Riprap around a pond offers a clean, tidy, resort-like look to your pond. While the rock does a superb job of protecting your banks from erosion, there will be more maintenance required. Weeds will eventually work their way through the rocks and will need to be eliminated if the goal is to keep things looking clean and tidy.
Your success with riprap depends on how it was installed. If the riprap is poorly installed, the rocks will shift as the water comes in, causing the structure to move around and weaken quickly. A well set riprap border with both large and small stones will last many years before needing true reconstruction and will help keep the weeds down to a minimum.
Remember that while riprap looks gorgeous, it’s not a suitable habitat for insects or small creatures that would normally reside near grass and vegetation by a pond. Eliminating vegetation along the banks of the pond will also provide less shade and coverage for fish and other critters in the pond. Whether you should choose riprap, natural edge, or a little bit of both will depend on your preferences and how you choose to use the pond.
There is no right or wrong answer when it is all said and done. If you are on the Silver or Gold plan, we will spray all your riprap and your beach area within 5 feet from shore to keep it looking clean!
We do not install riprap, but know of a few companies who do. Contact the office for information!
