Initial Contact

Robert and his family purchased a beautiful home in Marvin, North Carolina, with a stunning yard—but the pond was neglected and appeared to have been out of operation for years.

While researching online, he came across Pondscapes of Charlotte and filled out our contact form.

After reviewing his photos and discussing the pond’s condition, we determined that an exploratory cleanout wouldn’t be enough. The pond needed a complete renovation to truly complement his backyard.

We explored different design options using our pond gallery and matched them with estimated pricing to find the best fit.

Once we had a solid idea of the project’s size and cost, Robert invited me out for an on-site consultation!

Consultation Design Phase

After speaking on the phone, we determined that his existing pond wasn’t worth repairing, and he decided to completely rebuild it instead. We discussed his vision for the new water feature, including the desired size and budget. Once we agreed on a general scope of work and price range, he invited me to his home for an on-site consultation with a $250 fee, which I explained would be credited toward the project if he chose to move forward.

During the consultation, we developed an incredible design, but it ended up being larger than what we initially discussed. I let him know I’d need to go back and recalculate the numbers due to the increased project size. He paid the consultation fee, and later that week, I sent him the finalized design along with the contract. To secure his spot on the schedule, he needed to sign the contract and submit a 50% deposit. When he did, I applied the $250 consultation fee toward his deposit, and we got started!

Hand Picking The Stone

For this project, we needed large boulders to create the elevation necessary for the waterfalls. We wanted to source the nicest boulders possible, so my dad and I took a trip to Virgil Reed Stone Quarries in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee.

By making the trip ourselves, we were able to hand-select the best stones, getting first pick as they came off the mountain. Often, by the time stone reaches Charlotte’s stone yards, many of the most unique and visually appealing boulders have already been chosen. To ensure we had exactly what we needed, we tagged 24 tons of boulders and arranged for delivery.

In addition to the main rock selection, we carefully picked out special pieces, including a large seating boulder and stepping stones to create a natural crossing over the pond. This extra effort ensured that every stone in the project contributed to both the beauty and functionality of the water feature.

Starting The Project

After receiving a signed contract and a 50% deposit, we were able to schedule a start date for the project. Before breaking ground, we called 811, a free service that marks underground utility lines to ensure safe digging.

On the first day, our crew introduced themselves, and we reviewed the project scope with the homeowner one final time before getting to work. We began by removing the old pond, clearing out all the existing stone, and then excavating for the new design. With the site prepped, we were ready to bring the vision to life!

Excavation, Liner & Underlayment

We excavated the pond down to 24 inches, using the excavator for most of the heavy digging. Once we had the general shape formed, we went in by hand with rakes and shovels to remove loose soil and stones, ensuring a smoother, more even surface. After that, we spread a layer of sand across the bottom to help further smooth out the base and create a proper grade. The entire pond was sloped gently toward a designated low area, which we call the clean-out hole.

The clean-out hole is an important feature that makes our spring clean-outs much more efficient. It allows us to collect and remove debris and dirty water more easily, helping us achieve a deeper, more thorough cleaning. By incorporating this design element, we ensure the pond stays in the best possible condition while also streamlining our maintenance process.

Once the base was properly graded, we moved on to installing the underlayment. We carefully laid out the pieces and secured them together using waterfall foam to prevent shifting. With the underlayment in place, we installed the 45-mil EPDM rubber liner, ensuring it was properly positioned and free of wrinkles. To add an extra layer of protection, we placed another piece of underlayment on top of the liner.

With the foundational layers complete, we were finally ready to start rocking!

Stone Arrives

Last week, we hand-picked the perfect boulders for this project from Virgil Reed’s stone quarries in the Appalachian Mountains. Each rock was chosen carefully for its shape, size, and natural character to ensure a stunning, natural-looking pond. Once the boulders arrived on-site, delivered by tractor-trailer, we used a lull to unload the heavy pallets and line them up along the street for easy access.

Getting the boulders to the pond was a process that required careful planning. Since access to the backyard was tight, we had to remove a fence post to create enough space for our machine to get through. Once we had a clear path, we laid down plywood across the grass to minimize any damage as we transported the rocks one by one. Using the machine, we carefully carried each boulder to the pond’s edge, ensuring that every stone was placed efficiently while protecting the surrounding landscape as much as possible.

With everything in position, we were ready to start the next phase—placing the boulders and shaping the pond’s structure.

Rocking In The Pond

When building the pond, we used a mini excavator and rock straps to carefully maneuver the boulders into place. Precision is key in this process, ensuring each rock is positioned securely without damaging surrounding features.

To create a solid and stable structure, we lock each boulder in by making sure they are tightly touching the ones next to them. This interlocking method prevents shifting and creates a natural, sturdy wall. We then backfill the gaps with smaller gravel, filling the voids and reinforcing the entire structure. This extra step enhances stability and ensures the pond’s rock walls remain rock-solid for years to come.