The best backyard ponds are going to closely resemble natural ones, according to the National Wildlife Federation, but how can you go about creating one in your own backyard?
Ideally, your pond is going to house native plants, maybe a floating log or branch, and it’s going to have some amount of debris on the bottom. This is going to make it perfect for attracting native wildlife, but that’s not all you need.
Read on to learn what you need to know about building a backyard pond.
Create a Plan
The first step you should take for building your small backyard pond is creating a plan. Write down everything you need, gather your supplies, and ensure that you’re conducting enough research to know that you’re benefitting the local ecosystem rather than hurting it.
What Size Are You Considering?
The first step to creating your plan should be deciding on size. Depending on what you go with, it’s smart to check with your local government to ensure you don’t need a permit.
Building near your house can be good. You’ll have easier access to running water and electricity, which is important for things like pond aerators. You should, however, avoid trees with large roots.
As those trees grow, the roots can run into your pond and might begin to pose a problem.
Where Should You Position It?
Ideally, your pond is going to offer partial shade and sunlight. Too much sunlight and you’re going to be combatting a lot of algae growth. You also want to ensure the temperature of your pond isn’t too cold or warm.
It’s also a smart idea to ensure your fish are protected from any bad weather.
What Fish?
Once you’ve gotten the basics down, it’s time to figure out what fish you’re going to put inside the pond. Like we said earlier, you’re going to want native plants in your pond, so it’s best to choose fish that live well with those plants.
It’s also good to ensure that the fish you choose are going to live well in the environment you’re placing them in and that they’re the appropriate size for your pond.
Another thing to consider: are they going to fit with the animals that already live around your house? Animals like frogs and lizards are naturally going to be drawn to your pond, so you want to ensure that everything you place inside it is going to benefit the surrounding area.
Remember, though, fish aren’t necessary for every backyard pond. In fact, you might find that they don’t fit what you’re looking for at all. Take this into consideration when you’re building.
Ready to Start Building a Backyard Pond?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, it’s time to start building a backyard pond. Armed with your plan and an adaptive mindset, there is nothing that can stand in the way of you creating a beautiful backyard pond for your home.
For more on the latest in home renovations and decorating, check out the rest of our website.