Step-by-Step Guide to Construct a Farm Pond
- 1). Look into your local zoning laws and regulations before you start planning your dig. You'll also need to choose an ideal dig site; low-lying grounds near a stream or river are the best places to build farm ponds. Hire a professional land surveyor and a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to evaluate your potential dig site. In some cases, both of these may be necessary for you to be permitted to build a farm pond. They may be able to suggest better areas on your land on which to build.
- 2). Have blueprints drawn up or, if you have the expertise and equipment, draw them yourself. In many cases, you'll need to provide blueprints when you apply for zoning permits. Your local branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will be able to provide you with requirements for attaining permits before you build.
- 3). Prepare your dig site. Use wooden posts and rope to mark off the dig site and remove the top soil and any plant life, trees and brush before moving in the heavy equipment. Do your best to preserve any plants so you can replant them around the perimeter of the pond to prevent erosion.
- 4). Dig out your pond. If you are building a large pond, you should plan on hiring a crew to dig it out or renting a backhoe and bulldozer if you can operate them. Lay down a 1-foot to 2-feet thick layer of clay at the bottom of your pond if necessary. If your land is naturally rich with clay, you may not have to lay additional clay. The professionals you hired earlier will be able to tell you more about the soil on your land.
- 5). Fill your pond. You can let the pond fill gradually with rainwater or you can dig a trench from the nearby river or stream to divert some of the flow into your pond. If you choose to dig a trench, you'll need to lay down a layer stones at the bottom of the trench to prevent erosion and to filter any gunk from the incoming water. Replant the trees and other plants you dug up earlier to prevent the perimeter of your pond from eroding.
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