7 Waterfall Designs for Small Properties
Did you know that being near a body of water can have therapeutic health benefits? Since humans are made of nearly 70% water, we are naturally drawn to bodies of water. This deep biological connection enables humans to gain so many calming effects from the sound and sight of water.
This reaction floods the brain with relaxing neurochemicals that encourage ease, increase blood flow throughout the body, and even promote wellness.
Adding a tranquil waterfall design to your property is a great way to create a peaceful and relaxing space that the whole family can enjoy.
Things to Consider for Your Waterfall Design
When you start planning for a new water feature, it’s important to consider the natural landscape that you’re working with. A smaller property can pose some unique challenges, but there are still plenty of designs that complement your space.
Before you get started, there are several things to consider to help you narrow down what styles you like.
Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! Hiring a skilled, highly-rated landscaping designer will help maximize your space with a serene design.
Explore these 7 waterfall designs to get some inspiration.
1. An Urban Pond
If you’re living in the city, you know just how important it is to maximize your space. A simple concrete water feature that pours into a pond below is a great solution to a small yard.
Adding soothing water features can also create ambient noise to help you escape the sounds of traffic.
Since concrete is so versatile, you could create a horizontal or vertical piece, depending on your style. Concrete can also be stained or stamped to look like brick fitting nearly any style of property you have.
You can even choose to add fish or decorative flora and fauna.
2. Statue Fountains
A statue is a fun way to add character to your home’s water feature. By adding a signature statue, like a decorative pot or animal figurine, you will be able to add some personality to your waterfall design.
Plus, this is a great option for limited space because you can incorporate whatever size art best fits your special needs.
3. Classic Stone Pond
Nothing compares to the natural aesthetic of a classic stone waterfall. Combine smooth stones, gently arched downwards, to create a cascading effect into the pool below. Don’t forget about the landscaping in and around your water feature!
There are so many complimentary plants that you can encourage a thriving ecosystem. Try adding some color and texture, like water lilies, to compliment your waterfall’s natural look.
4. Hillside Waterfall
Hillside waterfalls are the perfect choice for backyards that connect to a hillside or natural incline. Use gravity to your advantage with this decorative design. This can transform your yard into a relaxing oasis.
You can even incorporate this waterfall into your retaining wall or patio design for a seamless landscaping feature.
5. Patio Water Features
If you’re interested in the tranquil benefits of moving water, but don’t want the hassle of a full pond, try this option. A patio water feature can be as simple as a small waterfall design, or it can be as elaborate as an illuminated centerpiece.
Pro tip: Try not to have a large piece that overpowers a small patio. Also, don’t forget to balance the scale of the waterfall with its corresponding pond.
6. Consider the Backdrop
This style is a fun way to add a waterfall, a statement piece, and add a natural divide to your space in one. A vertical or horizontal waterfall pours into a collection at the bottom, instead of a pond.
Add some landscape lighting to project colors on the water to keep the tranquil ambiance even at night.
7. Portable Water Feature
When you’re deciding to install a tranquil waterfall, remember to ask yourself about your long-term home plans. If you are considering moving within 5-10 years, adding a permanent water feature may scare some buyers off.
In that case, a portable fountain may be a better choice. Potential buyers could see a permanent water feature as more money and maintenance than it’s worth. By keeping your waterfall contained in a minimal space, it allows for less commitment and more flexibility.
Why Should You Invest in a Waterfall Installation?
A quote of a permanent waterfall installation starts around $5000, depending on the features you include. One of the major benefits of installing a permanent fixture is that it’s connected to your home’s existing plumbing and energy system.
This can help to reduce your overall maintenance expense too. With some slight care throughout, such as removing debris and adding algae-killing chemicals, you’ll be able to enjoy your waterfall for years to come.
By spending time near a backyard waterfall, you can help counter the high stress and anxiety of our plugged-in world. So, put down the phone and immerse yourself in the gentle cascades of a backyard waterfall.
KG Landscape Is Your Waterfall Design Expert
A quaint backyard waterfall is a perfect way to add a relaxing aesthetic to your small property. Add a bench or table nearby for a peaceful place to read a book. Swoon over the babbling sounds while grilling with your family or entertaining friends.
Even if you have a smaller space, you can still incorporate a soothing waterfall design.
At KG Landscape, our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you have. We strive to provide our customers with the highest quality and value around. We are a fully licensed and insured company with an impeccable safety record.
Since our family-owned business is made of both seasoned landscapers as well as university of Minnesota graduates, we continuously stay up to date with the latest landscaping practices and services. If you’re interested in updating your yard, it’s time to seek out the professional opinions at KG Landscape.
Don’t feel like you have to sacrifice a serene space just because you have a small property. Contact us at (763) 568-7251 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a free estimate.
Ready to Start on Your Next Project?
Call us at (763) 568-7251 or visit our quote page.
The legendary architect Louis Sullivan coined a phrase that has driven architecture and design ever since: "form follows function." While aesthetics are critical to buildings and landscapes alike, that physical beauty must always remain secondary to the fundamentals of good design. In Shoreview, Minnesota, just outside St. Paul , we encountered a landscape where, unfortunately, function followed form. Here, the realities and principles of effective drainage were downstream of their original builder's aesthetic choices. That meant water from snowmelt and rainfall was streaming into parts of the lawn where it wasn't meant to be. The standing water that had been allowed to collect in the back and side yards was putting a considerable amount of the property out of play. In order to reclaim usable space and rethink the way the land handled water, this Shoreview homeowner entrusted KG Landscape with identifying key issues, presenting potential solutions, and doing the necessary work the client decided upon to restore their lawn.
On the shores of Lake Minnetonka, perhaps the most famous of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, an Orono, Minnesota homeowner was struggling with a back yard that was becoming more marsh than yard. The yard was a scenic one. The back porch opened up to the top of a small hill, which rolled down toward the lakefront and the boathouse. This flat space between the hill and the water would be ideal for backyard barbecues, some low-stakes games of bocce and badminton, or simply a spot to lay down a towel and get some summer reading done. Instead, this area was too waterlogged to enjoy. The runoff from the hilltop combined with unfavorable soil composition were limiting the use of the yard, closing off space while even diminishing the quality of the turf. How would this homeowner be able to reclaim this unusable land without disrupting the Lake Minnetonka shoreline that made the property so attractive? To find a solution, they turned to KG Landscape.
Can you use compost as lawn fertilizer in Minnesota? Learn how compost feeds turf, how to apply it, and where it fits. Get a free quote.
Organic weed control for Minnesota lawns: what works, what doesn't, and how to manage weeds without harsh chemicals. Get a quote.
Keep your lawn and your pets safe. Pet-safe lawn care tips for Minnesota yards, from products to timing. Get a free quote.
Looking for the best organic lawn fertilizer in Minnesota? See top options, how they feed your turf, and what KG uses. Get a quote.
Is compost a fertilizer? Learn what compost does for your Minnesota lawn, how it differs from fertilizer, and when to use it. Get a quote.
Compost feeds the soil, fertilizer feeds the grass. Learn which your Minnesota lawn needs, when to use each, and how to apply both. Get a quote.
Eco-friendly lawn care tips for Twin Cities yards: cut chemicals, save water, and build healthy soil naturally. Get a free quote.
Simple, proven lawn care tips for Minnesota yards: mowing, watering, feeding, and building healthy soil that lasts. Get a free quote.