About Backyard Rock Waterfalls
Backyard rock waterfalls add beauty to a garden. The sound and sight of running water creates an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. A waterfall garden is a place of refuge in a noisy, fast-moving world. Since most sites do not have natural springs, steep slopes and streams, the water in a backyard waterfall has to be moved by mechanical means. Every basic waterfall includes a pump to circulate the water, moving it to the top of the waterfall where it can fall again. Does this Spark an idea?
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Considerations
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When designing a backyard rock waterfall, size is the first important choice. Waterfalls are intrinsically dramatic features. One of the most common mistakes is to build a waterfall that is too large for the site and that overwhelms all other features of the garden. Deciding on the primary function of the waterfall is the next choice. If the sound of the waterfall is the most important thing for the homeowner, the waterfall can be designed to maximize water sounds. If the sight of moving water is most important, the waterfall will be laid out in a different way. If the waterfall is combined with a pond, yet a different design is needed. Location of the waterfall is another important choice. Should the waterfall be clearly visible from the living room? Should it be near the sitting area of the garden? Should it be in a semi-hidden location, creating a special private area? Should it be part of the entry, where its beauty will immediately impress visitors?
Geography
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All waterfalls involve a high point, where the flow of water originates, and a low point, where the water that has fallen can gather. If the site has a natural hill, it can be used as the base of a waterfall. A small man-made berm can also provide height for a waterfall. Large rocks can be piled up to create a high point as well. A basin with a waterproof pool liner creates a pool where the water can collect. If the homeowner doesn't want a pool, there are special waterfall systems without ponds that can be installed.
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Prevention/Solution
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In natural waterfalls, nobody has to consider the effect of flowing water on the nearby soil. Constantly moving water moves the soil around, sometimes enough to change the shape and direction of the stream bed. In a backyard waterfall, this would be a very poor result. It is necessary to contain and direct the flow of the water in a backyard rock waterfall.
Creating a waterproof base for the water prevents soil erosion. There are two methods: to line the fall area with a pond liner or to pour a concrete channel for the water to run over. In both methods, stones are laid over the waterproof layer to create a beautiful liner beneath the water.
To make a natural-looking waterfall, choose rocks from the site itself whenever possible. If none are available, choose native rocks from the local area. Placing rocks that look particularly attractive when wet in prominent positions makes a beautiful waterfall.
Misconceptions
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Many people believe that creating the water channel is the only really important choice in designing a backyard rock waterfall. To create the most beautiful waterfalls, landscaping around the water is also important. Choose plants that enjoy moist conditions and that look good with both rock and water.
Warning
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Safety issues always have to be considered when installing a water feature. Small children should never be left unsupervised near waterfalls or ponds, even very small ones.
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