How to Landscape a Pool Waterfall

Small gardening tools help make the work easy.

A poolside waterfall is a natural piece of art, so care must be taken not to "over-landscape" it and diminish its beauty. Never landscape the area around a waterfall haphazardly or by planting whatever looks pretty at the garden center. Make initial sketches, peruse pictures of water gardens in books and magazines and talk to people at greenhouses and garden centers to enhance the finished product.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Small gardening tools
• Mulch
• Weed-block
• Ornamental gravel
• Plants

Instructions

1. 

   Remove rocks and other debris.

   Prepare the area around the waterfall being landscaped. This includes digging out sod or grass, and removing any plants that are in the way. Think of the ground as a canvas that is about to be painted. The cleaner the canvas, the better the finished piece will look. Rototillers can be used if the waterfall and pool area is large.

2. 

   Good top soil provides an excellent base for new plants.

   Work the dirt underneath to remove any large clumps or detritus that will impede plant growth. Remember the canvas; the better shape your surface is, the better the end result. If the soil is poor or has too much gravel, add several inches of rich topsoil to cover the area. Consider using sheets of weed-block, which are available at most hardware stores and garden centers. Prepare the ground, put down the weed-block, and put some good topsoil over it. The weed-block will help stop unwanted plants from encroaching. Nothing entirely thwarts persistent crab grass, but the weed-block helps.

3. 

   Take care in selecting the plants.

   Smooth the layer of dirt, shaping elevations and contours that will look pleasing next to the waterfall. Gently tamp it down. Step back and study the surface, meaning be the painter contemplating the canvas. Make any adjustments before plants and stones are added.

4. 

   Day lilies add a splash of color.

   Refrain from selecting anything that grows so large, it hides the waterfall. Research the plants in magazines or ask gardening specialists for ideas. Stay away from trees that have large, spreading root systems, as these could damage the waterfall and pool. Smaller trees and shrubs, including specialty bushes like balled Colorado blue spruces, should not present a threat. Also, minimize the amount of petals and leaves that will drop into the waterfall and pool and clog the filter.

   Plan for the seasons and for the waterfall's location. In the southwest, cacti could be a good addition, in colder climes, consider a variety of plants that will blossom at different times of the year. Tall, ornamental grasses could be a good choice and present little risk of shedding and blocking the pool filter. Day lilies add a spot of color, but should not be planted so close that the dropped petals present a clogging problem.

5. 

   A lighted backyard waterfall.

   Apply the finishing touches. Decorative gravel carpeting the area around the waterfall is an eye-pleasing touch. This includes a scattering of larger stones that create texture and balance. While wood chips are pretty in other gardens, avoid them around the waterfall and pool. A gust of wind will send the wood chips into the water and can work to clog the filter.

   Consider a stone bench properly placed so anyone sitting there can admire the finished product. If the waterfall will be enjoyed at night, include lights in the landscaping plan.

Tips & Warnings

• A final note: take care in using pesticides for any plants around the waterfall and pool. While the pesticides will help control weeds, they could be harmful to people enjoying the water, and to any animal life attracted.

References

• Great Landscaping Ideas: Waterfall Landscapes
• HGTV: Garden Pond and Waterfall