Adding a water feature to your outdoor space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a place to unwind, reconnect, and recharge. The sound of flowing water soothes the mind, masks unwanted noise, and brings a dynamic element to your landscape design. Whether you’re dreaming of a dramatic waterfall or a quiet bubbling fountain, the right water feature can completely transform your yard into a personal retreat.

At Hoaglandscape, we help homeowners throughout Charlotte, Belmont, Gastonia, and the surrounding areas design and install water features that blend seamlessly into their landscape and lifestyle. If you’re in the early planning stages, here are some ideas to inspire your perfect backyard upgrade.

1. Make a Statement with a Classic Fountain

If you’re looking to add a bold focal point, a decorative outdoor fountain is a timeless choice. From elegant tiered fountains to more contemporary urns and bowls, these features combine visual interest with the calming sound of cascading water.

Fountains can feel formal or rustic depending on their style and materials, making them a versatile option. In a more traditional garden, we might use a stacked stone or classical-style fountain surrounded by flowering perennials. In a modern setting, a sleek bubbling sphere or basin can become a striking design element.

Explore more options on our Outdoor Fountains page.

2. Choose a Bubbling Urn or Basalt Column for Subtle Sound

Not every space needs a large structure to make an impact. A bubbling boulder, basalt column, or urn-style fountain can provide the tranquil effect of running water in a compact footprint. These features are especially popular in courtyard gardens, patios, and smaller backyards.

We often install these types of features with LED landscape lighting, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance day or night. Plus, bubbling water naturally attracts birds and pollinators, bringing even more life to your garden.

Looking for low-maintenance beauty? Ask us about our pondless water feature options.

3. Add Movement and Depth with a Pondless Waterfall

A pondless waterfall gives you the visual drama and peaceful sound of a waterfall without the upkeep of a full pond. This type of water feature recirculates water from a hidden reservoir, making it safer for families with small children and simpler to maintain.

The design options are nearly endless—cascading over natural boulders, tucked into a planted slope, or framed by stepping stones. It’s a fantastic way to make use of an underutilized slope or anchor a backyard gathering space.

Learn more about how we build natural-looking custom waterfalls that complement your landscape.

4. Create a Lush, Living Ecosystem with a Koi or Fish Pond

If you’ve ever imagined having koi gliding through crystal-clear water under water lilies, you might be ready for a full ecosystem pond. These ponds are a bit more involved to install and maintain, but for many homeowners, the connection to nature—and the joy of keeping fish—makes it well worth it.

We specialize in designing low-maintenance koi ponds that include the right filtration, rock work, aquatic plants, and habitat features to keep things clean, healthy, and beautiful. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing pond, we can help.

Interested in revamping a tired or overgrown pond? Visit our Pond Renovation page to learn more.

5. Don’t Forget the Landscape Around the Water

A water feature doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s part of your greater outdoor space. That’s why we always consider how to blend the water feature into its surroundings with thoughtful landscaping, lighting, and hardscaping.

Whether it’s a natural stone edge, surrounding plantings, or a nearby seating area, the space around your feature helps create a cohesive look and inviting atmosphere. We often incorporate ornamental grasses, ferns, and flowering perennials that thrive near water, adding both beauty and function.

Browse our Landscape Design services to see how we tie it all together.

Let’s Design Your Tranquil Backyard Escape

Whether you’re dreaming of a small fountain in your courtyard or a large pond with cascading waterfalls, the key is matching the water feature to your space, your goals, and your lifestyle. At Hoaglandscape, we’ll help you make the right decision—and handle every detail from design to installation.

You deserve a backyard that brings peace, joy, and connection. Let’s make that happen.

Call us at [980-522-6166]
Serving Charlotte, Belmont, Gastonia, Lake Norman, and surrounding areas.