Considering a backyard pond? Water gardens can be a thing of beauty. They provide countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. However, they can be an investment in time and money.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you enter into this adventure. Below is our list of eight important things you must know before you become a pond owner:
- You must have a plan in mind. You don’t want to enter into this without a strict budget and blueprint.
- Get a professional opinion. Don’t wait until you are too far into the process to get an expert opinion on the engineering portion of your water garden.
- Koi fish costs can be very expensive. You will have to decide if you want to have goldfish or koi in your garden or not. Housing fish will change the entire construction of your pond, so it’s important to know in advance.
- Plan for your labor. We know how long it takes for a professional crew to install a water garden, so make sure you plan for how long this will take you. If you are doing it alone or with help, you’ll want to budget enough time.
- Know what tools you’ll need. Sometimes hidden costs can crop up and you want to know as much as you can upfront before you invest too much.
- Know your water features. If you plan to install a water feature, you need to plan for this in advance. It will ensure additional costs, but will also provide more enjoyment.
- Purchase ornamental products and plants. Sooner or later you are going to want to add ornamental products and plants to your pond. Budget for this in advance to avoid frustration in the future.
- Know your climate. Plan for the type of weather you have. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, know that your pond will be an extra investment.
While we could keep the list going forever, we think you get the point. It’s important to start your backyard pond with a solid plan in mind and budget in place for the things you’ll need.