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We’re Your Trusted Waterfall & Pond Contractor in Pittsburgh, PA

There’s something magical about the sound of flowing water—it instantly transforms any outdoor space into a peaceful retreat. Whether it’s a fountain, a koi pond, or a cascading waterfall, a custom water feature can elevate your backyard into a serene oasis you’ll never want to leave.

At Wichman Landscape Construction, we specialize in designing and installing natural-looking water features that blend seamlessly into your landscape, creating a visually stunning and relaxing atmosphere.

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photo of landscape design install featuring a large back pond with custom recessed stone seating areas and steps into natural stone pond/pool

Natural-Looking Water Features That Blend In Beautifully

The best water features feel like they’ve always been there. Our team ensures your pond, fountain, or waterfall flows harmoniously with your existing landscape.

Seamless Integration – Using materials like boulders, gravel, and driftwood, we create features that mimic nature.
Smart Design – Every pond and waterfall is built to the right scale for its surroundings.
Low-Maintenance Construction – Lined with waterproof materials for longevity and easy care.

In Pittsburgh’s climate, it’s essential to design deep enough ponds to prevent freezing and ensure proper water circulation for a healthy, vibrant feature year-round.

Waterfalls

A backyard waterfall creates a soothing atmosphere, transforming your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat where you can relax with friends and family. The sound of falling water calms the senses while enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a waterfall offers practical benefits: the constant movement helps keep pond water clear and reduces algae growth, while naturally aerating the water to support healthy plants and koi.

Waterfalls can be designed in either formal or informal styles. Formal waterfalls feature clean lines and geometric shapes, often built with brick, concrete, or cut stone to create a stair-step effect. Informal waterfalls mimic nature, using boulders, gravel, and driftwood to create a look that blends seamlessly with the landscape. The style of your pond, garden, and home will help determine which approach is best for your space.

photo of water flowing over large flat stone into pond installation by Wichman

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Reach out to the top waterfall and pond contractor for a free quote on your dream project today.

(412) 760-8524

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photo of water feature encompassed by a paver patio.

WATER GARDENS & KOI PONDS

Water Gardens

People of all ages love water gardens for their natural sights and sounds. When designing a water garden, aim to mimic nature. The shape of the pond should be organic and irregular, real rocks and boulders should surround the water, and aquatic plants should be grown. Sound is also a crucial part of a water garden. Hidden circulation pumps, a cascading waterfall or flowing stream can all be used to create water movement which then produces a melodic and relaxing sound.

Since water gardens have such a natural appearance, they fit well into informal gardens. Informal gardens typically have curved lines, meandering paths and casual planting beds. A water garden may also be right for your yard if you live in a natural setting, such as meadow fields, or the woods.

When designing a water garden get your inspiration directly from nature. Consider to mimic nature

by lining 40-60% of the shoreline with rock – use sand, gravel, mulch, plants or driftwood for the remaining shoreline
use river rock in the water and use mountain stone for edging
place rocks at irregular intervals (avoid patterns)
vary the width and depth of your water garden

Our Pond & Waterfall Installation Gallery

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Listen to What Our Clients Have To Say

    
 
 
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   Donna Sotereanos 
 September 22, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so happy with Wichman hardscape/landscape they were beyond our expectations!!! Great team very professional and caring about their work and our property. They get my highest recommendation! D
  
 
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   Dan Simkins 
 September 9, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wichman Landscape Construction, LLC created incredibly beautiful stairs, paths and retaining walls over our hillside that were beyond our greatest expectations! Jeff Wichman's team was thorough, professional, hard-working and attentive to every little detail! They were tasked with removing the existing walls and stairs and rebuilding them to the contours of the landscape. What they designed and built was amazing, sturdy, inspiring and overwhelmingly complimentary to our gardens. The team was always on time and worked steadily to accomplish the job. Cleanup was exemplary. We feel we were rewarded with more than we had anticipated. We look forward to spending many happy hours using the paths and stairs to attend to our gardens. The large sandstones will last for many years to come. We would highly recommend this business to anyone looking for a landscaping project of the highest quality!
  
 
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   Kimberly Campbell 
 November 29, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff and his team did a beautiful  job building our new retaining  wall. He began  the job when he said he and finished it in the time frame he specified.  The work was outstanding , his team was professional  and they left our yard in great shape. We were thrilled.
  
