A backyard pond is a beautiful and fun addition to any backyard landscape. But, before you start digging, it's vital to know how to choose the perfect location for a pond in order for it to thrive. Here are 7 key aspects of pond placement to help you decide.

Sun and Shade. Choose a location that's not in the shade all day long. Most ponds — and especially pond fish — need to be in the sunlight for at least half the day. If you have deciduous trees nearby, keep in mind that they may help add sunlight during the winter months when the leaves fall. 

Stable Ground. It may be counter-intuitive, but avoid placing a pond in an area that's usually wet already. Why? For one thing, all that pooled water is likely to make the ground underneath the pond unstable and prone to settling or eroding. These dirt problems can damage the pond and make it hard for you to do landscaping, hardscaping, and maintenance around it.

Overhead. While trees can be a nice addition to the landscape around your pond, there should be only limited trees or shrubs directly over it. If there are deciduous trees, for example, you're likely to end up with a mess of leaves, sap, or dead flowers. If you're unsure how the surrounding landscape features will impact a water feature, you may want to work with an experienced residential landscaper. 

Underfoot. Unless you're planning to use a raised pond, you'll need to dig down into the ground. So, be sure there are no underground utilities or piping in the area. You may need to contact a utility location service or your local city planning office to determine if there's any reason not to dig.

Access. Ponds are not "set it and forget it" landscape features. You'll need to ensure comfortable access to all sides of the pond (and into it) in order to keep the landscaping weeded, the greenery properly trimmed, and the moving parts working. Test out your pond location by marking its outline on the ground with a hose or stakes and twine. Then, practice doing regular maintenance activities. 

Utilities. Most water features need to keep circulating, so you'll need easy access to a power source and running water. If you really want to place the pond in a distant area of the yard that can't be reached with a properly-installed GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) or circuit breaker connection, you may be able to use solar lights and pumps instead. However, solar pumps may be less effective, so check out all your options before deciding. 

Enjoyment. Of course, don't become so focused on the pond's needs that you forget to place it where you can enjoy it best. Look for a spot that's easy to get to from the house or outdoor entertainment areas. You may want to be able to place things like a bench, a small boardwalk, a hammock, or a table and chairs next to the pond, so look for a good place to do so. And think about the views of the pond from the house as well as views from the pond toward other areas of the yard.

By considering all these elements of pond placement, you can find a great place in your yard to install your new watery haven. And in doing so, you'll create a space you can enjoy and relax with for years to come. For more information, contact local professionals like A Greener Season Landscaping.