The sound of moving water transforms an outdoor space in a way that no other element can. A well-designed water feature introduces motion, reflection, and ambient sound that mask neighborhood noise, attract wildlife, and create a sense of retreat just steps from your back door. At Evergreen Hardscaping, we have been designing and building custom water features across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland for over 30 years -- from cascading natural stone waterfalls to formal courtyard fountains.
Water Features That Elevate Your Landscape
Water features range from simple bubbling rock fountains that require no pond at all to elaborate multi-tiered waterfall systems with deep koi ponds, underwater lighting, and automated filtration. Regardless of scale, every water feature we build shares the same foundation: professional-grade liner systems, properly sized pumps, biological and mechanical filtration, and natural stone construction that looks like it has always been part of the land.
Our team has extensive experience working with the soils and terrain of the Mid-Atlantic region. Delaware's clay-heavy soils actually benefit water feature construction by providing a naturally impermeable subgrade beneath our liner systems. We take advantage of existing slopes and grade changes wherever possible to create gravity-fed cascades that reduce pump requirements and energy costs.
Every Evergreen water feature is designed as a complete ecosystem. We balance water volume, circulation rates, biological filtration, and plant life to create features that remain clear and healthy with minimal maintenance. For ponds that will house fish, we incorporate proper depth zones, aeration, and skimmer systems to maintain water quality through Delaware's hot summers and cold winters alike.
Water Feature Types We Build
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are the most dramatic water feature we build. Using carefully selected natural stone -- Pennsylvania fieldstone, moss rock, and weathered boulders -- we construct cascading falls that channel water over multiple tiers into a pond, stream, or catch basin below. Every stone is hand-placed to create natural-looking ledges, overhangs, and splash zones. We conceal all plumbing within the rock structure so there are no visible pipes, tubes, or mechanical components. The result looks as though a natural spring emerged from your hillside.
Waterfall height and volume are tuned to your preference. Some clients want a gentle trickle that provides ambient sound; others want a bold, high-volume cascade that can be heard from across the yard. We size pumps, plumbing, and spillway widths to deliver exactly the look and sound you want.
Ponds
We build ornamental garden ponds and fish ponds (koi and goldfish) ranging from intimate 200-gallon garden accents to expansive 10,000-gallon ecosystems. Every pond includes a rubber EPDM liner rated to last 20+ years, a compacted sand underlayment, protective geotextile fabric, and natural stone edging that hides the liner and creates a seamless transition between water and land. Aquatic plantings -- water lilies, lotus, marginals, and oxygenators -- are integrated to provide shade, filtration, and habitat.
Fountains
Fountains suit formal landscapes, courtyard entries, and smaller properties where a pond is not practical. We build custom stone fountains, tiered basin fountains, and wall fountains using natural stone, cast stone, and copper. Pondless fountain systems recirculate water through a hidden underground reservoir, eliminating standing water and maintenance concerns while delivering the visual and auditory appeal of flowing water.
Grottos
A grotto is an enclosed or semi-enclosed rock structure with water cascading over and around it, often integrated into a pool or pond. We build grottos using large natural boulders and fieldstone, incorporating interior lighting, seating ledges, and hidden spray features. Pool grottos are a specialty of ours -- walk-in grottos behind a waterfall curtain create a dramatic, resort-like experience in your own backyard.
Stream Beds
Stream beds connect water features across the landscape, carrying water from a waterfall to a pond or from one pond to another. We construct streams with natural stone beds, river rock, and boulders, creating riffles, pools, and bends that mimic natural creek systems. Streams can be as short as ten feet or meander for a hundred feet or more through your property, introducing sound and movement across the entire landscape.
Professional Components
Every Evergreen water feature is built with commercial-grade components designed for reliability and longevity.
Natural Stone
Pennsylvania fieldstone, moss rock, boulders, and river rock. Hand-selected and placed for a natural, organic appearance.
Pump & Filtration
Energy-efficient submersible and external pumps. Biological and mechanical filtration, skimmers, and UV clarifiers for crystal-clear water.
Liner Systems
45-mil EPDM rubber liners with 20+ year warranty. Geotextile underlayment and compacted sand base for puncture protection.
Our Water Feature Process
From concept to the first splash, every Evergreen water feature follows a detailed process to ensure long-term performance.
Site & Vision
We evaluate terrain, soil, drainage, and sun exposure. We discuss your vision -- naturalistic, formal, or resort-style -- and recommend the right feature type.
Design & Rendering
Custom design with 3D visualization showing the water feature integrated with your patio, landscaping, and home. Pump sizing and plumbing layout included.
Excavation & Liner
Precision excavation with shelving for aquatic plants. Sand underlayment, geotextile, and EPDM liner installed and tested.
Stone & Plumbing
Natural stone placement, waterfall construction, plumbing installation, and all mechanical systems connected and concealed.
Fill & Balance
Feature filled, pumps activated, flow rates tuned, and water chemistry balanced. Aquatic plants and fish introduced if applicable.
Walkthrough & Care
Final walkthrough, equipment demonstration, and seasonal maintenance guidance. We provide ongoing support for pump, filter, and winterization needs.
Related Services
"After getting quotes from several contractors, we went with Evergreen and it was the best decision. They did our entire backyard -- pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, and landscaping. A true one-stop shop."
Add the Sound of Water to Your Landscape
Whether you dream of a cascading waterfall, a serene koi pond, or an elegant courtyard fountain, Evergreen Hardscaping brings 30+ years of expertise to every water feature we build. Schedule your free on-site consultation today.