Water features like ponds can be excellent additions to any property with land to spare. Although it seems like an easy project to do on your own, constructing one isn’t as simple as it sounds. Since the site has to be cleared and dug first, it’s better, safer, and more cost-effective to hire an excavation contractor to take on the job. Nonetheless, here’s what you should know before starting construction for a pond on your property.

Why Should You Put a Pond in the Yard?

Among the key benefits of building a pond is property beautification. A well-designed and -maintained pond adds visual interest to your existing landscape. It can also provide a space for relaxation, family bonding, and entertainment. The gentle sound of running water and swimming fish is soothing and can significantly reduce a person’s stress levels. Even in their own little space, ponds can also serve as a conservation area for surrounding life. It provides moisture to soil that benefits nearby plants and sustains the existing ecosystem in the process.

What Do You Need to Consider First?

Building a pond requires careful planning and budgeting. Factors like pond size, depth, and surrounding soil type will considerably affect project cost. When choosing the pond’s site, think about the location and its height to avoid runoff, possible flooding during heavy rains, and contamination from chemicals or fertilizers. If you decide to keep fish in it, make sure the pond is at least 3 feet deep if you experience cold weather in your area. Shallow ponds tend to freeze at low temperatures. It’s also best to carry out the construction in an area of your property that gets sunlight most of the time as aquatic plants like lotuses and water lilies need ample sunlight to remain healthy. Also, keep the pond away from large trees as fallen leaves can pollute the pond, and their roots can grow into the liner and damage it over time.

Bear in mind that adding ponds—no matter the size and depth—will require an excavation contractor for efficient clearing. Since it can be a disruptive activity, check with local authorities about securing permits, zoning restrictions, and regulations first. Have a professional locate and demarcate underground utilities to prevent mishaps. Adding features like waterfalls, heating, and lighting require extra work and consume more energy.

Before your pond can come to fruition, you’ll need professional site clearing and tree removal services to prepare the land. Alaska Hydro Ax in Anchorage can help. Their team of expert excavation contractors also provide brush clearing and tree stump removal. Call (907) 243-6200 to hire an excavation contractor, or visit their website to learn more about their services.