Marin – Ponds, Waterfalls and Gardens

So you've considered some difficult questions and come up with answers that make sense for you and your particular landscaping needs and desires-cheers on completing the first step towards finding a trustworthy Marin County garden pond and waterfall company, including in the towns of Almonte, Black Point, Ignacio, San Quentin and Terra Linda. Now you are ready to undertake the next task: phone interviews.

It is important that you be clear and comprehensive in your phone interviews with a variety of garden pond and waterfall companies. This will save you a massive amount of time, energy and gas for your car. If your phone questioning can lead you to narrow the search down to just a few good candidates, you will be a few steps ahead of the game. Use the following questions to compile a personalized interview to suit your particular water gardening needs.

1. Has your landscaping pond or waterfall construction company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
2. How long has your company been in business?
3. What types of water gardening supplies do you carry?
4. If I plan to introduce fish into my garden pond, do you carry some good garden varieties? If not, can you recommend a company who does?
5. Are you in good standing with the California State Contractor's Licensing Board? Can I have your license number?
6. Are you willing and/or able to answer questions throughout the installation process, especially if I plan to do the installation on my own?
7. If I chose to have your company install my pond and/or waterfall, do you begin the process with an on-site consultation? How much do you charge for this step?
8. Do you have a landscape designer on staff who specializes in water gardening?
9. Do you offer pondless waterfall options?
10. What are your guarantees on your products and/or installation work?
11. Do you offer follow-up maintenance service (i.e. pond cleaning, debris removal, etc.)?
12. Can you provide me with the addresses of five recent ponds/waterfall you have installed or people have purchased from your company?

By this point, you will most likely have a clue as to which garden pond and waterfall company is best suited for your individual situation, but you will want to gain some proof to make sure they are worthy of your business. This is when questioning a few references comes in handy. Even handier, however, is finding a Diamond Certified company, because then you don't have to do all that work on your own. It's already been done for you!

Diamond Certified companies for garden ponds and waterfalls have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can't pass. If you want quality from the garden ponds and waterfalls industry in Marin County, including those in the towns of Bolinas, Dogtown, Marshall, San Geronimo and Woodacre, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you'll never be fooled by fake reviews. That's because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can't find a Diamond Certified garden pond and waterfall company within reach, you'll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it's wise to call some references provided by your garden ponds and waterfalls representative. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the company are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That's because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company's 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

1. Did this company install your garden pond and/or waterfall? Were you pleased with the process from design to installation to follow-up maintenance?
2. Are you satisfied with the products you have purchased from this company?
3. If you had to return any products, were they under warranty? How easy or difficult was it to get this company to hold up their end of the guarantee?
4. Would you work with this company again?
5. Would you recommend of have you recommended this company either for installation or water gardening product purchasing?
6. Do you feel as though you received good counsel from this company if you did your own garden pond and/or waterfall installation?
7. Is this company providing any follow-up services? If yes, are you pleased with the work they continue to do?
8. If you created a personalized budget with this company for your water gardening project, were you satisfied with it? Were there any charges added along the way that surprised you?
9. Was this company willing to work with you on your particular needs (i.e. if you had safety concerns, offering you a variety of options)?
10. Should I hire this company for my garden pond and/or waterfall installation or purchase my water gardening supplies from them? Why or why not?

Not every pond and waterfall company is made equally. As we've already recognized, Diamond Certified companies are a sure bet because they are vetted through a process of scientific customer review so that you know no matter which one you choose, if its Diamond Certified, it is sure to bring you satisfaction with your garden pond and/or waterfall.

Now whether you live in the cities of Novato, San Anselmo, Corte Madera, Sausalito, Ross and Belevedere or the towns of Bolinas, Dogtown, Marshall, San Geronimo and Woodacre, you'll want to know how to identify the best garden pond and waterfall companies to work with, whether or not they have received a Diamond Certified rating. First, you'll want to know how long the company has been in business. Longevity naturally correlates with good workmanship, excellent design and quality supplies. Second, you'll want to verify whether or not they sell the necessary water gardening products to complete your water feature or if you'll have to go elsewhere for some or all of your purchasing needs. Third, customer service should be one of their main goals. If you feel as though their focus is on innovating the field of water gardening or designing the most intricate water features known to man without consulting your ideas and opinions, you have probably stumbled on a company that would not be considered "best." You can't sacrifice your satisfaction for the most modern new pump or the craziest design.

Finally, don't be fooled by corporate smooth talk. Yes, sometimes a large, corporate business is the way to go, especially if one specializes in the type of pond you are looking for (i.e. Koi specialty shops). But locally owned companies can be just as effective, sometimes more so, because they know the climate, the terrain and the particulars of the area in which you live. They specialize in your habitat, not just the industry of garden ponds and waterfalls, which means they will be able to provide you with the most sound support and advice. Only you can determine the best fit for your needs, just don't forget to check out the smaller shops too.

