Thurston’s company, which has been in business since 1995, specializes in the construction and installation of outdoor water features. His projects have ranged from three to five-foot ponds with waterfalls to larger structures that span 40 or 50 feet.

 According to Thurston, adding a water feature isn’t as expensive and time-intensive as most people expect. “I’ve heard of companies taking three or four weeks to do a feature, but a small one can be done in just one day, and even a medium-sized one can be finished in a couple of days,” he says.

 To control prices further, Thurston only charges his wholesale cost for materials. He always provides free, detailed estimates up front on all jobs and doesn’t require a deposit in order to begin work.

 Another advantage of water features is that they are virtually maintenance-free, except in cases where plants and fish are placed in the pond. A properly installed pond requires little extra refilling beyond normal rainfall and, in many cases, they balance themselves ecologically.

 He adds that fall and early winter are good times to install water features since material costs generally drop this time of year.

 Once a job has begun, Thurston personally oversees the project and usually gets hands-on with the work at some point.

 Along the way, his company uses quality pond liners and pumps to minimize the chance of water leakage.

 “With a good pump, you’ll get a good sound from your waterfall flow,” he says. “We can also put in a cutoff valve to adjust the flow, so you can get anything from a light trickle to a gushing flow.”

 In the event a leak or other malfunction does occur, Thurston makes free follow-up visits to all job sites two weeks and three months after the work is done to make sure everything is working properly. He backs it all up with a full 18-month warranty on parts and materials. 

 Getting a natural look from a waterfall, pond and surrounding landscaping is another key to achieving a quality feature.

 “I want it to look like it’s a part of the native landscape that’s been there for years,” Thurston says, adding that selection of the stone material is important. In some cases, blue dyes can even be added to the water to create a more dramatic effect.

 Thurston notes that his workers try to minimize the amount of machinery they use, preferring to dig smaller holes by hand when possible. And before completing a water-feature installation, Mark’s Landscaping makes sure that the job site is left in the same condition as when the work started.

 For those who currently own or are considering purchasing a waterfall or pond for their home, Thurston offers some helpful tips for managing their water feature.

 1. If there are no plans to keep fish in the pond, adding about a teaspoonful of Pool Shock-it or a similar product to the water monthly will help prevent stagnant water, algae growth and mosquito breeding.

 2. To add a look of native realism to a waterfall, place a stone near the brink to create a unique flow pattern.

 3. If water levels are dropping and you suspect a leak, look for an area of moist soil surrounding the pond. Thurston says that nine out of 10 times, a pond liner has settled into the ground and simply needs to be lifted up.

 4. Finally, always verify your property lines and location of underground utilities before undertaking any water-feature installation project.