Backyard Wildlife Ponds

Water is essential to all life, including wildlife in the backyard. Creating a backyard pond can help attract wildlife and encourage them to visit more frequently. These mini wetlands are a great way to connect people to nature and allow them to observe and enjoy viewing wildlife from their homes. Increasing the variety of wildlife habitat in the backyard will support a more diverse ecosystem. Wildlife ponds are permanent water sources that attract and support beneficial insects, birds, amphibians, and more. They differ from other water gardens or ornamental fish ponds in that they do not require mechanical filtration, plumbing, electricity, or any type of fish. Wildlife ponds do, however, include native plants that provide foraging opportunities and shelter for wildlife.

Gray catbirds using a newly planted wildlife pond for bathing and drinking.
Samantha Porzelt, ©2023, Clemson Extension

Building The Wildlife Pond

Wildlife ponds can be customized to fit any backyard. Most containers with no holes will work for this project. Avoid using whiskey or wine barrels as they may hold bacteria. However, a plastic liner can be added if one wishes to use a barrel. Rigid plastic pond liners can be inserted into the ground, or containers can be set on patios. Avoid areas with tree roots if inserting a pond liner into the ground. Choose a container that is at least 18-24 inches deep and wide to allow for ample plant root space. Some containers could be upcycled materials, such as an old metal tub or galvanized bucket. Whether the container is placed in the ground or on a patio, ensure that it is secured and leveled. Placing the container near the home will allow for more opportunities to view wildlife. Wildlife ponds do best in full sun conditions, but some shade in the middle of the day can be beneficial to keep the container cool.

Once a container type and location is selected, it can then be filled with a sandy loam soil. Fertilizer, potting mix, or compost in a wildlife pond is not recommended, as the added nutrients can cause undesired algae blooms. Fill the container 2-6 inches below the top edge of the container. Plant selection will ultimately dictate the soil height. The remaining height can be filled with tap water if the wildlife pond does not include fish. Wildlife ponds can also be an excellent use for harvested rainwater. Adding stacked stones or branches in the wildlife pond may help frogs or birds access the pond and can provide additional cover or shelter for wildlife. If child safety is a concern, be sure to add fencing or netting around the pond.

White-top sedge and cardinal flower in a 20-gallon plastic pot
Samantha Porzelt ©2023, Clemson Extension

Plant Selection

Adding plants to the wildlife pond can help oxygenate the water, provide shade or shelter for wildlife, provide food and water sources for wildlife, support pollinators, and add diversity and beauty to the garden. Choosing native aquatic plants will significantly benefit wildlife more than exotic or invasive species will. Many aquatic plants that are sold in pet stores are intended for indoor aquariums and should not be outdoors in order to avoid the spread of invasive species. Be sure to research which plant species to select before making a purchase. Do not take plants or wildlife from the wild for the pond. Wildlife pond plants should be sourced from a local plant nursery.

Plants should cover 20-50% of the pond surface to allow wildlife access to the water. When selecting native aquatic plants, be sure to plan for their mature size; overcrowding of plants can lead to challenges in a small wildlife pond. If using native perennials, ponds can be planted in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler. The following South Carolina native plants are commercially available and recommended for wildlife ponds.

Plant Selection for Wildlife Pond

Maintenance

It is important to have a maintenance plan for the wildlife pond plants. Many of the recommended plants have rhizome roots that can be easily divided each year. Be sure to thin plants as needed to avoid overcrowding and to maintain 50% or less plant coverage for the wildlife pond. When dividing plants, refill holes as needed with additional sandy loam soil. Hand-pull any unwanted weeds as needed. Rain events may keep the pond water at the desired level, but supplemental watering may be required during droughts to maintain the water level. Be sure to have a plan for excess water in the event of a large rainstorm. Placing the wildlife pond in a landscaped area or on a gravel patio can help infiltrate excess water. During the winter, some plants may die back or go dormant when freezing temperatures arrive. This vegetation can be left in place to provide cover for wildlife in the winter, but the vegetation will need to be cut back to a few inches above the soil line before the new growth begins to emerge in spring. In the event of an algae bloom, flush the wildlife pond with new water to reduce the excess nutrients feeding the algae bloom. Because standing water is the ideal habitat for mosquitos, it is an essential part of wildlife pond maintenance to add a mosquito control product containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelenis, such as Mosquito Dunks, on a monthly basis. This will kill any mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife.

Wildlife ponds can be as simple or complex as the homeowner customizes them to be. Starting small and experimenting with a few plant species can be a fun project for a family or garden enthusiast. Once the wildlife pond is built, homeowners will soon see dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, and pollinators utilizing it.

Originally published 10/24