Tips for Adding a Pond to Your Yard

Tips for Adding a Pond to Your Yard

Have you seen ponds or water gardens for private backyards? They are small artificial bodies of water where aquatic plants and animals live. The surrounding area can be designed and decorated to create any number of pleasant atmospheres. 

A World of Possibilities

A private pond can take any shape to fit into the available space. It can be a small simple pool with greenery, or an expansive water feature built in multiple levels that provide a habitat for different groups of aquatic flora and fauna. Adding a small fountain in the centre is popular to create a romantic ambiance and provide water for birds. Alternatively, many will prefer the look of a waterfall gently cascading over smooth stones like in a Japanese-style garden.

A Valuable Addition to Your Yard

A pond offers a great number of benefits and advantages, such as enlivening a backyard. Indeed, if you find your outdoor space dull, a water feature will completely transform the atmosphere. It will equally embellish the yard with its shimmering water and colourful accompanying plants. It will also help you get closer to nature, even if you live in the city.

More Surprising Benefits

Furthermore, by providing a source of water for local wildlife, you will contribute to supporting biodiversity. In fact, if you include plants and adopt some fish, a multitude of micro-organisms will colonize your pond to the delight of frogs, dragonflies and birds. Plus, if you add a waterfall or fountain, it will help drown out the noise of cars driving by your yard or the music coming from your neighbours’ homes. A final bonus: if your pool is wide and deep enough—and you aren’t afraid of the fish—it is a perfectly safe spot to enjoy a refreshing swim! 

How Hard Is it to Build a Pond?

It varies. Sometimes you can install it yourself, but under certain conditions. You must first consider which way the ground slopes, and at least hire an expert to set up the pump and the filtration system. Then it depends on how handy you are and your attention to detail. Whether it’s laying the PVC liner, building up the edge with stones or pouring the sand layer, be aware that if you bungle a step, it could have a significant impact on the rest of your project.

Position and Installation

Begin by making sure that your water garden will receive at least 6 hours of sunshine a day; otherwise, the aquatic plants will have difficulty growing. Don’t positions it near a tree either, as falling leaves will spoil the water, leading to the proliferation of algae which may harm the fish. For the healthiest pond, lay it out in an organic shape—like that of a peanut—and decorate it with a variety of stones. You should also think about adding oxygenating plants to the water before the fish arrive, such as Canadian waterweed and featherfoil. This will make it easier for them to adapt to their new environment.

If the idea of having a pond in your yard appeals to you, understand that it does require a lot of maintenance. Fish need care and algae and fallen leaves must be removed on a regular basis. And yet despite all the hard work there is not better way of turning your yard into a relaxing hideaway and of supporting local wildlife.

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.