A pond is a beautiful addition that will boost your property’s value, curb appeal, and your enjoyment of the outdoor space. Make the most of your new addition by knowing the best practices and common mistakes that people make with pond construction. Knowing how to design the pond will maximize your investment and ensure it is easy to maintain.

Do:

Incorporate it with existing features.

If your yard has features that would look nice next to the pond, then you should build next to it. For example, a raised pond looks beautiful behind a seating wall or a terrace. Your contractor can also pull features from around the yard; stones of varying shapes and sizes from the property give the pond a natural look and allow it to blend with your landscape.

Keep the natural balance.

To maintain your pond, consider adding plants around the edge. They will limit the growth of algae and provide natural filtration for the water. If you have fish, then the plants will provide shade, oxygen, and shelter for them. Your pond construction contractor can advise you on the right types and amount of plants to have, depending on your goals for the pond.

Don’t:

Let it stagnate.

Stagnant water will grow algae and is a breeding ground for mosquitos, bringing pests to your home. Adding a significant feature such as a waterfall will keep the pond moving while giving you the peaceful sound of running water. If you don’t want a waterfall, you can add spray jets or a bubbler underwater to create movement.

Position the pond at the lowest point.

You may think having the pond at the lowest point of the property may seem like a natural solution. However, this will direct all your runoff into the water, which makes maintenance challenging. Runoff brings contaminants that destroy the water’s balance and can harm fish, such as fertilizer, trash, and other chemicals. You should keep the pond high enough that runoff will direct elsewhere.

The licensed contractors at C. L. Richardson Construction provide lake and pond construction services in Ashland, MO. They have more than 65 years of experience in excavation, allowing them to complete your job on time and budget. Learn more about their full range of services online and call (573) 657-9557 for an estimate.