Do Go Chasing Water Features

Happy New Year! Time flows on like water in a stream that we float along. What a peaceful thought. Even picturing flowing water brings a sense of calm which is why we think your Lake City landscape should incorporate the element that makes up 75% of your body and your planet! Water features are beautiful, but they’re also helpful. So if you’ve thought about adding them to your landscape, then today’s blog is for you! Types of Water Features Water feature is a broad term. Technically it includes everything from irrigation to swimming pools. For now, we’re primarily referring to hardscape features that incorporate water that we install on your property. Some features incorporate flowing water, while others use still water. For example, birdbaths and ponds can use either. Flowing water has some benefits that still water doesn’t. Flowing water stays clean longer, provides more sound, and can also lead to additional health benefits. On the other hand, still water is a relatively easy addition to your property, as a birdbath without a fountain or waterfall is a straightforward installation. More elaborate flowing water features can include waterfalls, stone, and more. What you want to add to your property is up to you. Benefits of Water Features Fountains, ponds, and water each bring beauty to your landscape in their simplicity and motion. But water features also benefit you and your yard beyond the aesthetic. Cooling Off Water is the way to cool off on a hot, humid Florida day. Pools are great, but sometimes you don’t want to submerge fully. It can be nice just to run your hands under some flowing water or sit in the part of your where water is bringing the temperature down. Local wildlife will be especially grateful for the opportunity to cool off! Brings in Nature If you love to sit outside and watch the birds and squirrels, adding a bird bath or other type of water feature is a great way to show your appreciation. The hot weather can be hard on animals too, and having a place to cool off keeps them healthy. It also will attract more birds to your home because it will become a safe place for them. Blocks Sound If you live near the road or have loud neighbors, the addition of flowing water can do a lot to mask the sound of traffic. In addition, you’ll be less likely to be disturbed by neighborhood noise when you have water flowing. Health & Peace Did you ever notice that you feel better around flowing water? It’s not in your imagination. Time spent outdoors has consistently shown benefits to human health and mood, but time spent near water has an extra edge. Adding water to your landscape will not only make you more likely to spend more time outside, but that time spent will be more beneficial. Current research shows that time near water may reduce stress, boost mood, improve social interactions, enhance physical activity, and improve brain health. There’s a reason that spas and massage therapists often play the sound of flowing water during treatments or intersperse it with music. Caring for Your Water Features Water features take extra care that the dry elements of your landscape don’t require. Although living in Florida, we have fewer maintenance tasks than the parts of the country with four seasons. Anywhere that experiences below-freezing temperature needs to add a de-icer. The main maintenance task required is cleaning. If you have flowing water, you probably have a filter and a debris basket. You need to empty both on occasion (more when trees are shedding), and you need to swap out your filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you get algae or what is often elegantly called “crud” at the bottom of your water feature, you may occasionally need to drain the whole thing and clean it. It’s a relatively simple and straightforward process. Monitor the water level and area around your feature. If the water goes down significantly or the area around it is wet, you should check for leaks. If you need help, Custom Acres offers handyman services. You’re Gonna Have It Your Way Let Custom Acres know if you want to experience the beauty and benefits of a water feature in your yard! We’ll work with you to create a custom water feature from hardscaping materials that will complete the backyard oasis you always wanted or never knew you needed. Custom Acres provides custom solutions for all your outdoor needs!