Harsh Winters and Garden Fountains

Many people use water features to accentuate their lawn, complement their patio space, and to serve as centerpieces in their gardens. They come in a wide range of impressive designs, and offer many benefits for your home. People who live in colder climates, or experience harsh winters weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. It is important to know how to which materials to choose and how to prepare them for harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Material

Outdoor fountains are made out of many different materials. Some fountains are made of natural stone, while others are made of concrete or metal. These materials range in durability and strength. The right material with the proper maintenance can last for years, even in rough climates. When choosing your fountain, avoid materials that could chip or break easily. It may be best for some areas to choose fountains made of iron. Many companies also offer maintenance and repair kits, and the way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Draining for Winter

Fountains come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Some can circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while others operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something that you can easily drain. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something like that. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them from the Elements

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have water features like everyone else!