Dear forum,
We have a problem. Since we considered the pond on our newly purchased property (with house) too risky for our 1.5-year-old child, we decided to fill it in. The pond (approximately 32 m² (344 sq ft) with depths mostly up to 1.60 m (5.25 ft)) was partially drained by removing as much of the pond liner as possible, then filled in with a mix of edging stones, stones from a terrace, and topsoil. This was done using a mini excavator. The soil was moved around using a Bobcat. The mini excavator was also used elsewhere in the garden, causing some disturbance, so we were advised to spread new topsoil for lawn seeding using the Bobcat. We actually intended to sow the lawn ourselves.
Although the pond area has not visibly settled, water accumulates there during heavy rain. The landscaper told us this is normal and will resolve itself once the grass grows.
Is that really the case? Does water only collect there because it is the lowest point (since soil was simply added everywhere else, raising those areas), or has the former pond area become too compacted due to the excavator and Bobcat traffic? Can we still do anything to improve the situation? Using a tiller or rotary cultivator will likely not get very far because of the stones.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice,
Stephan
We have a problem. Since we considered the pond on our newly purchased property (with house) too risky for our 1.5-year-old child, we decided to fill it in. The pond (approximately 32 m² (344 sq ft) with depths mostly up to 1.60 m (5.25 ft)) was partially drained by removing as much of the pond liner as possible, then filled in with a mix of edging stones, stones from a terrace, and topsoil. This was done using a mini excavator. The soil was moved around using a Bobcat. The mini excavator was also used elsewhere in the garden, causing some disturbance, so we were advised to spread new topsoil for lawn seeding using the Bobcat. We actually intended to sow the lawn ourselves.
Although the pond area has not visibly settled, water accumulates there during heavy rain. The landscaper told us this is normal and will resolve itself once the grass grows.
Is that really the case? Does water only collect there because it is the lowest point (since soil was simply added everywhere else, raising those areas), or has the former pond area become too compacted due to the excavator and Bobcat traffic? Can we still do anything to improve the situation? Using a tiller or rotary cultivator will likely not get very far because of the stones.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice,
Stephan
W
WilderSueden31 Mar 2023 09:00Bausparfuchs schrieb:
Just a simple question: where is the water supposed to go?Shouldn't you consider that beforehand? If the pond is being removed, of course the liner has to come out as well. Otherwise, you'll always have a water collection point without significant infiltration. I would make the best of it and create a constructed wetland or a rain garden.
K
KarstenausNRW31 Mar 2023 09:20Baumeister86 schrieb:
The pond liner was removed as thoroughly as possible (but not completely)What exactly does that mean? Please upload some photos. Is this now a functioning pond that was just refilled, or are there really only small pieces of the liner left?Apart from that, the soil beneath the old pond has obviously been heavily compacted over the years. Whether and how water will infiltrate there will be the next interesting question.
A fence around the pond would probably have been more cost-effective... but above all, less stressful... considering what you read and what might still come up in the future. Well, it doesn’t matter now... you have to make the best of it and find a solution.
Pictures and/or additional information would be helpful.
Pictures and/or additional information would be helpful.
Greetings
About three years ago, I filled in a pond of around 10 square meters (107 square feet). First, I skimmed off everything, drained it, removed the liner, and filled it exclusively with soil (and horn shavings for biodiversity). Even today, when I stand for a while on the former pond area, the ground beneath my heel sinks faster than on the rest of the lawn. However, no puddles form, and if they do, you can lift the deepest turf layer, remove it, refill the hole, and then put the turf back on. This process takes time.
Best regards
Katadria
About three years ago, I filled in a pond of around 10 square meters (107 square feet). First, I skimmed off everything, drained it, removed the liner, and filled it exclusively with soil (and horn shavings for biodiversity). Even today, when I stand for a while on the former pond area, the ground beneath my heel sinks faster than on the rest of the lawn. However, no puddles form, and if they do, you can lift the deepest turf layer, remove it, refill the hole, and then put the turf back on. This process takes time.
Best regards
Katadria
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