Fine Tune the Excavation
When you think you are done,
tamp down the soil in the bottom of the pond and any tiers that you may have
excavated. Next, put a board across the hole and measure down to the bottom to
make sure that the bottom is relatively uniform.
The next step is to position a 2x4 (on edge) across the hole and
place a level on it. Check in all directions to make sure that the perimeter of
the hole is level. If the pond isn't level, use some of the dirt that you
excavated earlier. It is important that the rim of the pond be level or the
water will fill the pond unevenly.
When the rim of the pond is level and the bottom is flat, it is
time to check the sides and bottom of the pond for roots that are sticking out
and small rocks. Remember, roots *grow* so if you see any good-sized roots
protruding, cut them back.
Next you have to install a pad for the liner. There are
commercial pads available (some liners even have one attached) but if you don't
want to spring for it, we've had good results with carpet. Some manufacturers
recommend sand but it is difficult to get sand to stick to the walls of the
pond. Newspaper or thinner cloth may be used but a low-nap indoor/outdoor
carpet is what we use. Line the bottom and sides of the hole with the carpet.
After you line the sides and bottom, make sure that you clean up any debris that
has fallen from the sides of the pond.
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