Having a pond on your property, whether it’s man-made or all-natural, is the dream of many homeowners. While they can be a lot of work, depending on how well they are designed, the long term benefits can far outweigh the amount of work that may be required. Choosing a qualified professional to design your pond can reduce this extra maintenance as well.
Whether you are looking at purchasing a property that has a pond on it already, or considering adding one to your current yard, you may be wondering if the extra labor that is involved for maintenance is worth it.
Since you are reading this article, you most likely don’t need to be persuaded too much. But just in case you need a few more benefits you didn’t think of to win over your spouse, let’s go over why we think a pond is a good choice for many yards, and how it can benefit both you and everyone around you.
Create a Calm and Beautiful Environment
The number one reason why many people choose a pond as an addition to their yard is the sense of beauty and calm that it can provide. There’s nothing quite like sitting on a bench next to a pond with a waterfall, listening to the bubbling water as you take in the beautiful view. It’s like having your own private park to retreat to at the end of a hard day.
We all know that spending time out in nature is cathartic in this busy world in which we live, and bringing a little nature into your yard can make your treks to the wilderness mere steps away. With a well-designed pond, you won’t even notice that it is man-made, and you’ll instantly be transported far away from your troubles.
If your pond is large enough, add some koi or goldfish. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting next to your pond, lazily tossing handfuls of fish food to your own fish. Even the kids can join in! Just be sure that there is plenty of plant cover in the pond to keep passing birds from stopping by for a snack too!
A Safe Haven for Wildlife
Adding a pond or other water feature to your yard is yet another natural feature that can attract local wildlife. As more of their natural habitat is taken away through urbanization, this is a simple way you can share with them a piece of your home. Your yard may soon become a favorite watering hole to the local birds, as well as attracting beneficial insects, frogs, and mammals.
In some small way, you are doing your part to conserve nature not unlike a large municipality adds a park to urban settings. This is a great way to do your part to support wildlife, as well as bring an element of wildness back to your well-kept yard.
Conserving Water
While you may not think of a pond as a way to conserve water, due to the large volume it contains, you might be surprised to learn it can be a great way to reduce your environmental impact. By having a pond in your yard, you’re not only reducing the square footage of grass and other plants that need to be watered, but you’re also adding a natural “holding tank” for rainwater and runoff.
You can even direct the runoff from your roofs into the pond to collect even more water. This can be done by running your gutter system directly to the pond. An added benefit is that in draughty times, this water can be used to water your yard, should there be a need.
Fun for All Ages
Many of us remember grabbing our little fishnet and a mason jar and running down to the closest pond to find tadpoles. Watching the metamorphosis from tadpole to frog is something every child should witness, and is one of the many reasons a pond can be a great addition to your property.
No matter your age, watching the beautiful dance of nature within the confines of a pond can be mesmerizing and exciting. In a well-maintained, mature pond, you’ll see plenty of life both above and below the surface, and there will always be something to entertain.
Your pond can also bring the family together. It can provide a great place for family gatherings, as you spend time feeding the fish or watching the wildlife that visit. Not to mention all the neighborhood kids coming to catch those tadpoles!
Increase the Overall Value of Your Property
While you may not be considering selling your property right now, it’s worth noting that having a pond in your yard can increase the value of your property. This is because having a pond makes your property more attractive to buyers when compared to their other options.
From the potential buyer’s point of view, all other things being equal, the pond and its surroundings may just be the thing which swings the sale. And, because of the higher demand, you’ll be able to command a premium selling price!
Reduce Toxic Chemicals In Ground Water And Conserve Resources
Let’s be honest here. It may not be at the forefront of your thoughts when rehearsing the of the benefits of having a pond on your property, but chances are you’ll be more conscious of toxic chemicals on your property when you have a pond with plants and fish in it.
In its own way, it teaches you to be a good steward of our planet. How? Because a pond and its surrounding features reduce total lawn space, you’ll have less area to fertilize. Less fertilizer and weed killers mean less pollution gets into the ground water and finding their way into your pond and poison your pond critters.
Another thing. Less grass also means less mowing and weed-whacking, so you’ll be reducing your environmental impact by using less gasoline and oil.
Something else to think of while we’re talking about potential toxic chemicals, you can’t have runoff from your driveway going into the pond, potentially killing delicate fish and plants. So, you’ll be more mindful of oil and ways to contain other toxic spills.
Help with Planning Your Pond
Having a pond in your yard or garden is the perfect centerpiece for your landscape. Any yard can benefit from the addition of a pond or other water feature, no matter its size, there are many resources that can help you get started.
Now that you are convinced of the many benefits a pond can provide for you, you’ll want to decide what type of water feature or pond is best for your yard. If you’re not sure where to begin, we are here to help! From design to installation to maintenance, we can help you find and maintain the perfect pond for your property.
If you already have a pond on your property, but it’s not quite the idyllic masterpiece you know it can be, we’d love to help! Whether you need to improve the landscaping around your water feature or a complete transformation, your perfect pond is only a call away.
