If you’ve ever dreamed of a tranquil backyard pond, bubbling waterfall, or the soothing sound of flowing water, you’re not alone. A lot of folks in the Oak Ridge and Knoxville area come into our garden center wide-eyed with ideas — and then just as quickly back away with one big concern:
“Aren’t ponds super high maintenance? And don’t they attract mosquitoes?”
We get it. You want to enjoy your outdoor living space, not babysit it. You definitely don’t want to invite a mosquito breeding ground into your backyard. And maybe you’ve even heard a neighbor’s horror story about a murky, smelly mess of a pond that turned into more work than joy.
We’re here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, with the right design, the right products, and a bit of know-how, your pond (or 
pondless water feature) can be one of the easiest, most rewarding parts of your landscape.
We’re Certified Aquascape Contractors — which basically means we specialize in building and maintaining beautiful water features that are designed to work with nature, not against it. And we’ve helped tons of East Tennessee homeowners go from skeptics to full-on pond lovers.
So, let’s bust some myths and show you what’s really possible.
Myth #1: “Ponds Attract Mosquitoes”
This is the one we hear the most — and it’s flat-out false (when a pond is built the right way).
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. A poorly designed pond with no movement, no filtration, or a cheap pump? Yeah, that’s a mosquito hangout.
But a well-built pond — like the ones we install using Aquascape systems — is the opposite of stagnant. The water is constantly moving through biological filtration, a pump, and a skimmer, and often includes fish and beneficial bacteria that gobble up mosquito larvae before they even stand a chance.
Here’s the reality:
- Moving water = no mosquito breeding
- Fish = natural pest control
- Filtration = clear, healthy water
So unless you plan on building a shallow puddle and leaving it still, your pond won’t become a mosquito haven.
Myth #2: “Ponds Are a Ton of Work”
This one’s a little trickier, because yes — poorly built ponds are a ton of work. If someone threw in a plastic liner, dumped a hose in, and called it a day, they’ve basically set themselves up for sludge, algae, and regret.
But when ponds are professionally installed with the right plumbing, rock work, and Aquascape components? Maintenance is minimal.
You’re not scooping algae every weekend. You’re not constantly topping off water. You’re just enjoying the peace of a mini ecosystem that (mostly) takes care of itself.
Let us put it this way: If you’ve got time to walk outside with a cup of coffee and look at your pond for a few minutes? You’ve got time to maintain it.
What Pond Maintenance Actually Looks Like
Let’s break it down.
Weekly:
- Check the water level (top off if needed — usually less than watering your potted plants).
- Pull out a leaf or two from the skimmer if it’s fall.
- Toss in a dose of Aquascape’s beneficial bacteria to keep the water clean and balanced (takes 30 seconds).
Seasonally:
- Spring: We recommend a professional clean-out (we do dozens of these every March/April).
- Fall: Add some netting if you’ve got big trees nearby. We can help with that too.
That’s it. No fish wrangling, no draining and scrubbing, no drama. And if you do want a professional to handle the clean-out? Our pond maintenance team has you covered.
Still Nervous? Try a Pondless Water Feature Instead
If you’re not ready to go all-in on a pond, but you love the idea of water in the landscape — there’s a perfect solution.
These give you all the sound and movement of a waterfall — without the open body of water. The water flows down a stream or cascade, then disappears into a hidden underground basin where it’s recirculated.
You get:
- The relaxing sound of water
- The visual “wow” factor
- Nearly zero maintenance
- No standing water (which means no safety concerns for pets or kids)
Aquascape Fountainscapes
We’re obsessed with these — and so are our customers. They’re compact, gorgeous, and almost entirely self-sustaining. Think of:
- Bubbling urns
- Stacked slate spheres
- Basalt column fountains
They’re small enough for front yards, patios, even courtyards. And because the water is contained in a basin and pumped back up through the feature, there’s no skimming, no algae issues, and no weekly chores.
These make great additions to any space, especially if you want something low-key but beautiful.
So… Is a Pond Right for You?
That depends. Ask yourself:
- Do I love the idea of fish, plants, and a full ecosystem?
- Am I okay spending 5-10 minutes a week checking on it?
- Do I want something that draws birds, frogs, and butterflies?
If yes — a pond might be your perfect backyard escape.
If not? A pondless waterfall or fountainscape can give you the beauty of water with even less responsibility.
At Willow Ridge, we’ll help you choose the right fit for your lifestyle and your space. Whether you’ve got a shady backyard in Oak Ridge or a sunny slope in Knoxville, we can design something that feels like it’s always belonged there.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Beauty Without the Stress
Ponds get a bad rap — and that’s a shame, because they can be life-changing in the best way. They reconnect you with nature. They give you a reason to slow down and step outside. They bring a whole world of beauty and sound and life into your backyard.
And they don’t have to be hard.
As Certified Aquascape Contractors, we’ve built ponds that practically run themselves, pondless waterfalls that are toddler-safe and stunning, and fountainscapes that make a big impact in small spaces.
If you’re still unsure, stop by the garden center — we’ve got working display water features you can see and hear for yourself. Or give us a call. We’ll walk you through everything, no pressure.
Because water features should bring peace, not problems.
📍 Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping
Oak Ridge, TN | Serving Knoxville & Surrounding Areas
📞 Call us at 865-481-3825 or swing by to talk ponds and waterfalls in person.