Waterfall Design and Construction Tips

Adding to your home or office building landscape is always exciting and challenging.  When you consider adding a waterfall or cascade to your area, it can be fun to plan and watch as it takes form.

Why a waterfall?  First, it is just captivating to watch.  Sitting on a nearby bench and enjoying the day with a touch of nature is relaxing and invigorating at the same time.  You can opt for a dramatic drop for a big splashy sound or a more subtle grade.  There are a number of construction designs to choose from and many can be adapted to the size and shape of the space you want to cover.

Waterfalls require little maintenance and attract many different forms of wildlife and are perfect for floral plantings.  They can be placed in a front yard, backyard, or office park.

You should begin by deciding whether you will have a stand-alone waterfall or have a pond attached.  It is acceptable to go either way.  Without a pond, the waterfall will still need a reservoir from which to draw the water.

DIY or Not

This is an easy answer.  Always hire a professional.  A specialist will understand all of the engineering and math involved, like water percentage, hydraulic head losses, degree of slope, etc.

Working with an expert in waterfall construction and design means you will have access to the latest and best advice.  They will understand about materials, electric accessibility, aesthetics, and other issues.  They also probably have trusted sources for the supplies and workers necessary to complete the project.  It can be quite involved and the work hot and heavy.

Attempting the project by watching various videos is probably courting disaster.  A single mistake may mean starting from scratch.  This is not like a computer program where you just erase and retype.  A misplaced or wrong component can result in a big mess.  Just consider the fact that there are different kinds of rocks.  Large boulders that surround the area to give it a natural look must also be carefully placed to prevent accidents and then gaps sealed, but you want it to still look natural.  Various sizes of river rock, gravel, and pebbles are important for the proper water flow as well as filtration.  Aesthetically the right combination of colours, sizes and types will make all the difference.

Professional Expertise

A professional will start at the beginning to help determine which areas are most suitable for the waterfall.  They will be able to secure any permits necessary.  They understand when inspections are required and how to navigate the local agencies to have them done at the right times.

A landscaper who works with waterfall features will see the project to conclusion.  You get to sit back and watch its construction and enjoy the final product without worrying about how much time you are taking from family or other projects.  There should be no worry about getting half done and losing interest or energy.

In the end, you will have a lovely waterfall, completely landscaped, in the right place for all to enjoy without the sweat and irritation of a DIY project.