Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Simple Plan for a Small Backyard Pond

A pond is another water feature for a backyard area. Creating one may seem so difficult but is not so hard actually. With the basic materials and tools readily available locally, anyone can make a pond in a short period. Now here’s a simple plan to make a small backyard pond.

The Location
Determining the location for a pond is the first and an important stage. Ideally, a pond should be in a partial shade and a partial sunlight as it will make a healthy pond environment. Avoid putting your pond under a tree as it would require additional maintenance as leaves and debris would fill it regularly and contaminate the water. Don’t worry, there are other ways for pond shade, more on that later.

A pond could be built in any spot but, it should visible from the garden or patio furniture setup to meet the purpose of creating an interesting feature for your backyard area or patio. It should also be accessible for obvious reasons but most especially to see those lovely creatures.

The Layout
Although you can borrow ideas from many sources, the pond layout is better be based on your own backyard location, size, and landscape. You start from drawing on paper or board but you can also make the layout directly on the site which is more preferable. Using a flexible outliner such as rope, extension cord, or a garden hose, start shaping the outline of your pond. What’s great with this technique is that you can create the shape and adjust the size in real time.

Once satisfied with the layout, mark the outline using a spray paint or just start digging the edges.

The Digging
It’s time to start digging the pond using just a shovel. Hire a backhoe if it is a big pond project. Ideally, the pond should be at least two feet (2 ft.) deep. Dig in steps or in a variety of levels for adding plants later. If you are going to use a skimmer and a filter, dig a place for them following their specific installation instructions. Keep the excavated soil on the side, it can be used for landscaping your area later.

Shaping the Pond
Proper pond liner installation is important to keep the water in your pond. First, you need to double check the excavated pond area to make sure there are no sharp objects that could instantly or gradually puncture the liner. Then, place and shape an underlying material following the shape and the contour of the pond excavation. Then place the pond liner the same way you place the underlying material.  Do not trim the underlayment until you fill your pond. The pressure of the water will make adjustments yet and the excess liner will also be used for perimeter banks of the pond.

Add stones around the pond perimeter area for liner protection and as pond embellishments. Add a variety of stones and sizes to make it look more natural. Then you can finally fill your pond with water. Makes a sense of accomplishment and adds excitement for its completion.

Extra Elements
If you want surely keep a healthy pond, you need to add a filter and a skimmer. Just follow the specific instructions on how install and use them.

Finishing
After your pond is shaped and filled, it’s time to add the finishing touches. You can now trim the excess liner and the underlying material leaving extra inches. Cover the excess liner with rocks and start landscaping the outer side of the pond. Your pond is not suitable for live creatures this time due to the cloudiness of the water. Let it sit for few days, then check if it is capable of harboring fish and plants.

The Shading
Wait we’re not done yet. Remember we talked about the partial shading? Determine if your pond can get a partial shade from the patio shade structures and patio umbrella installations. If not, you need to add artificial shades or by planting shrubs nearby.

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