How to Construct a Pond in the Woods
Ponds are a beautiful addition to any home garden or landscape, and a well-built pond may significantly raise the value of your home. They require little maintenance and minimal upkeep but may provide years of enjoyment. Wooded areas are a popular spot for individual to build ponds but constructing it yourself requires dedication and hard work. Begin this satisfying project by checking out as many ponds on other people's property as possible to get a rough idea of what you would like your new wooded pond to look like. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Backhoe
- Flour
- Pond lining/underlayment
- Pond Filter
- Water pump
- Landscaping rocks/pebbles
- Mason's sand
- Pond dechlorinator
- 1 package pond bacteria
Instructions
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1
Find a clearing the woods where a pond will fit. Do not attempt to build a pond in a heavily wooded area as tree's root systems are very strong and may eventually puncture your pond lining. Mark the outline of your pond on the ground using flour.
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2
Edge the outline of the pond into the ground using a backhoe. Begin digging out the central area of the outline using a shovel. Dig the area closest to the edge shallower than the center; aim to make three big 'steps' down towards the deepest point of the pond (usually near the center). Make each step about 12 to 18 inches deeper than the previous.
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3
Deposit a layer of Mason's sand on the newly dug pond and use a gardener's rake to smooth it out. Lay the pond underlayment over the hole and use your hands and feet to help the lining fit snugly along the sides of each step. Cover this with your pond lining, and weigh them both down by placing landscaping stones along the walls of each 'step' of the pond.
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Install the pump and filter according to the instructions. Place them in an area of the pond where they are hidden from view but will still be able to process the pond water effectively. Test them both to ensure that they are functioning properly.
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Fill the pond with water. Add pond dechlorinator and the package of pond bacteria according to their respective instructions. Wait at least a week for the water to become habitable before adding fish or plant life.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you properly set and secure both the pond lining and underlayment. Small gaps or hole can leech water from the pond into the ground directly underneath, undermining the structural integrity of the entire pond. Look over the underlayment carefully after laying it down, then do the same with the pond lining.
Maintain proper feeding and care for any plants and aquatic animals that you plan on keeping in the pond. Periodically check on how your pond's ecosystem is holding up and make sure that you immediately remove any dead fish or fallen leaves. Leaving these in your pond changes the chemical signature of the water and a few small changes may lead to a complete collapse.
