What are the cons of river rocks?

• <div><p>While they’re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:</p><ul><li><p>River rocks don’t break down or provide nutrients to plants. </p></li><li><p>These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants. </p></li><li><p>River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures. </p></li><li><p>Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.</p></li></ul><p>Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.</p></div>

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Q: What are the cons of river rocks?

• <div><p>While they&rsquo;re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:</p><ul><li><p>River rocks don&rsquo;t break down or provide nutrients to plants. </p></li><li><p>These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants. </p></li><li><p>River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures. </p></li><li><p>Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.</p></li></ul><p>Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.</p></div>

Q: How many fish can live in my pond?

• <div><p>How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons. </p></div>

Q: Do natural pools attract mosquitoes?

• <div><p>Although we often equate bodies of water with pesky mosquitoes, you don&rsquo;t have to worry about them in your natural swimming pool. This is because mosquitoes are attracted to bodies of standing water. Your natural pool, on the other hand, has consistently moving water, thanks to the pump that runs all year long.</p></div>

Q: Are backyard water features worth it?

• <div><p>Backyard water features can add serenity to your property, drown out neighborhood noise, and serve as a focal point to a stunning landscape design. In some cases, a properly installed and maintained water feature can add to your home&rsquo;s value. Just be sure to check with your insurance company before installation since some features may affect your premiums. </p></div>

Q: How much does pond maintenance cost?

• <div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pond-maintenance-cost.htm">pond maintenance cost</a> is $2,000. But how much you pay to take care of your pond depends on multiple factors, such as the size of the pond and whether fish live in it. Your area's climate also affects the overall maintenance cost, as you may need to winterize your pond to protect it and any aquatic life in it during the colder months. </p></div>

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First State Ponds and Fountains

4.73(

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•Approved Pro

First State Ponds and Fountains

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

82 local quotes requested

Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime after you see our quality work. As a locally owned and operated business we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. We won't leave until the job is done right! Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Erik from First State Ponds, and I can't recommend him enough. Erik traveled all the way from Delaware to Maryland to service my pond, which was having persistent issues with murky water. Before connecting with Erik, I had already been advised by another company to purchase a specific filter and pump. Thankfully, I found First State Ponds just in time. Erik took the time to explain that while the recommended filter might clear my water, it would require constant maintenance. He suggested a different filter and a stronger pump, but he was also willing to install the one I had already purchased if I preferred. After some consideration, I decided to take his advice and returned the original filter to have him install his recommended system. After struggling with murky water all summer, l admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't sure that anything would truly work. But Erik's recommendation exceeded even his own predictions. Within just two days, the water was crystal clear! I didn't really think that was possible. There were a few challenges during installation and I admit this was 100% due to a few things I had set up prior to meeting Erik. But he handled them seamlessly, troubleshooting as needed. For the issues that couldn't be addressed that day, Erik provided me with helpful suggestions on how to finish the job myself. While I initially found the price a little high, after seeing the fantastic results, answering my many questions (including a few the following day), and delivering on everything he promised, I can confidently say he earned every cent. If you're looking for quality service, prompt responses, and impressive results, I highly recommend First State Ponds. Erik and his team are truly top-notch."

Q S on September 2025

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Erik from First State Ponds, and I can't recommend him enough. Erik traveled all the way from Delaware to Maryland to service my pond, which was having persistent issues with murky water. Before connecting with Erik, I had already been advised by another company to purchase a specific filter and pump. Thankfully, I found First State Ponds just in time. Erik took the time to explain that while the recommended filter might clear my water, it would require constant maintenance. He suggested a different filter and a stronger pump, but he was also willing to install the one I had already purchased if I preferred. After some consideration, I decided to take his advice and returned the original filter to have him install his recommended system. After struggling with murky water all summer, l admit, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn't sure that anything would truly work. But Erik's recommendation exceeded even his own predictions. Within just two days, the water was crystal clear! I didn't really think that was possible. There were a few challenges during installation and I admit this was 100% due to a few things I had set up prior to meeting Erik. But he handled them seamlessly, troubleshooting as needed. For the issues that couldn't be addressed that day, Erik provided me with helpful suggestions on how to finish the job myself. While I initially found the price a little high, after seeing the fantastic results, answering my many questions (including a few the following day), and delivering on everything he promised, I can confidently say he earned every cent. If you're looking for quality service, prompt responses, and impressive results, I highly recommend First State Ponds. Erik and his team are truly top-notch."

Q S on September 2025

Fountains questions, answered by experts

While they’re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:

River rocks don’t break down or provide nutrients to plants.
These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants.
River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures.
Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.

Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.

How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons.

Although we often equate bodies of water with pesky mosquitoes, you don’t have to worry about them in your natural swimming pool. This is because mosquitoes are attracted to bodies of standing water. Your natural pool, on the other hand, has consistently moving water, thanks to the pump that runs all year long.

Backyard water features can add serenity to your property, drown out neighborhood noise, and serve as a focal point to a stunning landscape design. In some cases, a properly installed and maintained water feature can add to your home’s value. Just be sure to check with your insurance company before installation since some features may affect your premiums.

The average pond maintenance cost is $2,000. But how much you pay to take care of your pond depends on multiple factors, such as the size of the pond and whether fish live in it. Your area's climate also affects the overall maintenance cost, as you may need to winterize your pond to protect it and any aquatic life in it during the colder months.

The Lincoln, DE homeowners’ guide to fountain services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Oct 12, 2025Oct 12, 2025
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Get a detailed breakdown of pond dredging costs, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help homeowners budget for their pond maintenance project.
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Discover how much it costs to install a pondless waterfall, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on your water feature project.