The soothing sound of moving water can do wonders for your state of mind and your landscaping.
“Adding water features to your landscaping is becoming very popular. While it helps to clean the air, the real benefit people find is through the relaxation it has,” said Angie’s List Founder, Angie Hicks.
Koi ponds, in particular, have become very popular in recent years. In a properly maintained pond, the fish can survive for 10 years or more, but a waterfall is an essential element.
“It serves a couple purposes. One, it’s very beautiful and the noise, but it also provides water movement for the actual pond. That’s very important to have water movement. It’s going to keep away the mosquitoes," landscaper Jeff Burhenn said.
Elaborate ponds can cost about $50,000 but a nice, smaller one can be done on a $5,000 - $10,000. If you want the calm but not the fish, pond less waterfalls are also becoming popular
“It’s very pleasing to the eye and you think – where’s the water going? That’s a lot less maintenance for a homeowner because there’s no pond, and it still provides the… I think, the peace.”
A freestanding fountain is also an option. All these water features will help beautify your space, reduce your stress and even help separate your home from your neighbors’ when you go to sell.
“I believe this will increase the value because there’s some wow factor to it. You walk back here and, if you were looking at this house, people go ‘that’s pretty cool.’”
If you do put in a pond, experts recommend checking the water about once a week with a test kit available at many stores. Angie says you should also consider having an auto-fill mechanism installed to replace the water that will naturally evaporate. It will add about $300-$500 to the project, but otherwise, you will have to regularly fill it manually with the garden hose.
