Water features are a beautiful addition to residential landscapes. They can be as simple as a birdbath or as complex as a waterfall. Smart designs account for energy-efficient pumps and recirculation for minimal water loss. They may also include a catch basin to capture rainfall and help protect against future droughts. Water Feature Colorado Springs can add to the looks of your home.

Water Feature Landscape

Adding the sights and sounds of waterfalls to residential landscapes adds a unique element that draws the eye and invokes a sense of tranquility. Water can also create movement in a garden space, softening hard lines that might be created by retaining walls or other structural elements like fences.

A waterfall can make a beautiful focal point in your backyard, as this one does, and can be surrounded by shady plantings that stay green all season long. The waterfall can also help accentuate sloped landscapes and transform them into natural vistas that invite people to relax and enjoy the view.

When choosing a water feature, it’s important to consider the amount of space you have and how much maintenance you want to do. A small fountain might be a perfect choice for you if you have limited space, while a larger pond or a waterfall might be better for you if you enjoy maintaining your landscape.

The most popular waterfall design is a natural pool with a rock-lined bottom. This type of waterfall is the most customizable and can be designed to fit your taste and space. It’s also the simplest to build but can require ongoing maintenance to keep the water clean.

Another type of landscape waterfall is a stream. A stream can provide a more understated natural look and is often a great choice for gardens with native, unmanicured areas. It can also serve as a water source for wildlife, making it an ecological feature in addition to its decorative functions.

A pondless waterfall offers the same beauty as a traditional pond but without the basin. This is a good option for homeowners who don’t have the space to maintain a large pool or are concerned about safety risks with children playing in the water. These types of landscape water features tend to use less water and grow less bacteria than standard ponds, and they’re safer for kids to play around.

Whatever type of landscape water feature you choose, be sure to install a pump that keeps the water circulating. This helps deter mosquitoes and other insects that prefer still water, as well as keeping the water clean and healthy for fish and plants.

Stream

A stream creates a beautiful focal point and adds movement and definition to a landscape. Streams can range from a slow-flowing, babbling brook to an energetic flowing current. Adding stepping stones, driftwood, and plant life will help give the stream a natural look. These elements will also attract birds and other wildlife to the area, furthering the sense of tranquility.

Adding a waterfall to a stream is another great way to enhance the look and feel of the feature. A waterfall will not only look beautiful, but it will also help to mask and filter the noises from the surrounding environment. Depending on the length of the stream, you may also want to consider installing a bridge or walkway, which can further enhance the beauty and the overall feeling of the feature.

Ponds are one of the most popular water features that homeowners install. A basic landscape water feature, a pond can be made by lining a hole in the ground with a flexible liner and then adding a pump and filtration system to keep the water clean. Many homeowners will add other features to their ponds, such as waterfalls, fish, and water plants, to increase the enjoyment of their features.

Although ponds are very popular, they do require a substantial initial investment and can be difficult to maintain. For these reasons, a waterfall is often an ideal alternative for individuals who are looking to add the feel of a pond without commitment or maintenance. A waterfall can be built into the side of a retaining wall, giving the appearance that the water is cascading down from above. It can also be installed into a small natural pool, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the landscape.

Water features can be the perfect addition to any landscape design and offer a variety of benefits for both the environment and those who enjoy it. The sights and sounds of water features can help to relax the mind, body, and spirit, and it has been proven that listening to the sound of flowing or trickling water can have similar therapeutic effects as a soothing massage.

Fountain

A fountain in a residential water feature landscape adds drama, even on a small scale. They come in a wide range of styles and can be ready-made or DIY. Some can serve as elaborate focal points; others are more like simple sculptural elements. Fountains work well in a variety of outdoor spaces, but they should be properly scaled and integrated into the landscape design.

Fountains come in many forms, from a bubbling urn to a multitiered waterfall or garden stream. The way the water moves and catches light also affects the visual impact. For example, water sheeting off a rounded urn is more playful than a forceful flow from basin to basin.

You can incorporate a fountain into almost any type of landscape, from a lush tropical garden to a desert garden. To create a dramatic effect, choose a location with good visibility from the house. Make sure that you have enough room for seating around the fountain, and avoid putting it too close to shrubs or trees that will drop debris into the water. Fountains need to be kept full of clean, fresh water. A good rule of thumb is to refill them every other day, depending on the size of the fountain, the amount of sun exposure, and the temperature and humidity. To make refilling easier, consider placing it near a spigot or installing an autofill valve that connects to the water line and fills automatically.

In addition to visual appeal, a fountain adds a soothing soundtrack that masks ambient noise such as the hum of air conditioning and the rumble of street traffic. The movement of the water attracts birds and other wildlife, adding a multisensory experience to the landscape.

A fountain can be built into the landscape by integrating it into a wall, patio, or garden area. The water from a fountain can be pumped through a garden hose or waterline, and the nozzle can be adjusted to control the flow. The fountain itself can be made from any material, but glazed ceramics and lightweight fiberglass are popular choices that provide a wide selection of colors, sizes, and shapes.

Pond

A pond is what most people think of when they think of a backyard water feature. They are the centerpiece of your landscape and can be large or small depending on the space available and the desired ambiance. They are also self-contained ecosystems that require less maintenance than many homeowners realize. They also attract wildlife like deer and frogs and help homeowners feel more connected with nature.

Ponds can be in-ground or above-ground. They can also be constructed from concrete, fiberglass, or liner materials. A pond requires regular cleaning to remove debris and to add fresh water due to evaporation. It is important to choose a location that allows for easy access and good visibility. Ponds should be placed away from overhanging plants that can cause unwanted algae growth.

When choosing a pond, it is important to decide how much maintenance you are willing and able to do. If you are looking for a low-maintenance option, a fish pond or pondless waterfall may be the right choice for you. These options do not have open bodies of water but still provide the tranquil sound of running water.

Another popular option is a fountain. These can be grand or small and come in an endless array of styles. They can incorporate statues and other artistic elements and often make the perfect focal point for any landscape. Fountains can mask environmental noise, create a calming atmosphere, and bring in natural light.

Fountains are a great way to create a one-of-a-kind backyard retreat that will enhance your property value and become the center of attention for your family and guests. Water features can bring beauty and tranquility to any outdoor living space and can be designed in ways that fit with your home’s architecture, style, and layout.

Adding a water feature to your landscape can make your home more welcoming and increase its value. By working with a professional landscaping company, you can ensure that your new water feature is the perfect match for your property and your lifestyle. With the right water feature, you can transform your backyard into a beautiful and peaceful oasis that will provide years of enjoyment.