Ponds, fountains, birdbaths, and other water features are essential elements of landscapes. They boost the appeal of your outdoor space while enhancing its calming and soothing effects.
These outdoor features also help cool the air in your lawn. Fountains, in particular, can refresh plants and people due to the water drops that splash around.
Additionally, the sound coming from your water feature can help block noises coming from your neighbors or the road.
Lastly, if you want to attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife to your lawn, you won’t go wrong with installing a birdbath or fountain.
But with several water features to choose from, selecting the most ideal one for your outdoor space can be challenging. Landscaping pros from Mahomet, Illinois share below the key information you need to make the right decision when having this fixture installed.
Types of Water Features
Having an idea of the different water features is a good start if you are thinking of having one installed on your property. Here are the most common types you can choose from:
1. Birdbath
The most common yard water feature is a birdbath. Since they are available in home improvement and garden stores and come in different sizes, they are easy to install.
Birdbaths also come in various designs. You can go for the classic pedestal style, a hanging feature, or fountain type.
2. Ponds
This type is another common water feature that you can find in residential and commercial landscapes. They range from simple to elaborate and come in different sizes.
This water feature comes in various types as well. You can have a reflecting pool, ornamental pool, water garden, or fish pond installed on your lawn.
Since ponds are larger, constructing and installing one requires careful planning. Moreover, it also needs a circulation system to keep the water moving, and a filtration system for cleaning it.
3. Fountains
This popular type of water feature comes in a variety of sizes as well. This means that you can buy a portable one that is ready to plug and move it anywhere and anytime you want.
When you opt for this feature, you can use only one or combine several to add interest to a woodland garden or shaded spot.
Fountains in ponds are also common features in many residential and commercial landscapes.
4. Rain fountain
If you love the soothing sound of rain, this fountain variant will serve you well and look great on your lawn.
A rain fountain mimics a rain shower. It has a flat design, making it ideal for small spaces. You can also choose from different styles of the archway to complement the overall theme of your property.
5. Waterfalls
Another popular water feature, waterfalls add sound, motion, and liveliness to your landscape. Due to their movement, they catch the eye even from a distance.
Waterfalls are usually created with natural stone slabs or boulders. They can also be designed to meet the space where you want to install it and the style of your landscape.
6. Water walls
A water wall is another option that you can consider if you love the sound of moving, falling water.
This water feature is installed on a wall, thus sparing you the work of finding or clearing a large space for this additional landscape element. There are numerous designs available at home improvement and garden centers that are easy to install. You can also create one with your own design.
A hanging wall fountain is a combination of a water wall and a fountain. This type of feature transforms a drab vertical surface dramatically and gives your landscape another eye-catching focal piece.
7. Creek or stream
If you want a bigger, longer water feature that reminds you of the beauty of nature, a creek or stream is a great addition to your lawn.
Building a creek requires concrete, gravel, PVC pipe, and a recirculating pump. Strategically placed stones guide the water to a holding pool, where the pump will send it back to the top of the creek.
If you want something longer and broader, a stream is a better option. This feature is usually designed into a waterfall and pond to sustain a complete ecosystem.
Adding Your Water Feature to Your Landscape
Now that you have an idea of the different water features you can have in your lawn, here are a few tips to help you make the final decision and for designing and installing your chosen fixture:
1. Consider your space.
When you want to have a water feature on your lawn, the first thing that you have to do is to check your available space.
Since water features come in different sizes, you have to choose one that fits in and works with the area where you want to install it. If the available space is small, you have to cross out a creek, stream, or large fish pond. A birdbath, water wall, or rain fountain is a better option.
If you have a big area, you have more options to choose from since you can buy larger water features or have them customized according to your preference.
2. Check the ground.
Walk around your lawn and check if you have a hilly ground or a flat surface. Doing so can also help you select the best type of water feature to have on your landscape.
Additionally, knowing the type of ground allows you to flatten or level it beforehand to ensure the water feature is set on a stable, even base.
3. Think about how the water feature will affect your enjoyment of your landscape.
Your water feature can boost the appeal of your lawn. However, it doesn’t mean that it should take up all your time maintaining it and cause you to neglect all your gardening chores.
Take the time to choose a water feature that does not require complex maintenance tasks. Moreover, make sure you choose the right place to install it.
For starters, if you want to avoid regular cleanups, try to avoid installing your water feature under trees so that it does not catch falling leaves, twigs, and branches.
4. Consider your water feature’s purpose.
The right water feature also needs to convey the statement you are trying to make. If you want it to be the focal piece of your landscape, it has to be large and easily noticeable, such as a fish pond or tall rain fountain.
However, if you want your plants or other features to be the center of attention, consider smaller features that blend with the landscape, such as a tabletop water fountain.
5. Focus on cohesion.
Lastly, regardless of which water feature you choose, make sure it has the same elements of the other existing fixtures so that it ties in with the overall style or theme.
If stones are needed for the water feature, use the same ones as those found in your garden bed borders or pathways. You can also transplant existing plants to surround it.
Try to choose a hue that follows your color palette for your outdoor space as well.
Getting help from landscaping and lawn care providers in Urbana, Illinois is another option worth considering if you want to have the perfect water feature in your lawn. They will help you choose the best type for your outdoor space and handle the whole installation process.