 
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   Tracy Naber 
 October 2, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. During summer 2020, Wichman rebuilt the very badly assembled retaining wall in front of and on the side of our house.  The previous owner had simply stacked a pile of rocks and called it a wall.  Not only did Wichman create a beautiful retaining wall in its place, they used the existing rocks!  For a week, we and our neighbors watched as the crew hand-chiseled (!!!) the existing pile into stackable bricks, carefully placing each to create a stable and attractive wall.  Two and a half years later, there have been absolutely zero issues, and we are still getting compliments from neighbors.  Even more amazing, Wichman Landscape was the low bidder among the quotes we received.  Cannot recommend this company highly enough! (Picture on left is BEFORE; picture on right is AFTER.)
  
 
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   Beth Tirio 
 January 7, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff and his crew built a 4’x80’ retaining wall for us and we couldn’t be more pleased. We had an idea of what we wanted but adapted the design to better fit the landscape - thanks to Jeff’s expert input. The building material is beautiful and the construction is top notch. We’ve received nothing but compliments from neighbors! The crew kept things as clean as possible (a feat for construction in a wet December) and were always happy to answer questions when asked. The schedule was tough to maintain (weather, etc) but once things got rolling, the crew worked quickly without sacrificing quality.
  
 
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   Eric McAllister 
 January 25, 2021
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff and his team are probably the best in the area.  We've used many others and none had the attention to detail and care for your property like Wichman.
  
 
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   Brian P. 
 January 14, 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff and his team delivered exceptional work for us from start to finish. Jeff was one of the first to reply to messages I left seeking an estimate for a patio and he was also the most candid, creative and true to his word. He listened to what my wife and I were thinking and augmented it with his own ideas, never hesitating to let us know if he thought something we wanted wouldn't work while offering an alternative that was always better than what we had in mind. He was straightforward on pricing and gave us pros/cons for going more inexpensive or expensive, depending on the need.

When the time came to do the work he was true to the schedule (even in questionable December weather), always showed-up when they said they'd be onsite and worked a weekend day to keep on schedule. Jeff checked in regularly and always made himself available for questions during the job (we didn't have any) and made sure to reseed our yard where the heavy machinery and work had torn it up, offering to come back in the spring to fill-in areas as needed. We're thrilled with the finished product.

If you want creative, quality and reliable patio work, give Wichman Landscape a call and you'll be glad you did.
  
 
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   Shawn Graham 
 May 6, 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We absolutely couldn’t be happier with our new patio. We met with a lot of landscaping companies but nobody came close to the creativity and craftsmanship of Wichman Landscape Construction. From Jeff’s initial design, to the professionalism of the crew, to the final cleanup--the entire experience couldn’t have been better. We were looking for something timeless and Wichman Landscape Construction gave us so much more. They completely transformed our backyard and gave us a beautiful new outdoor space.
  
 
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   Renae Breskovich 
 October 29, 2018
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Houzz. We live in an older neighborhood of the city and wanted to reinvigorate our outdoor living space that is hilly and mainly dominated by the sloping driveway to our 2 car external garage. Jeff had a vision that would make for a spectacular space that we could utilize all areas including the pad in front of the driveway. He carefully listened and understood that we wanted to integrate the existing cobblestone into the design. His workmen were very professional and sensitive to the existing landscapes. Done ahead of schedule and beautiful. Can't wait to use it in the spring!
  
 
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   Nikki Hopeman 
 June 13, 2018
 
 
 recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. We built our house in 2016 and have had experiences both wonderful and horrendous. Jeff and his crew are repairing the terrible work done by another landscaping company and they are wonderful. Jeff delivered on the the concept and design and has been open to alterations. His crew has worked like crazy for the last week. I am truly impressed and happy to give my highest recommendation to Wichman Landscaping.
  
 
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   Josh Vender 
 January 15, 2018
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff Wichman and his team are extremely professional and dedicated.  We couldn't have been happier with the entire process and the results.  The crews are very knowledgeable, clean, and care about their work. True craftsman.  We will definitely use Wichman Landscape Construction again.
  
 
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   Absorption Pharmaceuticals 
 January 5, 2018
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff and his team did a great job building a bocce court in our back yard.  Very professional.  Worked through unforeseen problems.  It's level, drains well, looks great.

Wichman Landscape Construction did an excellent job installing our brick driveway and front walk. The driveway and walk look beautiful, and we receive regular compliments on the quality of the labor. Jeff addressed all of the issues we were facing with our previous brick driveway and walkway, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the quality of his work from start to finish. The jobs were done on time and as quoted, and the clean up, including the remediation of our lawn, was top notch. We highly recommend Wichman Landscape Construction! Eventually, we will hire Jeff to and his team to redo our patio, too!

