The Popular Backyard Garden Project That Is Almost Never Worth The Money (& What To Do Instead)

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Lakes and rivers can be tremendously tranquil places, filling us with a sense of calm and relaxation. So, it's no surprise that many people like to add water features to their backyard to capture some of that atmosphere at home. It's equally natural to assume that the bigger the fountain or pool, the better. Unfortunately, landscape pros say that although these are popular backyard projects, they are almost never worth the money. To make matters worse, real estate agents warn they are one of the design choices that could make it harder to sell your home. Rather than going for a big impact, you might find that choosing something smaller is a smarter move instead.

From a practical perspective, there are several issues with oversized water features — including the initial cost of materials and labor, the challenge of safely extending electricity a long way from the house, and the ongoing maintenance required to manage leaks and keep it looking good. Still water encourages algae and is also the perfect spot for mosquitoes to breed. Then there's the impression a large water feature makes. What appeals to you may not appeal to a potential buyer. Apart from the style itself, it might take up space they would rather use as a kid's play area, a gazebo, or a vegetable garden, for example. So, while there are lots of reasons you should be adding a water feature to your landscaping, it's worth thinking carefully about scale. 

Small water features may make less noise, but they can be more pleasant and less intrusive than large volumes of water gushing and gurgling. Although stores are filled with dozens of options, it's also relatively easy to make your own from a host of different containers. You can DIY a solar-powered stone fountain with just a few simple supplies, and because it's solar, you don't have to worry about electrical connections. Models like the Mademax Solar Birdbath Fountain available from Amazon are very affordable and just drop into any suitable dish or bowl.

If you're feeling more adventurous, tiered fountains provide an almost musical quality outside and can serve as a focal point in a seating area. If you really want a waterfall in your yard, consider using a sunken reservoir (depending on size, a large plastic bucket might do) rather than a collecting pond. It should take less effort to look after, and the negligible surface area will both reduce water loss through evaporation and help prevent algae (which needs sunlight to grow).

Having several small fountains rather than one large water feature allows you to create different sounds in various zones, provides valuable water for birds and wildlife, and reduces both costs and maintenance. Additionally, if you do decide to sell your home at some point in the future and potential buyers don't share your tastes, they won't be put off by something expensive and troublesome to remove.