Pond Building Help

Ponds make excellent focal points in many landscapes.

Ponds add beauty and interest to a landscape. The addition of waterfalls, fish and plant life make the area inviting and attractive. Before you grab a shovel and start digging, building a pond requires careful consideration.

Site

Finding the best location for a pond requires examining the soil and suitability of the spot. The location's safety and the ability of the soil to hold water are important factors to be considered.

Permits

Some counties and states require a permit to build a pond on your property. Ponds built in wetland areas usually need approval from conservation departments. Large ponds often require a permit to ensure the landowner employs sound land management practices.

Building

A pond can be homemade or built by a professional. While building your own saves money, it also takes lots of time. Small ponds can cost thousands of dollars, according to Alabama A&M University. Much of that cost depends on the amount of soil that must be removed to create the hole.

References

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Backyard Pond
• ACES: Pond Building: A Guide to Planning, Constructing, and Maintaining Recreational Ponds

Resources

• "Popular Mechanics": Build Your Own Pond: Joseph Truini; May 2006