# How to Create a Rock Waterfall
The gentle splash of a rock waterfall creates a relaxing focal point in the landscape and contributes to the vitality of pond water. Building a rock waterfall naturalizes your yard and creates an enchanting attraction for wildlife. Birds and butterflies flock to moving fresh water. Successful rock waterfall projects are dependent on choosing a site that will allow for adequate drainage. A small rock waterfall project can be completed in a weekend with a few supplies.
Things You'll Need
- Leather gloves
- Dirt
- Shovel
- Waterfall liner
- Medium to large flat, thin rocks, matching rocks used to build pond
- Small river rocks
- Waterfall pump kit
- Small plants (optional)
- Decorative lighting (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select a location adjacent to an existing water pool for the waterfall. The area should have suitable drainage. Decide on the height and size of the waterfall. The waterfall needs to be relative in size to the body of water it is falling into. Constructing a waterfall that is not size-proportional to the pool of water it is falling into will detract from the water feature.
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2
Using dirt, construct a large mound in the location for the waterfall. Allow width on the mound for the waterfall and the edging rock. This mound can be as wide as desired as long as there is a consistent downward slope. Firmly pack this dirt. Allow a week for the dirt to settle before proceeding.
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3
Construct wavy steps downward toward the pond by digging dirt out of the mound. These steps should be 8 to 10 inches deep. Use the back of a hand shovel to smooth out the steps. They should be rounded.
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4
Lay the waterfall liner over the dirt mound. The liner should hang over the lip of the pond. Secure the liner by placing stones along the sides. They will also hide the sides of the liner. Place a thin layer of river rocks over the inner channel to conceal the liner.
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5
Install your waterfall pump according to the manufacturer's directions. Choose a pump that will cycle the pond water up the waterfall every two hours. A 3-foot waterfall into a 2,000-gallon pond will require a pump with a capacity of 1,000 gallons per hour.
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