The Pros and Cons Landscape Water Feature Designs

Your current landscape is nice. It just seems to be missing something, though. But what? Well, have you ever considered adding a water feature, like a pond, fountain or stream? These features can really give you landscape that aesthetic element it was missing. If you want to install a landscape water feature but aren’t sure what type to choose, consider the benefits of each and compare them to your landscaping needs. Here’s a look at the pros and cons over several common water feature designs:

Natural Pools:
Natural pools are some of the most popular and basic landscape water features. Individuals generally build a natural pool by lining a hole in the ground with a flexible or rigid liner. Submersible pumps and filtration systems help keep the water clean, and you can add a fountain or artificial waterfall to drown out the noise of the pump. Such water feature designs look the most natural and are the simplest to install.

Pros
Can be simple to install.
Looks natural.
A pond can be as small or large as you like.

Cons
Flexible liners are susceptible to punctures and leaks.
These water feature designs can require a lot of digging.
Keeping the water clean and algae free can be a big challenge 

Container Ponds:
Container ponds are also a good landscape water feature for small landscapes. You can make a container pond out of a glazed pot or a wine barrel cut in half. 

Alternatively, such water feature designs also come in kits. In a space that has a diameter as small as three feet, you can include fish and aquatic plants such as water lilies or grasses.

Pros
Digging is not required for installation.
Good for small spaces.
A good way to test drive having landscape water feature in your yard.

Cons
It may be difficult to clean a deep container.
Deep containers may pose a drowning risk if you have children.
Sealing the feature to avoid leaking.

Wall Fountains: 

These space friendly water features are perfect for smaller landscaping areas. They come in several vertical water feature designs that are good for compact spaces. This type of landscape water feature has a basin that catches and circulates water using a pump, as well as a set of tubes or pipes that are behind the fountain and out of sight.

Pros
Great for small areas
Available as ready-to-plug-in units or in kits that are simple to assemble.

Cons
These can be fairly costly at times
Wall fountains that do not come with an adjustable valve do not allow you to control the amount of water that flows down the fountain.

Streams:
For landscapes with a little more space, a stream could be just the water feature you are looking for. It is popular to install a stream whose course ends at a waterfall that pours into another landscape water feature.

Pros
Perfect for informal landscapes.
Good way to expand upon a landscape water feature that already exists.
You can create a natural scene in your landscaping by planting decorative grasses and adding river rocks.
Customizable

Cons
You will need to install a pump and filtration system
Requires a lot of digging
Building and maintaining can be pricey. 

Additional Considerations:
Regardless of the type of landscape water feature you choose, you should always use a pump to circulate the water. Circulating water helps detract mosquitoes, wasps and other insects that prefer still water. Make sure the pumps, filters, and cleaners you use are appropriate if you plan to add fish or plants to any water feature designs. In addition, be advised that water features can attract unexpected wildlife.

We can help your commercial landscaping bring more customers!  We can help care for all aspects.Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net