According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), you will need a permit to construct a pond if any of the following are true: The pond will either connect to, or be within 500 feet of, an existing body of water such as a lake, river, or stream.
Can I dig my own pond?
To dig a pond by hand, start by plotting the land, learning the soil types, and choosing your equipment. You’ll need a sturdy shovel, safety gear, and possibly a jackhammer. Dig the hole working from the center outward. Finally, add boulders, rocks, and liners for optimal water retention.
How much does it cost to dig a pond in Michigan?
The biggest deciding factor in pond size is how much money do you have to dig this pond. Our average pond cost is $7,500.
How deep can I dig a pond?
Everyone wants a pond super deep. However, the average pond we dig is 12′ deep throughout and depending on the size at least one area 15′ deep. If the pond is large enough, say 1 acre we can dig a couple holes in the pond 15″ to 20′ deep and maybe 25′ round. This is only done to save on the cost of the pond.
How close to property line can I build a pond?
Setting a pond closer than the recommended or regulated limits is likely to result in damage when the water overtops the banks. Even if you’re not working with any specific guidelines from your zoning department or permit office, consider leaving a barrier of at least 50 to 100 feet between your home and a small pond.
How do you tell if you can dig a pond?
Depending on where the rock layer is found, the pond may need to be built completely or halfway above grade. The deeper you can dig, the better the pond will look. It’s tough to make a pond look natural when it’s sitting 18 inches above the surrounding soil.
Can a pond be dug anywhere?
Though a pond can be installed on nearly any type of land, your soil has to be compatible or the water won’t hold.
Can I dig a pond on my property in Michigan?
According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), you will need a permit to construct a pond if any of the following are true: The pond will either connect to, or be within 500 feet of, an existing body of water such as a lake, river, or stream.
How deep should a 1/2 acre pond be?
8-10 feet
For warm water species like bass and panfish, an average depth of 8-10 feet is preferred in a ½ acre pond. Larger ponds can go deeper, of course.
How deep should a farm pond be?
Preparing for a Farm Pond
Fish ponds should be at least 6 feet deep, but no more than 12 to 15 feet deep. The water level should have a mechanism of control, such as a sleeved standpipe fitted with a cut-off valve at the bottom.
Is a 1/4 acre pond big enough for fish?
Stocking your pond properly can prevent common problems such as a stunted bluegill population. ATAC recommends stocking 2-4 inch fingerlings in new ponds.
Fish Stocking Recommendations.
| Typical Initial Stocking | Species | Redear Sunfish |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Acre | 35 | |
| 1/2 Acre | 75 | |
| 3/4 Acre | 115 | |
| 1 Acre | 150 |
How many fish can a 1 acre pond support?
A typical pond stocking strategy for a warm-water pond would be 1,000-1,500 bluegills, 50-100 bass, and 50-200 catfish per acre. Many recreational pond owners, however, prefer to stock bluegills and catfish to increase the size and population of bass.
What you need to know before digging a pond?
If you’re digging in a sandy or rocky area, a pond may not hold water well, so it’s important to check ahead of time with a soil expert or the district office of soil and water conservation. Avoid sandy soils, rock, shale, and limestone areas when possible.
How many acres do you need for a pond?
As a general rule, you will need at least 3 acres of land draining into the pond for each acre-foot of pond volume. (An acre-foot is just what it sounds like – the volume of water contained in an acre of water that is 1 foot deep.)
Does a large pond need planning permission?
Even if your proposed pond will be small and shallow, the excavation of a pond may be defined as an engineering operation which may require planning permission. Its always best to check with your local planning authority before hand.
Are ponds a lot of maintenance?
Smaller ponds are more prone to fluctuation in ecology and chemistry. However, all ponds need weekly maintenance, with more work at the beginning and end of the growing season in cold-weather climates. Here’s how to maintain a landscape pond from season to season.
Where should you not put a pond?
You don’t want to put a pond in a low spot that gets runoff when it rains, which can cause flooding. Water that crosses over lawns, gardens or farms—whether yours or a neighbor’s—can also bring in chemicals or fertilizers that may harm aquatic plants and creatures.
How much does it cost to dig a small pond?
Excavation. Digging a small pond costs between $2.50 and $7.15 per square foot. For a larger pond, excavation costs range from $1.50 to $3.50 per cubic yard. Hourly rates span from $120 to $150 per hour.
How do you fill a 1 acre pond with water?
For example, he says, a rate of 50 gallons per minute will support a pond around two acres in size, and it takes 27,000 gallons to add one inch of water to a one-acre pond.
How long does it take to dig a 1 acre pond?
If no weather events interrupt your work, then, a reasonable starting estimate for digging a one acre pond is about a month. It’s a good idea to talk to local contractors who are experienced in excavating ponds to get some estimates.
How deep should a fish pond be?
Four feet of water will prevent excess water evaporation and keep predators from eating the fish. Steep, hard-to-climb banks will also deter predators. In warmer climates where the pond will not freeze, 4 feet is plenty. In temperate climates with mild to cold winters, 7 to 8 feet deep is preferable.