How long before I can use my new lawn?

Light foot traffic is usually okay after two to three weeks once the sod begins to root. Full use, including kids, pets, and mowing, generally takes four to six weeks. Walking on sod before it is properly rooted can pull up seams and damage the grass edges.

Can you sod over an existing lawn that's in bad shape?

No. Sod needs bare, properly prepared soil to root successfully. Installing sod over existing grass creates a barrier between the new sod and the soil, which can prevent proper rooting and lead to dead patches. The old lawn should be removed before installing new sod.

Is sod or seeding better for Ottawa properties?

Sod provides an instant lawn and tends to be more reliable during the first year. Seeding is less expensive but takes a full season to establish and can be affected by birds, dry weather, and weeds. For homeowners wanting quick and consistent results, sod is usually the better option, while seeding can work well for very large areas where cost is the main concern.

How much topsoil do you put down before laying sod?

Typically, a minimum of three to four inches of topsoil is installed before laying sod. If the existing soil is dense clay or heavily compacted, additional depth may be added in certain areas to improve drainage and root growth. The topsoil layer is important because it provides the base where the grass roots establish.

Custom Water Features & Garden Fountain Installation in Ottawa

Add the sound and beauty of moving water to your Ottawa backyard. Bennett Lawn & Landscape designs and installs custom water features that complement your outdoor space perfectly.

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Why a Water Feature Transforms an Ottawa Backyard

The sound of moving water does something a patio or garden alone can’t: it masks traffic noise and gives you a bit more privacy from neighbours, which matters a lot in tighter suburban lots around Barrhaven, Kanata, and Nepean.

If you’re new to water features, a garden fountain or a small backyard pond are usually the best places to start.

Modern front yard landscaping with ornamental grasses and a paver pathway on an Ottawa bungalow

Modern front yard landscaping with raised stone planting beds and paver walkway on a two-story Ottawa home

Water Features That Work in Ottawa’s Climate

Freeze-thaw cycles affect every type of water feature differently. Waterfalls and ponds generally need winterizing, pump removal, and drainage before the deep freeze sets in. Meanwhile, a garden fountain might just need a cover or full drainage depending on its design.

We’ll walk you through what your specific feature needs for zone 5b to 6a winters before you commit.

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Our Water Feature Services in Ottawa

Water features are not one-size-fits-all. We size and build each option around what your yard can actually support.

Garden Fountain Ottawa

If you want water in your yard without a big commitment, a standalone fountain works as a focal point in a garden bed or patio corner. It’s best suited to smaller spaces or as a first step before a bigger feature.

Waterfall Installation Ottawa

We build natural armour stone waterfalls right into a slope or alongside your interlock patio, so you get the movement and sound of running water. Works well on properties with a natural grade change or an existing patio to build alongside.

Pondless Waterfall Ottawa

Want moving water without an open pond to worry about? A pondless waterfall gives you that, and it is safer around kids, easier to maintain, and simpler to winterize. It’s a great fit for families or anyone who wants the sound of water without standing water on the property.

Backyard Pond Installation Ottawa

For a full pond, we build in planting shelves, rock edging, and aquatic plants, and can tie in a waterfall too if you want the complete package. It’s best suited to larger yards where there is room for a proper pond, not just a water feature squeezed into a corner.

Pool Landscaping Ottawa

Already have a pool? We build the interlock surround, armor stone features, and the full landscape around it, so the whole space feels finished. Suited to any Ottawa homeowner with an existing pool who wants the surrounding hardscape to match.

Designing Your Water Feature to Match Your Ottawa Property

Size, style, and placement all matter here. We match stone selection to any existing interlock. We position the feature for the best sound projection toward where you actually spend time outside. And we route it to avoid conflicting with your yard’s drainage.

A landscape waterfall and pond landscaping remain two of the most requested designs among Ottawa homeowners. Whatever direction works for your space, we design it to feel like a natural extension of the yard, not something that was simply added afterward.

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Large-format natural stone patio with a raised stone border in an Ottawa backyard

Winterizing Water Features in Ottawa – What You Need to Know

Pump removal, water drainage, and freeze protection are all part of getting a pond, waterfall, or garden fountain through an Ottawa winter safely. Each feature type has its own risks once temperatures drop. Skipping a step can mean cracked basins, damaged pumps, or a feature that simply does not turn back on come spring.

We walk every client through the winterizing process at install, so it is not a surprise come November. That way you know exactly what to do, and when, before the first hard freeze hits.

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How Much Does a Water Feature Cost in Ottawa?

Pricing spans a wide range depending on the type: a garden fountain sits at the accessible end, a landscape waterfall or full pond installation costs more, and pool landscaping varies with surround size. Pondless systems are usually the most budget-friendly entry point into moving water.

The type you choose affects the price more than anything else, so an exact figure only makes sense once we have seen your property. In the meantime, our price guide explains what drives cost.

Isaac Bennett Ottawa landscape contractor reviewing project plans

Why Choose Bennett Lawn & Landscape for Water Feature Installation in Ottawa

We integrate water features into broader landscape and hardscape projects rather than treating them as a separate specialty. A pond, waterfall, or garden fountain gets designed alongside your interlock, grading, and planting from the same set of plans, so the whole yard reads as one project instead of a patchwork of add-ons.

