Water features are extremely popular landscaping elements for both residential and commercial properties. Adding water features to your home can boost curb appeal in the front yard or create the backyard oasis of your dreams, all while adding value to your home! For commercial properties, water features create an elevated aesthetic that increases customer and employee experiences.

What is a water feature, exactly? What are they for and what kinds of water features are right for my space? These are some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and we’re here to clear things up. Read on, and learn all about water features so you can start planning yours now.

What Is a Water Feature?

A common question our team hears is, “what is a water feature, exactly?” Your lawn sprinkler doesn’t cut it when it comes to water feature design ideas for your Upstate NY home. A water feature is a landscaping addition that incorporates water into its design, adding a dynamic and aesthetically-pleasing element to outdoor spaces. It can serve as a focal point, creating a centerpiece for your landscaping, or work as an accent piece to enhance the overall look, sound, and vibe of your outdoor space.

Water features can take many forms, ranging from small outdoor fountains to expansive ponds or cascading waterfalls and everything in between. At the core, however, water features are a composition of various components that work together to circulate and recirculate water.

So what is a water feature, you asked? It’s your next landscaping addition!

How Do Water Features Work?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is a water feature?” let’s learn a little about how water features work. Water features are designed to circulate and recirculate water through a closed system, creating a continuous flow.

Most water features consist of three main components: a water source, a pump, and a reservoir. The water source provides the initial supply of water, which is then pumped up and through the feature via tubes in the internal workings of your fountain, pondless waterfall, or other design. After running its course, it’s collected at the end in the reservoir, where it’s recirculated to start the process over again. This recirculation is why water features today are less expensive to run and won’t add much to your water bill!

The water feature pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow and is a vital part of how to maintain a water feature after installation. Other components such as filters and aerators may be included to enhance water quality and oxygenation in water features that are home to outdoor pond fish or other living things.

Uses and Benefits of Water Features

An extra part of answering the question, “what is a water feature?” is learning how they can be used and the benefits they provide. More than just a pretty addition to your yard, there are many benefits of a beautiful water feature installation you might not have realized. From added property value and improved curb appeal to the potential to impact your overall health and keep your yard cool, these are versatile landscaping additions you’ll wish you’d have had sooner.

Some of the benefits of water features include:

• Creating a beautiful outdoor space: Water features can be a central focus for your landscaping or function as an accent piece to elevate the overall look. Whether it’s a stunning outdoor fountain, a backyard koi pond, or a pondless waterfall, adding a water feature to your outdoor space will turn it into the space you’ve always wanted it to be.
• Promoting relaxation and calm: The natural sounds and movement of water have a soothing effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and a sense of serenity. The gentle sound of flowing water creates a peaceful environment, helping to mask the background noise of your neighborhood and create a backyard oasis that lets you get away from it all.
• Keeping the yard cooler: Water features actually help keep your yard cooler. The presence of water can help regulate the temperature during the hot summer months, making outdoor areas more comfortable and usable.
• Attracting wildlife: Water features can act as a draw for wildlife, attracting a variety of creatures such as birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. These features provide a water source for animals and create a habitat for aquatic plants and small organisms, supporting the local environment and making them a perfect addition to pollinator garden ideas.
• Increasing home value: Choosing the right water feature for your yard will boost curb appeal and add value to your property. Unique water features add a special touch that sets them apart from other properties on the market.
• Stress relief: The presence of water features has been shown to have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. The sight and sound of water can help reduce stress and promote relaxation while also improving overall mood and happiness.

Different Kinds of Water Features

Homeowners who ask the question, “what is a water feature?” often follow it up with “what kinds of water features are there?” While there are four major different types of water features, experienced teams like ours are able to help design your water feature installation to create a unique outdoor space to match your vision.

The major types of water features you’ll come across as you begin deciding which is right for your home are:

• Outdoor water fountains: One of the most popular types of water features, outdoor fountain designs come in various sizes, styles, and materials, ranging from small accents to large focal pieces. They can also provide a variety of aesthetics from cascading fountains to spouting fountains.
• Pondless waterfall features: Pondless waterfalls provide the beauty and sound of a regular waterfall without the need for a pond at the bottom. The water is collected in an underground reservoir and recirculated, eliminating the need for a pond or visible water basin. Pondless waterfalls are a great option for smaller spaces and are an excellent value for your investment.
• Garden pond installations: Garden ponds are often larger, but can be designed for small backyards. They frequently include aquatic plants, fish, and surrounding landscaping for an eye-catching look. Garden ponds can also be enhanced with features such as water lilies, floating plants, and underwater lighting, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall beauty of the space.
• Waterfall features: Waterfalls are characterized by the dramatic flow of water over rocks or other structures, creating a stunning visual for your yard. These water features are typically added on to larger water features such as ponds or streams and can vary in size and effect, from small cascades to multi-tiered designs.

So, what is a water feature, exactly? As you’ve learned, a water feature is any landscaping element using water for its function. Available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, types, and designs, our team is ready to help you decide which is best for you. Want to get started planning your water feature installation? Check out our NVS Project Planner and let your inspiration flow!