Advice On Making A Garden Pond Or Waterfall Installation Go More Smoothly In Marin County
Installing your own garden pond and/or waterfall
When you choose to install your own garden pond and/or waterfall in Marin County, you have to make sure you choose a supplier to work with who can not only meet all your material needs, but one that will be available to answer any questions you might have as you undertake this landscaping project. There are many practical tips that should not be disregarded as you complete a garden pond and/or waterfall installation and your carefully chosen expert should be able to assist you, even if they are not actually installing it for you.

One of the best things you can do to help this landscaping project go smoothly is have a complete design and budget before embarking on any actual work. This will enable anyone who tries to help you to give you the best advice for your particular situation. You'll want to have established where the pond and/or waterfall is going to be located, what prep work you will need to do to the area before the actual installation and which products are going to work best for your particular water landscaping needs.

Prior research is essential to this type of landscaping project going smoothly. You'll want to seek advice only and not feel as though you need education too.

Having your garden pond and/or waterfall installed

You will pay for the actual installation in this scenario, so you will have significant costs to going down this path. However, you will also reap the rewards of not spending your own time and energy figuring out this detailed landscaping skill.

The most important thing to do to ensure this landscaping project goes smoothly is to request a consultation before discussing anything else with your Marin County garden pond and waterfall expert. This will allow them to see what they are working with and hear your thoughts about placement, design, budget, etc. After this initial consultation in your outdoor space, you can allow the expert to take over from there, provided you feel as though your thoughts and feelings were being heard and validated. Make decisions promptly when asked so that your design and installation can keep on a timely track.

Your pursuit of a garden pond and waterfall should always start with a consultation from your chosen Marin County garden pond and waterfall expert. Even if you want to put in your own water feature, most companies will assist you in figuring out exactly what kind of pond or waterfall you want in your space.

At this point, should you decide to go ahead and have your chosen garden pond and waterfall company do the installation, you should receive an invoice for the work that is to be completed, along with an estimate for total cost of labor and parts. Be very clear that it is your responsibility to keep checking any work done or part delivered against that estimate and invoice. If the people working on your installation or delivering your parts are different from your representative, make sure you continually available to clear up any issues you are having a long way so you don't get into an argument about any discrepancies later on.

Diamond Certified garden ponds and waterfalls companies are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the garden pond and waterfall company is Diamond Certified and you can't resolve the issue by talking with the owner, contact the mediation department at info@diamondcertified.org or call 800-738-1138.

Simple Ways to End Conflict with Marin County Garden Ponds and Waterfalls Companies
If the garden pond and waterfall company you chose is not Diamond Certified, you may need some advice in resolving conflicts you encounter with their service. Remember to have a consultation and request a warranty before hiring anyone. However, conflicts may arise even if you do take all prior measures to avoid them.

The following tips can be helpful in ending conflict with garden pond and waterfall companies, including those in the cities of San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Tiburon and Fairfax.

1. Prior interactions matter: From the beginning, you need to treat your pond and waterfall representative with respect and courtesy. Always be willing to communicate and bring up concerns as they arise, so nothing is able to grow into a larger problem.
2. Be completely in the moment: When addressing concerns with your pond and waterfall supplier, set aside time without interruption. This will communicate the seriousness of the matter and also make you more aware of the possibilities for ending conflict.
3. Be willing to compromise: People who are arguing tend to zero in on all their differences when what they should be looking at is what they have in common. Ask questions and allow yourself to see all the areas in which you are satisfied with your pond and waterfall company's services. This can lead to finding a solution for the areas in which you experience dissatisfaction.
4. Listen twice as much as you talk: Explain your complaint and then be quiet. Really allow the garden ponds and waterfalls professional to explain their side of the story and be willing to concede if they make a valid argument.
5. If all else fails, ask for a supervisor: If you are employing the techniques above and getting nowhere with a middle manager, ask to speak to their boss or the owner of the company. This does not make you difficult; you are simply communicating the seriousness of your complaint.

If you are still unable to resolve the conflict with your Marin County garden pond and waterfall company, you are always welcome to lodge a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau. If you hired a company who has a contractor's license, you should also contact the Contractor's State License Board with any complaints.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified garden pond and waterfall company?

A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a garden pond and waterfall specialist with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country's most in-depth rating process. Only garden pond and waterfall companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can't pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you'll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified company specializing in garden ponds and waterfalls.

Q: My pond overflows when electricity goes out and needs water when it comes back on. What do I do?

A: Not much, other than refill it when the electricity comes back on. Ponds must have more water in their waterfalls and streambeds than can be held when a pump loses power, so the best you can do is be ready with a hose when the power is restored.

Q: Am I losing water from my pond through evaporation?

A: Ponds can lose as much as a half an inch a day to evaporation when the climate combines hot temperatures and low humidity. Most often though, evaporation should not exceed more than a quarter inch a day, which means your pond should not need to be refilled more than once every two weeks. Rain can add back that which is lost to evaporation as well.

Q: How do I detect and fix a leak?

