Ponds and other large-scale water features can lend a peaceful atmosphere to your apartment complex or serve as the centerpiece of a beautiful public park. Adding a pond or lake to your property may seem like a relatively simple process, but it does take extensive preparation and the services of a skilled excavation contractor. Below are some of the most important steps in preparing your land for a pond installation.

4 Tips for Preparing Your Land for a Pond

1. Choose Your Site Carefully

Selecting the location for your pond will minimize maintenance problems later and promote the development of a healthy ecosystem. The best location will have soil with a high clay content, which keeps water from simply draining into the ground. Your pond should also be positioned on a slope, so it catches and contains rainwater flowing downhill.

2. Check for Hazards

Ponds shouldn’t be located near underground power lines, roadways, and driveways, or uphill from homes or other buildings. Any trails or walkways should also be located upslope from the site to minimize the risk of damage if the water level rises.

3. Identify a Water Source

A healthy pond ecosystem will need a reliable, natural supply of water. Streams and river connections are a good choice, but underground springs are the best, most dependable sources. These springs usually aren’t located on survey maps, but a skilled excavation contractor can help locate underground water supplies.

4. Plan Your Land Clearing

The first step of any excavation project is land clearing. If the property is heavily wooded, you may want to cut trees back away from the edges of the site. Otherwise, their roots may leach water from the pond, while leaves and other debris can jam up spillways and interfere with the natural currents.

 

Since 1981, Alaska Hydro Ax has been helping property owners throughout the state design and build beautiful lakes and ponds. As one of Alaska’s leading excavation contractors, they pride themselves on providing exceptional results down to the last detail. Visit their website to learn more about their land clearing services, or call (907) 243-6200 to speak with an expert excavation contractor today.