If you have a water well on your property, dealing with the wellhead can be frustrating. While it provides clean water, the metal tube is an unsightly tripping hazard. However, there are landscaping strategies you can use to beautify the area.

Do:

Use plotted plants. 

Potted plants provide a way to cover your wellhead safely. By investing in taller potted plants, you’ll be able to obscure the wellhead without covering it. 

Since potted plants are easily moved, you can change the look of the area with different seasonal flowers, adding visual diversity to your land. They also will allow for easy access when you need to inspect or run routine maintenance on the wellhead.

Consider other decorative options. 

You can lay decorative stones in a pattern around the wellhead. There are faux rocks that are designed to disguise the area around wellheads.

You can also create a different focal point. By adding a nearby statue, bird feeder, or water feature, the eye will be drawn to your decorative decision and not the wellhead.    

Don’t:

Plant too close to the wellhead. 

While rooted plants, like trees, shrubs, and flowers are highly beautiful, they can pose a threat to your wellhead. Don’t plant within four feet of it. Over time, the roots will damage the casing and possibly contaminate the water well.  

The plants should have short roots, so they can provide coverage without overgrowing. Generally speaking, the taller the plant is, the longer the roots will be. 

Planting a tree will definitely distract from the wellhead, but its roots are dense and long. They should be planted at least 20 feet away. Some trees will also need more water than others, such as maple trees. In New Mexico, maple trees are also prone to experiencing leaf scorch, which will cause the leaves to wilt. Trees that require more water should be planted 50 feet from the wellhead. 

When maintaining your plants or trees, don’t use any pesticides or fertilizers within 100 feet of the wellhead, as they can possibly contaminate your water supply.  

Use any coverings.

Always decorate around your wellhead—never on top of it. Rocks, soil, and structures like fountains and wishing wells increase the chances of water contamination, and make it more difficult for professionals to access the wellhead when maintenance and repairs are needed. 

Mauldin Drilling LLC has provided comprehensive water well and pump services for over 40 years. From new installations to preventative maintenance and repairs, their licensed contractors are available throughout Williamsburg, NM. They also provide irrigation systems and solar pumping equipment to residential and commercial clients. To schedule an appointment, call (575) 894-3192. For a complete list of their offerings, visit their website.