Waterfalls & Streams

Here Are Some Examples Of Waterfalls

     Waterfalls are a major focal point of every pond.  They can be very dramatic, or very subtle.  Some people want “Niagra Falls”, while others enjoy a peaceful trickel of water over the rocks.  

     They also serve an important role in providing aeration into the pond.  This is especially important in the hot summer months when the water is very warm and the fish are the most active.  

     Perhaps the most appealing aspect of a waterfall or stream is the sound.  People love how relaxing it can be to sit near the pond and just listen to the water.  One of my clients enjoyed it so much that he would leave his bedroom window slightly open all winter just so he could hear the waterfall when he went to bed.  Another client wanted me to build a stream through his yard, no pond, no fish or plants.  He is a big fly fisherman, and his most enjoyable thing in life is to stand in the middle of a brook in his waders while fishing and hear the sound of the water rushing past him.  Now he sits out by the stream every day with a glass of wine and his newspaper where he can just relax and forget about everything else.  However, he did complain to me that he doesn’t know what is going on in the world anymore, because he can’t get past the second page of his newspaper before he falls asleep out there in his chair.  I’m not sure however if that is an effect of the waterfall or the wine? 🙂

     Just a side note, all of my waterfalls and streams are built using cement.  Not that expanding spray foam that I so often see.  The foam does not last long.  In time it dries up and crumbles, then things start leaking like crazy.  I have seen way too many leaking waterfalls over the years with that spray foam all over it.   The cement is so much stronger and lasts for a long time.  Some people are concerned about using cement in ponds, but I can honestly say that I’ve been using it forever, and have never had any problems at all with the water quality or any affect on the fish and plants. 

Some Pictures of Streams

     A stream is another point of interest for your backyard pond.  They can extend the ponds landscape, and are especially useful in a yard that has a slope.  Sometimes a waterfall can be built away from the ponds edge, and then connected to the pond with a stream.  Just like a waterfall, they too can create a soothing sound, very peaceful and relaxing.  A long stream with a bridge crossing over it at some point is really nice as well.  All of my streams are constructed with liner and cement.  Rocks and stones are placed into the cement so that the water flows over it, and not under or thru it.  This especially helps to keep it clean….no sediment collects in the rocks as it normally would if loose gravel was just spread on top of a liner. It looks good, and is easy to clean!

Check out the videos on my YouTube channel for more information on how to build waterfalls and streams!  You can find the links below.