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Creating a Wild Backyard - Backyard Ponds

All Living Things Need Water!
Everybody knows that. A small backyard pond will give your neighborhood wildlife a source of water. Not only will it be used by frogs, insects, birds, and other small animals, but a backyard pond will also be a very attractive addition to your garden.

How Big Does a Pond Have to Be?
A pond can be as small as one foot by two feet. The important concern is the pond's depth.  Frogs will live in a pond that is one or two feet deep.  However, unless there is a shallower place to rest, small animals will not be able to use water this deep without drowning,  Be sure to place partially submerged rocks or logs in the water or, when you dig your pond hole, leave a shelf that is no more than two inches deep.

If you plan to place plants in the pond, make the maximum depth at least 15 to 24 inches.

Where to Put Your Pond
Situate your pond where it will get at least five hours of sunlight each day. Your pond will attract the most wildlife if it has flowering plants in and around it, and these plants need the sun.  Also, if your pond is shaded most of the time,  it will rapidly fill with fallen leaves which will decay, consequently removing oxygen from the water, depriving wildlife of a necessary component for life.

How to Build a Backyard Pond

1. Select material to line your pond. You can use:

• liners for children's’ pools

• polyethylene landscape film

• special flexible pond liners

• pre-formed plastic ponds

• recycled bathtub

• recycled hot tub

• recycled half barrels

In areas where the soil does not drain, a liner is not necessary.



2. Select your location and determine the size, shape, and depth of the pond. Put the pond within reach of a garden hose. Pre-formed plastic ponds will make decisions about size, shape and depth easy. Remember to consider a shallow area (1” or 2” deep) for small animals.
   
   

3. Dig the hole for the pond based on your plans. Dig an outline around the hole about one foot wide and one inch deep. Place liner inside the hole. The liner should be large enough to overlap the pond edges by about one foot to fit inside your pre-excavated outline.
   
   

4. To install a plastic sheet liner, spread it taut across the top of the hole and hold it in place with stones. Fill the liner slowly with water. The water will cause the liner to sag and mold to the form of the hole. Smooth the liner and fill to about three inches from the top. Allow water to stand for one week.
   
   

5. To install a pre-formed pond or tub, place several inches of sand between the bottom of the tub and the floor of the hole to level the surface. Add water to determine if pool is level. If not, remove pool and redistribute sand. When level, fill tub. Fill spaces between the tub and the sides of the hole with soil. Let stand for one week.

Does a Pond Need Pumps and Filters?
Small backyard ponds do not normally need pumps and filters.  They should not be emptied regularly.

When your pond is well established, it may appear slightly green. This is normal algae growth. Excessive algae growth will be visible from the floating “fuzzy” green plant parts on the water’s surface. Adding fresh water to your pond occasionally should help prevent excessive algae growth.

Aquatic Animals
Given time, your pond will probably be colonized by animals. The first animals to arrive will be insects like dragonflies, beetles, and mayflies. Mosquitoes may also lay eggs in the water. Snails will soon arrive as will small water fleas.

Frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles may follow, with occasional visits from song birds and other small animals. Fish should not be added to a pond intended for frogs because the fish will eat the frog eggs and tadpoles.

Cleaning Your Pond
Your pond should not need to be cleaned very often. Once a year, in the early spring, is recommended. Otherwise, clean it only if you suspect chemical pollution or have observed a heavy growth of algae on the water surface.

To Clean Your Pond:

• Drain out half of the water by siphoning, dipping, or using the plug provided in the liner.

• In the case of pollution, drain all the water. This means removing all animals and plants. Store them temporarily in a tub with de-chlorinated water while you drain and refill the water.

• Annual spring cleaning involves partial draining and refilling so plants and animals can stay put.

• When cleaning, remove all plant debris. You may wish to divide, repot and fertilize plants.

• When refilling, add a de-chlorinator to keep the water safe for plants and animals.

An Important Note about Backyard Ponds
In some areas, laws dictate how a pond should be built and indicate liabilities in case of accidents. Check your local ordinances or consult your county or city government offices for an interpretation of existing laws before building your pond.

Plants to Use in Your Pond

For Additional Information, Contact:
 
 Wild Acres Program
 Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
 Attn:  Marilyn Mause
 Gwynnbrook WMA
 3740 Gwynnbrook Ave
 Owings Mills MD 21117
 410-356-0941
 E-Mail: customerservice@dnr.state.md.us