Is there anything more tranquil than backyard waterfalls? Have you ever thought about putting one in your backyard? Building a waterfall and koi pond combination could not be simpler, but before you head to the hardware store and start digging up the yard there are a few things you will want to consider. Planning in advance can save you a lot of time, aggravation and the possibility of having to start all over! Take the time to examine the following tips before you begin your backyard waterfall.
Size of Yard
The first thing you want to consider is the size of your yard. While you may really want, a large waterfall that empties into a big Koi pond this may overwhelm your space and not give you the desired effect. Look at your overall yard space and garden area to determine the size of your waterfall and pond; you want this to be a work of art not a constant eye sore.
Natural Amenities
Next, consider the makeup of your yard. Are there features you can incorporate naturally into your backyard waterfall and Koi pond? The best affects will come from using what is naturally available to you, and when you are done, it will look as though it has always been a part of the surroundings. Look for large rocks and natural depressions when working out a plan for your waterfall.
Location
Where you put your backyard waterfall is just as important as all the rest. Not only do you need to consider the natural lay of the land but also the man made additions as well. A natural rock formation and depression may exist on the outer edge of your property line but how are the neighbors going to handle the constant bubbling of your babbling brook? Keeping a good relationship with your neighbors is much more important that creating a waterfall. You will also want to consider the location of underground wires or utilities as the water department or electric company will be rather put off if you hit one of their main lines in your artistic efforts! Not to mention the safety aspect of digging and hitting an electric line.
Necessary Parts
In addition to planning your waterfall location and size, you should take time to list the necessary pieces to the puzzle. If you go to the store and begin buying the pieces you need helter skelter, you will find you can quickly run out of money! You will need stones, pond water pump, sand, gravel, liner and a shovel to dig with in order to create your backyard waterfall and Koi pond. Stones, gravel and shovel may already be available to you, so choose what you purchase carefully.
Conclusion
Once you have all your parts and plans in order it is time to begin building the koi pond and waterfall. Dig your pond first and then begin constructing your waterfall, a good rule of thumb is to build the falls at one and a half times the size of your pond. This is not set in stone but a general landscaper's guideline. The most difficult part of the process will be getting your waterfall just right, but the beauty of gravity is this, if you pour water at the top it must flow down!