That matters most with pool landscaping. The stone around your pool, the planting beds nearby, and any water feature you add all come from the same crew working off the same layout. Which is why the finished space looks connected rather than assembled in pieces over time.

Trusted & Verified Landscaping Professionals

We back our work with verified reviews, industry memberships, and a commitment to professional standards.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 24 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Vanessa Davidson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We hired Isaac to redo our walkway and he was great to work with. He came out to our place a few times to discuss the project to ensure that we were getting what we wanted. He was very easy to get in touch with, answering our texts very quickly and kept us informed of next steps. On the day, he and his team were very nice and they were meticulous on getting the job done right. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Naomi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Isaac and his team provided high quality excellent service with fantastic communication. I would highly recommend this company to tackle you landscaping, we are so happy with the outcome!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Sabourin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently hired Bennett Landsaping to update areas of our backyard.  We were extremely impressed with Issac and his crew! The job was completed on time and on budget. The level of communication was excellent, and Isaac and his  crew had some great suggestions that we were excited to incorporate into our original plan. Our property was left clean and free of any left over material and debis. Issac and his crew installed a beautiful firepit with a semi circular bench,  a water feature and walkway, which turned out beautiful.  We would not hesitate to recommend Bennett Landscaping, and would definitely use them in the future. Thanks Issac, Gibby and Remi for a job well done!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Franco Ziroldo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A big thank you to Isaac and his team for finishing our patio to a very high standard, on time and on budget. This is a very skilled, organized and efficient operation.  Isaac and his team are straightforward, flexible and pleasant to work with.  He gave us the 5 star treatment so I give Bennet Landscaping a 5 star rating in return. Our neighbours had already reached out to him for work on their properties even before he had finished with ours. We look forward to the next project. Totally recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Gordon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so happy with our new front steps!  Isaac was terrific throughout the project.  His creativity, solid knowledge of construction, attention to detail and professionalism transformed our front steps into a beautiful feature, beyond what we could have imagined.  His recommendation to add lighting brought the project to yet another level. His approach to his work extends to his crew who were on time, professional and more than happy to discuss the stages of the project and answer our questions along the way.  They worked hard, were pleasant to deal with and tidied up the site each day. It was a pleasure to work with Isaac and his crew, the results exceeded our expectations and we would highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Bowen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Isaac and team for rebuilding our front entry way. We especially appreciate the excellent communication during the project. We feel confident with the quality of workmanship. Highly recommend Isaac Bennett.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure dealing with Bennett Lawn and Landscape.  Communication is excellent.  All work was done as described by skilled and approachable staff.  I am truly pleased with the outcome of our project.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   sharon morris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We can’t say enough great things about Isaac and the team at Bennett Lawn and Landscape! Throughout the project Isaac was professional and provided knowledgeable guidance. He helped us choose the right stone, created a virtual design so we could see the plan ahead of time, and checked in regularly to make sure everything matched our vision. Isaac and his team showed up on time and as scheduled every day. They worked efficiently and left everything clean and tidy at the end of each day. They were responsive, flexible with minor tweaks, and consistently went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Most importantly, the finished project truly exceeded our expectations. We are absolutely thrilled with the new walkway and stairs created by Bennett Lawn and Landscape! We were 100% satisfied with the entire experience and would highly recommend Isaac and his team at Bennett Lawn and Landscape to anyone looking for high quality, amazing interlock work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   al belanger GARAGE BUILDS 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I are very happy with the team at Bennett Landscaping.  Very professional, did a great job and a great clean up.  Strongly recommend

Request Your Ottawa Water Feature Quote Today

Not sure if your yard has room for a pond, waterfall, or garden fountain? At Bennett Lawn & Landscape, we walk the property with you first, so the recommendation matches your actual space, not a generic package.

Request your free water feature quote and find out what fits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

From upkeep to winter shutdowns to permits, water features raise a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most from Ottawa homeowners.

Do water features require a lot of maintenance in Ottawa?

This depends upon the type. A garden fountain requires very little maintenance, while a full pond requires more regular care as well as seasonal winterizing.

Can I keep a pond or water feature running through an Ottawa winter?

Most water features need to be winterized and shut down before hard freezes come. Full ponds usually require a seasonal shutdown, but some pondless waterfalls can run later into the season if set up properly.

How much does a water feature installation cost in Ottawa?

It depends on what you’re going for. A simple garden fountain will cost far less than a more elaborate pond or waterfall build. Check out our price guide for a breakdown of what affects the cost.

What's the difference between a pondless waterfall and a full pond?

A pondless waterfall circulates water through an underground reservoir, so there’s no open water visible on the surface. A full pond, on the other hand, has an open surface with planting shelves and aquatic life. Pondless systems are generally lower maintenance too.

Can a garden fountain be integrated into an existing interlock patio in Ottawa?

In most cases, we can work with what is already there. A fountain tucked into a patio corner or garden bed rarely means tearing up existing work to make it fit.

Do I need a permit for a backyard pond or water feature in Ottawa?

That really comes down to size and depth. If your project needs one, we’ll flag it for you as part of the quote.