Water features in our landscape have long been a favorite. The calm we feel around water now has some science behind it. A long-accepted theory has been that being in nature and green surroundings can help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress and bolster pleasant feelings. Lost in the green, however, was the blue (water.) Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., a former scientist at the Ocean Conservancy and author of "Blue Mind," believes the green space is good for us, but adding a pond can make it better. The data from thirty-five studies were reviewed, and the results suggested that there were benefits to mental health from being around the blue spaces.

As good as ponds are for us, they can be even better for the environment. The space that a small one takes up reduces the amount of grass that requires mowing, watering, and fertilizing, which in turn can lower some of your bills. Yale University estimates that 600 million gallons of gas are used annually to mow and trim lawns in the US, resulting in about 12 billion pounds of Carbon Dioxide being released into the air. On top of that, ponds can grab CO2 and store it in the aquatic plants living in them or the land plants around them.

As the summer weather gets hot, surface water from the pond evaporates and reduces the area's heat. The temperature reduction can make the rest of your hardscape features more enjoyable and lower home cooling costs. 

With so many benefits, you're probably thinking, how come I still don't have one? You don't have to wait much longer, and Fullscapes is the company you can rely on for expert pond installation. Before breaking ground, there are things to consider. Size is a key factor as smaller ones require liners to inhibit water loss during the dry season. Traditionally, oval or circles are the shape of choice, but today options include multi-level, cyclical, hexagonal, and more.

Also, increasing the area where water touches land increases the number of animals and their diversity. Speaking of animals, koi ponds are especially relaxing, and the Japanese believe the Koi can bring good luck. Even though pond water is moving, the Koi quickly eat mosquito eggs laid on the water's surface. Choosing the proper location can also make a significant financial difference. Staying away from underground lines reduces the necessary labor and makes the installation easier.

To enhance the experience, we can also add architectural features like a gazebo, stone benches, and stamped concrete walkways. A pond can lead to a property increase of about 7-10%, but adding some of the other items can go much higher.

So, when you are ready to get started on your new pond or other water features, reach out to the pros at Fullscapes. Our experts have been at this for over 40 years. In that time, we've earned the reputation as the #1 outdoor living space contractor in Northeastern Ohio. Contact us today to set up a consultation or to get an estimate.