Pond Excavation Basics | Can You Dig It?

As a general rule of thumb, large equipment is needed when excavating ponds larger than 600 square feet.

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Constructing a pond might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly offers numerous benefits. A detailed excavation process not only saves time and money but also prevents unnecessary stress and resource wastage.

Pond Excavation Site Preparation

Before any digging, assess the property where the pond will be situated. Note all existing structures and utilities. Use a site or laser level to identify the high and low areas, providing a clear idea of potential obstacles during installation. Ensure construction access points are considered, checking for gates, narrow walkways, or steps that may hinder equipment.

Why Incorporate Ledges or Shelves During Excavation

Including ledges or shelves along the pond's perimeter enhances safety and stability. These ledges act like staircases, reducing the risk of sudden drop-offs and making the pond sturdier. Moreover, they add visual interest and provide platforms for plants needing various water depths, contributing to a healthier ecosystem pond.

Pond ledges also provide shelves for aquatic plants; different ledge depths are perfect for planting many different species. For example, marginals will grow in 1 to 12 inches of water, while waterlilies and oxygenators prefer 12 to 36 inches of water.

Planning Your Pond Ledges

The initial ledge should be 6 to 10 inches deep, encircling the pond's perimeter. Cover the ledge with gravel, which will reduce its depth slightly. The aim is to mimic natural ponds, which don't have perfectly symmetrical ledges. The next excavation level follows, keeping in mind that ledges will be covered with boulders or larger rocks. If using manually placed stones, keep ledges at most 12 inches tall to minimize construction time. With available machinery, larger boulders can be used for deeper ponds.

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Determine Where the Stream or Waterfall Will Enter the Pond

Consider the type of water entry point: a majestic waterfall or a tranquil riffle zone. The water depth at the entry affects the design and sound. Deeper water creates bass tones, while shallow water produces higher treble tones. From a functional standpoint, shallow water aids pond circulation and debris removal, ensuring better water quality and lower costs.

Building the Berm

Setting filters and piping occurs during excavation. The biological filter is placed first, followed by flexible piping. Use the excavated soil to create a berm around the filter, matching the pond's dimensions for optimal camouflage. Site evaluations will determine the appropriate waterfall height and soil distribution, avoiding the need for soil removal.

Challenges of Poor Soil Conditions

Different soil types present unique excavation challenges:

• Clay Soil: Softer during spring and fall, requiring a pick-ax in the summer.
• Rocky Soil: Demands more time and entails laying multiple layers of underlayment for cushioning.
• Bedrock: The hardest to dig, often requiring jackhammers and possibly constructing part of the pond above ground.
• Sandy Soil: Easy to dig but difficult to create ledges, requiring alternative methods for stability.

Pond ledges result in labor and material cost savings.

Considerations for Large Projects

For ponds over 600 square feet, heavy machinery like skid-steers and backhoes is essential. These machines facilitate excavation and material handling. Subcontracting machinery work is an option if you don't own heavy equipment. Remember to account for potential property damage from heavy machinery while planning.

Using ledges during excavation enhances pond strength and stability. While constructing larger projects, integrating machinery effectively can streamline the process and ensure a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing pond. Discuss potential machinery impacts with clients to set the right expectations.

Sometimes pond excavation appears more complex than it is, but proper planning helps avoid extra work. Start correctly to save time and money.

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