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Water Features

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Water is the jack-of-all trades in modern landscaping. A small koi pond may serve as an excellent spot for relaxation and meditation, while a huge fountain can be the centerpiece that captures the attention of a whole neighborhood. Water adds motion and sound to the landscape while attracting all manner of local wildlife.

When considering the implementation of water features into their property, homeowners should first decide what role they wish water to play. Will it be purely a practical solution meant for irrigating flowers, shrubs, or fruits and vegetables? If so, drip hose, access to water, and a good grasp of local drainage may be all landscapers need to put the system in place. Decorative water features, however, can mean expensive professional excavation and specialized labor. If homeowners are interested in creating a large pond or in-ground pool, homeowners are advised to obtain pricing estimates from local professional landscaping firms. These structures can be built out of several different modern construction materials, including decorative stone, and can be adapted to fit many different budgets as well.

With the right tools and knowhow, homeowners can take on small water feature projects themselves. Small ponds and pools may be excavated by hand, though DIY landscapers will need to have a clear picture of the local drainage situation beforehand. If the project obstructs a natural waterway, a drainage ditch or retaining wall may be necessary to keep the pool from flooding and damaging the surrounding landscape. Water management within the structure itself will also be important, especially if the pond is to house any varieties of fish or water plants. Pumps may be needed to circulate oxygen into the water in order to keep it from becoming stagnant. The water may require chemical treatment from time to time in order to inhibit algae growth.

More stationary water features, such as birdbaths, require a bit more maintenance. Since the water flow through these structures is not normally mandated by a pump, there may be inconsistency in water levels, particularly in drier climates. If DIY landscapers wish for these structures to have maximum impact in the landscape design, they must be cleaned and re-supplied with fresh water regularly. If they are left alone, they may begin to form algae growth, become saturated with animal waste, or simply dry up due to a lack of rainfall. Homeowners can attract an enormous variety of birds by merely keeping the water levels in the birdbaths constant and relatively clean.

 

Tags: water, feature, pond, landscape, homeowner, birdbath