– Sharon Isherwood

Koi Pond Design

A Koi pond must be properly designed in order for the fish to thrive. Most professionals recommend that a pond intended for Koi meet a certain set of requirements in order to provide the best habitat for the fish. Generally, Koi ponds are larger than fishless ponds.

Koi pond waterfall size requirements:

3+ feet deep minimun in Pittsburgh
25 sq. ft. of pond per koi
No less than 1,000 gallons of water

It’s important to realize that fish need shade. If your pond location is in direct sunlight consider growing floating plants like water lilies. Half of the ponds surface should be shaded to provide koi with a comfortable place where they can escape the sunlight. Another benefit of floating plants is that they provide a place for the fish to hide from predators.

Water plants are an essential element of a Koi pond. Aquatic plants help balance the ecosystem, creating a more natural home for the fish. Some plants are oxygenators, meaning they will release oxygen into the water, which the fish can then breathe. Additionally, Koi eat many types of water plants and they will live off of algae, insects and other miscellaneous food that the environment provides.

Filtration:

A good pond filter will help keep your pond clear and clean. Koi produce a significant amount of waste, making a filter a necessity. There are two types of filtration: mechanical and biological.

Mechanical filtration traps debris and fish waste. Pump baskets, bottom drains and skimmers are all good for mechanical filtration. Biological filtration utilizes beneficial bacteria to convert toxins into harmless substances.

Aeration:

Fish need oxygen to survive. Depending on the size of your pond, the amount of plants growing and the number of fish you may need to consider aeration. Aeration is a process in which oxygen is circulated through pond water.

Koi pond waterfalls and outdoor fountains are two pleasing ways to aerate a pond. The motion of the water will allow oxygen to circulate naturally. However, you may also want to consider installing equipment that will help aerate your pond. Aeration pumps or jets are especially beneficial if you live in a hot climate or have large fish.

Water Quality:

The quality of your pond water will have an impact on the health of your fish. You’ll want to keep a close eye on water temperatures and pH levels. Ideal water temperature for koi is 39° to 68° F. The deeper your pond is the easier it will be to regulate the temperature. The best pH level for a Koi pond is between 7.0 and 7.8.

Be aware that chlorine is harmful to Koi, it will burn your fishes’ gills and possibly lead to death. For this reason you must wait at least a week after filling your pond for the chlorine to dissipate before stocking it with fish.

Outdoor Fountains

A well-placed fountain can transform an ordinary backyard into a relaxing outdoor retreat with the restorative sound and hypnotizing movement of trickling water. A fountain can also serve as a focal point in a front yard, plaza or courtyard.

Outdoor fountains come in a wide range of sizes, styles and materials: prefabricated or custom designed and built. Fountains can be mounted on walls, freestanding, tiered or disappearing. The option you choose will primarily depend on your budget, space availability, maintenance considerations and garden style. A good rule-of-thumb is to use a large fountain as a focal point and a small fountain as an accent element. Wichman Landscape can help you sort through the options and ask the right questions before you install your fountain.

The main factors to consider when choosing the best location for a fountain, including the style of your garden, are whether you want to use your fountain as an accent or a focal point, and the proximity to electricity for operating a water pump & lighting.

Important questions to ask before installing a water fountain, such as how much maintenance will be required and how much sound does it produce.

The characteristics of the most popular fountain materials, including cast stone, fiberglass, ceramic and metal.

The benefits of installing a self-contained fountain, which comes with all the working parts, including the pump and plumbing, enclosed within the unit.

Quality Craftsmanship, Trusted Expertise

Our reputation is built on exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail.

Every project is a blend of precision and artistry—from the careful selection of materials to the unique design elements that make each installation one-of-a-kind. We take pride in delivering a custom outdoor masterpiece that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality.

We work with the finest materials to ensure your installation stands the test of time.

Natural Stone Options: Bluestone, Flagstone, Quartz, Sandstone, Limestone, Granite, Travertine
Paving Stone Options: Techo-Bloc, Lampus, Unilock, Belgard

Bringing It All Together with Thoughtful Landscaping

Our team can help you select the perfect plant material to complement your new space, whether it’s lush greenery, colorful blooms, or low-maintenance landscaping that enhances the beauty of your project.