A: This can be tricky. The best way to find a leak is to look for a wet spot in the surrounding mulch or dirt. Leaks are most often created from a rock causing a depression in the liner and two common problem areas for leaks are streams and waterfalls. If the leak is in a low spot, simply lift up the liner and put a rock or soil underneath it. Less often, the liner will actually become split clean through. You'll have to stop the pump and wait for the water level to stop falling. Then search for the hole and patch with a water tight seal.

Q: I'm concerned with the safety of having a pond with my kids (or the neighbors') or pets.

A: Kids are naturally drawn to water and need the supervision and instruction from adults. This includes rules of no walking on the rocks surrounding a pond. If you are really worried, you may want to consider a pondless waterfall, which gives you the benefit of a water feature, without the depth of water to be concerned about.

Q: My fish seem to be disappearing from my backyard pond. Where are they going and why?

A: Predators such as herons or raccoons are the most likely culprit. There are a variety of methods to keep such things away from your fish such as pond nets, heron decoys and scarecrows (motion activated water sprays).

Q: Why is my backyard pond water cloudy?

A: If you've recently installed or cleaned your pond, it could take at least two weeks for the water to clear. Sediment will usually settle in a week or two, but can be stirred up by heavy rain.

Q: How do I calculate how many gallons of water are in my garden pond?

A: Multiply the approximate square footage of water surface with the average depth. Multiply that number with the number of gallons per cubic foot (7.48). Length times width times depth times 7.48 equals total gallons.

Q: I've cleaned my filter pads and emptied the leaf basket but my pump is not working correctly. What is happening?

A: Larger debris (even frogs or toads) can sometimes overrun the pump area of the skimmer and go up the suction end of the pump. You'll need to take the pump off the skimmer and pull out whatever is blocking it. Some garden ponds and waterfalls companies offer debris removal as a part of their follow-up services.

Q: What are the best ways to keep my pond water clean and clear?

A: Many companies sell algaecides that can clear up pond water quickly and effectively. There are also natural options such as an electronic clarifier. Ask your garden ponds and waterfall expert about the choices they provide and what will work best for the type of pond you have installed.

Q: What size pump do I need?

A: Pumps are the most essential piece to making sure your garden pond runs effectively and performs beautifully. It runs all the time, which means it needs to be extremely energy efficient as well as dependable. Pump sizes are based on the size of your pond and the pumping capacity in gallons per hour (gph). The pump you need has to be able to circulate the volume of the pond at least once every hour. For example, if you have a 500-gallon pond, you need a pump that will circulate at least 500gph. Always choose a slightly more powerful pump than you technically need.

Q: What pump should I use for a backyard waterfall?

A: Pump head height is essential to consider when choosing a pump for your waterfall. This refers to the water pressure that can be generated by a pump. The maximum pumping height equals the height a pump will raise water straight up. To figure out the size you need for your waterfall, you need to decide how wide you want the spillover to be and measure the vertical distance from the top of the waterfall to the pond below. The width of spillover in inches has to have 100-200 gph of water flow at the top per inch. For example, if you want a six-inch spillover, the water flow at the top should be at least 600gph. Always choose a slightly more powerful pump than you technically need.

Q: Can I turn off my garden pond pump at night?

A: Absolutely not, especially if you have fish in your pond. At night, fish take oxygen from the water and give off carbon dioxide. Aeration is necessary for the life of your pond and the living organisms in it.

Q: What is a Koi Pond?

A: An enclosed, recirculating, freshwater pond in which Koi are kept. Koi are Japanese fancy carp. These ponds have to hold at least 500 gallons of water and be at least 24 inches deep with a bottom that slopes towards drains. You'll also need to invest in a good biological filtration system. Koi ponds are constructed to provide adequate oxygenation and filtration of the water. These ponds make an excellent landscaping addition to a garden.

Q: What should I feed my fish and how often should I feed them?

A: Pond fish require a balance of protein, fats, fiber, minerals and vitamins. Not reaching that balance can not only kill your fish, it can kill your pond. Ask your garden ponds and waterfalls expert what the best type of food is for your particular fish. They should be fed no more than twice daily and only what they can eat in five minutes.

Q: How many fish can I add to my new pond?

A: Ponds should not be overloaded. Less is better, especially when you are first getting used to maintaining a well-run pond. New ponds can take about one inch of fish pre one square foot of surface area. Add new fish just a few at a time to make sure that the pond and your filter are ready to support the new life. Always test water quality, neutralize chlorine and do what you can to stave off common fish diseases.

Q: What are the benefits of adding plants to my pond?

A: Plants not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your pond, they also provide shade which can decrease algae growth and contribute to natural filtration. Plants also absorb the bacteria broken down by your filter, effectively removing it from your pond. Always choose plants suited to your climate and keep them away from the pump.

Q: Do I really need a UV light in my pond?

A: Some people will say yes, others will say no. UV lights kill some green water algae, but they tend to kill good bacteria along with it. Maintaining a balanced ecosystem in your pond and outfitting it with the correct filtration system can do as much or more for your pond than a UV light. If you do try one, always match the pump size to the UV or the light will disperse too quickly and have no positive effects.