Here at Cottonwood Landscaping, we’ve installed a lot of water features into beautiful landscapes. A water feature can add an extra element to your yard, elevating the overall effect to increase the soothing effect of the greenery. It can change an average yard into something extraordinary, and turn your yard into an oasis.
We have a lot to say about the advantages of a water feature in your yard, whether it turns out to be a fountain, pond, or stream. For one thing, there’s the gentle sound of lapping and running water, which leads the mind into a soothed, meditative state. Even unseen, the sound of running water creates a relaxing effect for everyone who walks into your yard. Water features can also contribute to more moisture in the air, which makes your plants happier, and makes the air feel more refreshing for any visitors. And then, of course, there’s the fact that water features can increase the value of your home and give a luxurious effect, despite the fact that they’re much more affordable than most people assume.
If you’re throwing around the idea of installing a water feature, such as a fountain, stream, or pond, into your yard, here are some considerations you’ll want to factor in as you get started:
Your Space
Planning out the space where your water feature will be is an important step. Placing it in a sunny spot can have a beautiful effect when the light hits it. However, it can also contribute to more evaporation, and extra buildup of algae as the water warms. In addition, you’ll want to think about what resources you’ll need for your hookups. Most water features need a pump, which will require electrical access, and plumbing as well. Usually, placing the feature close to the lines for both these items, or close enough to the house that it will have easy access to both, is usually the best route. In some cases, you’ll want to have someone check and mark what your utility lines are under your yard, both to make sure you have access to what you need, and to prevent digging into any problem spots.
Maintenance
Although water features won’t need near the maintenance of, say, a hot tub or pool, they still require some TLC after installation. Sometimes you can hire a gardener or maintenance person to take care of all your water feature’s needs. Other times, you’ll be handling it yourself. What you need to know first of all is that you’ll need to occasionally drain the basin, so that you can scrub the surface. If you have rocks or plants incorporated into your water’s decor, you’ll also want to remove them to wipe away any algae. It’s recommended that you do this once or twice a year, depending on how much build-up you tend to get. Also crucial to your maintenance routine is clearing out the pumping mechanism and giving it a clean and tune-up. Remember, as well, that if you get freezing winter temperatures, you’ll want to winterize your water feature to prevent damage from ice.
Decoration
The decoration that goes with your water feature is usually the best part of it! Consider whether you’d like to have the water work its way through beautiful rocks, pavers, or tiles. If you’ve chosen to install a pond or stream, what kind of plants do you want to add to your borders? It can range from pleasant moss that will cover the stones bordering the stream or beautiful water lilies and lotus flowers that float on the surface. Carefully consider which plants to add to your water feature. Some can act as clarifiers that keep the water cleaner. Others will contribute to the growth of algae.
If you’d like to add a water feature to your yard, give us a call. We’re highly experienced in installation and setup. We know the concerns particular to the region and can help you decide the best way to make a beautiful, low-maintenance water feature in your yard that you’ll enjoy for years to come!