Would you like to experience peace and serenity in your backyard? This article will provide you with information on how water features will add beauty and calm to your outdoor environment. The following information will be beneficial to you and will help you avoid costly mistakes, no matter the size or scope of your project.

Sometimes there is nothing more peaceful than the sound of water trickling down a wall or flowing across a bed of rocks. Water features bring sound and movement into your landscape, letting you escape to a more tranquil environment. Waterscapes, fountains, ponds and waterfalls can be dramatic or restful; they can add beauty to stark walls, invite wildlife into your environment and help you relax after a long day.

Adding water features to your Phoenix landscape is not, however, a relaxing task. The easiest thing to do is hire a professional designer. A landscape designer can help you decide what kind of water features you want to include and where to put them. They will remember to consider things like what kind of environment you want to create and how close you would like it to be situated to your residence. Things like the location of trees, roofs and other landscaping are important to consider when adding water features to your outdoor environment.

Next, they'll help you decide on water features. There are so many things to consider for each water feature. For instance, fertilizer runoff and falling leaves can affect the health of a pond, so it shouldn't be located at the lowest point of your property! In addition, a drain, liner and edge need to be included in pond plans, so water and electricity must be available so that you can fill the pond and operate the pump. Some ponds, known as environmental ponds, include both fish and plants. Ponds that are homes to Koi or goldfish need to be larger than a pond that does not contain fish. Also, many aquatic plants will need at least four to six hours of sunlight a day, so heavily shaded areas are not an option unless your pond is strictly fish-only.

Fountains are also a great water feature to include in an outdoor environment. They add delightful sound and a restful ambience to any backyard. There are generally two types of fountains: rising jets and downward falls. Many fountains use a combination of both. Fountains range in size from outdoor tabletop units, to 10-foot tall estate fountains that feature impressive rising jets. A professional landscape designer will be able to help you select a fountain and pump system that is the right size for your home and garden.

Waterfall design is probably the most difficult to include in an outdoor environment. This is where you need to consider property slopes and architecture, connecting ponds or pools and water flow. The last thing you want is for your waterfall to appear out of place among your existing landscape or to not operate correctly. In most cases, a smaller waterfall will give you the sounds and visual pleasure you want while providing better balance and harmony with your existing design. A professional designer will specifically design a waterfall to fit your property.

Lastly, something else to keep in mind when adding water features to your Phoenix landscape is water conservation. Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water and there are a number of ways to save water when it comes to your landscape. Over half of residential water use goes into our landscapes, which makes watering efficiently one of the best and easiest ways to save water. Professional design and proper planning can help reduce water use by 60 percent, increase your home's value by as much as 25 percent, decrease the costs associated with maintenance and help to keep your plants healthy and beautiful throughout the year.