This client came to us with a very unique property issue- he had purchased a beautiful home with a once-beautiful koi pond in the backyard. The pond had been allowed to degrade before he moved in, and he didn’t have an interest in keeping koi or maintaining a water feature. In fact, he wanted a low-maintenance backyard where he could relax during his free time.
I created a new backyard design for his home near Marshfield, MO that included low- and no-maintenance plants along with a large fireplace. Our team worked so hard tearing out the old pond, but it was worth it in the end!
Now the home owner can enjoy his view without worrying about caring for live animals. Stoking the fire sounds much more pleasant!
He was kind enough to share these photos of the project.
Creating a Functional Patio Space
The Inspiration
The owner wanted functional use of the space for spending time outside. The addition of a fireplace makes it even more inviting, no matter the time of year.
The Build
This demolition and build was a big job! It required lots of heavy machinery and manual labor.
Suggested Landscape Preservation
- We used our high quality woven fabric weed barrier and topped the beds with decorative rock, so there should be minimal or no weed pulling for this client!
- Hydrangeas should be pruned 1-2 times per year, depending on type.
- Tree fertilization and health checks (for pests and disease) should be performed yearly.
- That’s it! This patio design was created to be low-maintenance.
Tearing out an old water feature and installing a beautiful new patio
The water feature in its glory days
This koi pond was beautifully designed with a rock waterfall, and even an underground pump house.
Water feature before demotlition
Unfortunately, it was not kept up and needed major repairs to be functional. Instead of dumping money into an element of his property he wasn't interested in, the owner decided to make his yard work for him.
Deck demolition
Our hard-working crew tore out the wooden decking by hand.
Removing the pond and liner
Once the koi pond liner was removed, we had to pack out the rugs used as padding.
Pump house demo
The entire pond was built on top of an underground walk-in pump house. It was well-built with concrete and finished with rock, so we used a rock breaker to tear it out.
COncrete Excavation
Once the hardscape had been torn down, we used a mini excavator to remove the pieces. We worked around an existing mature tree, being careful not to damage the roots.
Demo complete
Once the debris was removed, we graded the yard to prepare it for the new patio.
Under-patio prep
Adding crushed stone gives the concrete a solid foundation, while allowing water to drain properly.
Over-House concrete pour
We brought in a concrete pump to pour the patio without having access to the back yard.
Stamped Concrete
We used concrete stamps to create a more natural patio appearance.
Patio complete!
The patio looked great with the stamping finished and the side landscaping bed.
Fireplace install
The owner chose a grand fireplace with two wood boxes to keep his firewood dry, tidy, and within easy reach.
Landscape Beds
We installed hydrangeas near the existing tree for a low-maintenance, but beautiful (come spring) color and silhouette.
Finished project
After installation of evergreens for a living privacy screen, the project was complete. The home owners now have their dream patio with space to entertain and gather around the fire.
