abatement, and evaporative cooling in both public and private gardens.
Although formal ponds were traditionally built of stone, today they can also be built with brick, concrete, or pressure treated wood. A raised perimeter wall can highlight the attractive structural materials and offer visitors a place to sit by the water; a flush edge is easier to build and will make the garden feel more spacious. Simple rectangular shapes with vertical side walls are recommended for ease of waterproofing, but other shapes are possible.
Fish and plants are optional, but a fountain is a virtual necessity. A depth of 10″ to 24″ is sufficient.
Formal ponds can match a more formal architectural design but can be difficult to maintain and expensive to build. Their pumps can clog easily and there is no biological or mechanical filtration. Also, if built from concrete, it can crack.
Pond Construction, Ponds, Waterfalls
Pond location and pond size are the two most important and, unfortunately, misunderstood aspects of pond design. So many people think the far corner of their property is the best location. People also believe low points in their yard that gather run-off when it rains are naturally suited to building a pond.
These are two of the worst locations to build a pond, yet people automatically assume they are the best.
The water feature needs to be brought up close and personal to the home. Low spots should be avoided because run-off water can pollute a pond and construction is often complicated because wet muddy soil is hard to work in. Excessive ground water levels can shift stone and cause bubbles in the liner.
Place your water feature where people can enjoy it. Even outdoor-loving people spend 90% of their time inside the house. You should try to face the waterfalls toward the house. That way the waterfall is not only visible from the living area, but the sound it creates will echo through the home. When a pond can be seen and heard from the home, its enjoyment is increased dramatically.
Another location you might not have considered is a front yard water feature. Adding a water feature to your front yard adds true curb appeal.
One of our expert design consultants will help you find the perfect location for your pond. Contact us today for your Design Consultation.
Pond Construction, Pond Maintenance, Ponds
Obviously water is a magnet for wind-blown debris. Placing a pond beneath a tree only adds to the debris falling into the water. But this is why skimmers were invented!
Skimmers are made to handle foliage falling into a pond. Leaves that drop into the pond in late fall do not, because of the sheer numbers, all make it into the skimmer. As long as most of the debris is collected for you, surrounding trees do not prevent you from having a successful pond.
People also worry that tree roots will penetrate a pond’s liner and cause a leak and drastically disturbing a tree’s root structure can damage or even kill some trees. Yes it’s true that a tree root is powerful enough to buckle a driveway or crack a sidewalk, yet they do not pierce a rubber liner. The reason for this is simple. A tree root is programmed to hone in on moisture. A pond has lots of water but (fortunately for the pond owners), a tree doesn’t know that. Roots simply traverse the surrounding soil beneath a pond instead of going through a watertight barrier.
Ideally, the best idea is to build the pond outside a tree’s drip zone. A pond is usually 2 ft. deep and if it’s located near a tree, you will most likely encounter roots from the tree that, if removed, can severely harm the tree. Not to mention the additional labor in digging out all the roots. For most trees, removing some of their roots and putting a pond over the top of them is not going to kill them but you should always take into consideration the type of tree you’re working with. For example, a silver maple is a lot more adaptable than a 100 year old oak.
A naturally wooded lot does pose some design problems, however the aesthetic advantages that surrounding trees add to the setting of the pond make them advantageous to the overall look of the pond.
Our experienced design consultants will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about building a pond near an existing tree. Contact us today to request your Design Consultation.
