The Excavation Process For A Manmade Pond

Construction & Contractors Blog

A manmade pond that is designed to mimic a natural feature will serve as an ecosystem where fish and aquatic plants live. The construction of a pond requires an outline of the desired water feature and the excavation of the land that will support the pond. 

The Initial Steps

A residential excavation contractor will dig, move, and grade the earth on your property. Above grade and below grade can be used to describe the portions of a feature that are above and below the ground. The shape of a natural pond is often asymmetrical. If you would like to use this type of outline, the contractor may propose plans that consider the steepness of your property, the viewing area that will be used when enjoying the pond, and the permanent features that are on your property.

Any additional details may require the use of supplemental soil. A waterfall that is situated along the end of the pond and that will consist of a steady flow of water will need a support system to remain operable. A mix of supplemental soil and rocks can be used to create the desired effect.

After taking measurements of your property and outlining where an excavator will be utilized, your contractor will need to assess the entry and exit points on your property. Some pieces of equipment that are used to dig holes are bulky and will require plenty of room to traverse the property and make turns.

The Depth, Built-In Ledges, And Other Additions

Your contractor will explain some standard depths for homemade ponds. A small or moderate-sized water feature may be easier to maintain and won't require an abundance of water. A built-in ledge that surrounds the pond's interior walls will act as a support system and can protect someone from falling to the bottom of the pond if they accidentally slip alongside the water feature. Dirt and gravel are often used to construct a ledge.

The top of a ledge will have a flat surface. The ledge will run all away around the interior of the water feature and can be used to display aquatic plants. For a complex pond design that is going to feature many plant species, consider having multiple ledges installed and choosing varying heights for them.

A series of plants can be added to each ledge. During the excavation, the filters and pipes will be laid out along the bottom or sides of the pond. After the excavation is completed, your contractor will discuss how to fill the pond and what types of fish to place inside of the water feature. 

Share  

16 February 2021

And the Buildings Go Up

Have you ever driven past a large building that was still under construction? You may have stopped for a moment and admired the steel trusses and the heavy concrete blocks used to form and support such a large architectural creation. Here's a secret: construction workers do the same. Workers in this industry never cease to be amazed at what they can create from seemingly boring materials. Concrete turns into a school. Steel turns into a doctor's office. It really is incredible. You may not feel quite as amazed as you read about construction on this blog, but if you get at least a fraction of that wondered, amused feeling, we will be satisfied.