How to Landscape With Waterfalls

Not only can a waterfall be a joyful addition to any backyard, it can also add a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Not only can a waterfall be a joyful addition to any backyard, it can also add a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Waterfalls also attract a vast variety of wildlife, such as birds and butterflies. A basin or garden pond is a necessity when landscaping with a waterfall for the water to circulate, and creating one will add even more work to your task. The job is quite challenging and will require regular maintenance to keep your waterfall beautiful and healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Marking paint
• Shovel
• Basin or pond liner
• Pond filter
• Pond water pump
• Large landscaping rocks
• 2 flexible water line tubes

Instructions

1. Select a location that receives partial light throughout the day. This means at least four to five hours of sunlight each day.

2. Outline the desired shape of your water basin with a rope and mark the perimeter with marking paint, Keep in mind that the larger your basin is, the louder your waterfall will be.

3. Dig out your water basin with a shovel. If you plan to add any aquatic plants or fish, it's recommended to include a shallow and deep end. Keep in mind that the basin should be at least 1 1/2 times the square footage of the waterfall. This is to ensure that it will capture all the water from the waterfall even when it's turned off. If the basin isn't large enough, it could overflow.

4. Dig a section outside the basin for the waterfall. The section should be at a higher elevation, but if you cannot do this it's OK because the landscaping rocks will give this illusion. The section should also be large enough to hold the pond pump.

5. Lay the basin liner on the bottom of the basin and secure the outside of the liner with landscaping rocks. Try to create a natural appearance with the rocks and angle one to three rocks downward. Ensure that they are slightly overhanging the basin in the spot where the water will come out.

6. Place the filter onto the floor of the basin and the pond pump onto the section that's designated for the waterfall. Connect one of the water lines to the filter and the pond pump.

7. Connect the second water line to the pond pump, positioning it upward through the rocks and lay it horizontally on top of the two overhanging rocks and hide it with landscaping rocks.

8. Fill the basin with water. Before priming the pond pump and turning it on, review the instructions to ensure that it's done properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak to your local utility company about any possible underground electrical, phone or gas wires. You must know where they are before you select the perfect spot for your waterfall. It's extremely dangerous to dig anywhere in your yard without knowledge of any underground wires.

References

• Pond Lady: How to Build a Waterfall
• How to Build a Backyard Waterfall
• Clear Water Landscapes: Water Garden Installation