A Beautiful and Relaxing Backyard Feature: Koi Ponds
Landscaping has been changing for the better over the past several years. There have been some very interesting trends that have swept the nation, from a renewed interest in topiaries and shaped hedges to the trellises and arbors that now decorate so many homes.
One of the most interesting and fun trends have been backyard koi ponds. Koi ponds allow you to combine landscaping with pet keeping in one beautiful and relaxing backyard feature. While they may seem exotic and hard to maintain, koi ponds are actually a lot less work than they may appear. The most important thing is to look after the health and happiness of your koi; they can grow to be much larger than most other domesticated fish - 24 to 36 inches - and with proper care can sometimes live to the ripe old age of 50!
Building and Maintaining Koi Ponds
There are many do-it-yourself instructions and kits available if you would like to build your own backyard koi pond. It is easier than you may expect, but many people would rather not attempt the installation themselves. This is understandable, since it can be a time-consuming project that can get expensive if it has to be redone.
If you decide to have your pond built for you, there are specialty installers all across the country. Many landscaping service providers are skilled in installing backyard ponds and koi ponds, so looking through the phone book or online listings will give you a great place to start from for choosing a firm to help you with your installation.
Once you have your pond installed, you will want to stock it with koi. It's essential to make sure that the conditions are right for the fish before you place them in the pond, however. You should have - or obtain - a basic working knowledge of water chemistry before you dabble in koi ponds.
By understanding what conditions are favorable for fish and how to fix any problems, you can avoid the heartbreak of all of your fish becoming sick or dying. Koi are not like other fish - they live a very long time and have distinct personalities, and they can become as much a part of the family as any dog or cat. Losing one due to poor preparation can be very disappointing.
If you take the time to acquaint yourself with the proper way to care for your koi and their home, you will find that your efforts will be greatly rewarded. Koi ponds are a great way to add beauty to your home, and they give you a place all your own to get away from everything. If or when you decide to sell your home, koi ponds are a wonderful way to add value and appeal to the real estate.
