_edited.png)
Ponds are beautiful water features that you can have in the landscaping of your yard. While they are aesthetic, backyard ponds are more than that. Ponds are an essential part of any diverse ecosystem and will also improve the environment in and surrounding your property. In today's post, we're going to tell you why backyard ponds are important and why you should consider adding one to your landscaping.
Life Relies On Water
Nearly all of life depends on water to survive and thrive. So, it makes sense that a wide variety of life is drawn to water. In the majority of ecologically diverse ecosystems, you will find ponds.
Do you ever remember catching tadpoles as a kid? Ponds and lakes are essential for amphibians like frogs and turtles. Ponds serve as maternity wards that protect and help young amphibians grow and thrive.
Whether it's manmade or natural, this doesn't affect the effectiveness of having a backyard pond. When you have a pond, it will act as a life gauge for your environment. If you notice insects, like dragonflies, that means your ecosystem is in great health because dragonflies are a delicate species. Species like dragonflies and frogs only thrive amongst clean air and water, so, they'll let you know if something isn't right.
Backyard Ponds Serve As Sanctuaries (And Buffets)
Like we said before, if frogs and insects are found thriving in your pond, that's an indicator that the ecosystem is healthy. With backyard ponds, you want to make sure there are stones, plants, and aquatic vegetation for fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects to take shelter amongst. Ponds are nature's sanctuaries and serve to protect and enhance life for the local wildlife.
If a backyard pond is thriving with insects, fish, and vegetation, this will also help the local waterfowl. Waterfowl love water, of course, but they also enjoy scavenging for insects and vegetation to eat from these natural buffets.
Nature's Filters
Along with all the other benefits of ponds that we've talked about, they also act as a filter. Just as salt marshes are the first line of defense to filter out pollutants for waterways and creeks, ponds do the same. Water absorbs pollutants and nutrients through runoff, rain, and snow. If your pond is teaming with plants and grasses, the vegetation will uptake these pollutants and nutrients and filter them out. Of course, there is a limit to how much a pond can handle, but, in general, backyard ponds will handle enough to help improve the local environment and ecosystem.
If you're thinking about installing a backyard pond, be sure to plant plenty of native plants. Non-native plants have a tendency to choke out native vegetation that hasn't yet learned how to compete. The abundance of native plants will improve the ecosystem on your property by attracting local native animal species. Thus, encouraging the reproduction of some possibly endangered species.
Consult The Experts
If you want to talk about backyard ponds or any other horticultural projects, we're here for you. Give us a call, and we can help you with your project today!