Sometimes a pond just needs a fresh start.
That was the case with this backyard oasis in Charlotte, NC—a 20-plus-year-old koi pond surrounded by palm trees, tropical plants, and some of the biggest koi we’ve ever seen. The pond had aged gracefully in many ways, but leaks, outdated equipment, and overgrown vegetation made it difficult for the homeowner to truly enjoy her fish and water feature.
So, she called Hoaglandscape to give her tropical paradise the upgrade it deserved.
Assessing the Pond’s Condition
The pond itself was structurally sound, but the old stream was leaking, sediment had built up, and plant growth completely blocked the view of the fish. Our first step was to safely transfer the massive koi—some more than two decades old—into large 500-gallon holding tanks while we went to work.
We also confirmed that the pond liner was mostly intact, though we did find a small tear near the bottom, which we patched right away.
Clearing the Jungle
This backyard truly felt like a tropical escape. Palms, horsetail rush (the oldest plant in the world!), and ferns surrounded the pond. While beautiful, the overgrowth made the pond almost invisible.
We carefully trimmed the palm tree, repurposed some of the aquatic plants, and opened up the sight lines. Now the homeowner can actually see her pond—and more importantly, her fish—from multiple vantage points.
Installing the Skimmer and BIOFALLS
One of the biggest upgrades was adding a proper skimmer and a new BIOFALLS filter.
- Skimmer: Provides mechanical filtration, protecting the pump and keeping debris under control.
- BIOFALLS: The heartbeat of the pond, offering biological filtration to keep the water clear and healthy for koi.
Leveling these pieces correctly is key to both performance and appearance, so our team took extra care with the installation.
Rebuilding the Stream
The old stream was filled with loose rocks and bricks that had shifted over time. We rebuilt it using Tennessee fieldstone boulders, carefully placing and foaming them to ensure water flowed naturally over the falls instead of under them.
Even though we couldn’t use an excavator due to space, the hand-placed one-man boulders gave the stream a beautiful, natural look. We also added mulch around the pond’s edge for a clean, finished appearance.
The Finishing Touches
Once the new equipment was installed and the stream was rebuilt, we focused on details:
- Sealing waterfalls so water flowed exactly where intended.
- Disguising equipment with boulders and faux rock lids for a natural look.
- Transplanting ferns and laying mulch for a polished landscape.
- Thorough cleanup—hosing down walkways, trimming palms, and leaving the property better than we found it.
Finally, we filled the pond, returned the koi to their upgraded home, and turned on the waterfall. The sound, the clear water, and the sight of massive koi swimming happily made the whole project worthwhile.
The Results: A Renewed Paradise
For just $7,500, this Charlotte homeowner got:
- A new skimmer
- A new BIOFALLS biological filter
- A rebuilt, naturalized stream
- Clearer water, healthier koi, and a far better view of her pond
And she still kept the tropical “jungle” vibe, but now it’s a paradise she can actually see and enjoy every day.
Ready to Renovate Your Pond?
Whether you have a 25-year-old pond that needs a facelift or a small stream that needs some love, Hoaglandscape can help. We specialize in pond renovations, koi care, waterfalls, fountains, and complete outdoor transformations across the Charlotte area.
📞 Call us today at 980-522-6166 to schedule a consultation.
