Urban Pond wanted for microclimate

In urban cold area (zone 5) enviroments (lot size 1/2 acre or less), is it possible to build a sizeable enough pond to have significant impacts on microclimates? Does the pond have to be deep to have an impact? I am thinking to try to lessen the frost impact and to be able to push the zone limits with some plants/trees. Any insight would be appreciated.

Hi Jen,

If you want to change the micro-climate, how about planting a tree that will do that -- the bald cypress. Although they are more common down here in the South, with a little care and attention, you should be able to grow them in your area. I've seen them doing well in the suburban D.C. area. Bald cypress (see my other post here) are keystone wetland species and they can both dry out soggy areas (by increased transpiration) and impound fast moving water to create a soggy wetland. It all depends on how they are oriented to the flow.

If you are interested, send me a PM and I will send you some seeds to start.

Jen Shrock wrote:In urban cold area (zone 5) enviroments (lot size 1/2 acre or less), is it possible to build a sizeable enough pond to have significant impacts on microclimates? Does the pond have to be deep to have an impact? I am thinking to try to lessen the frost impact and to be able to push the zone limits with some plants/trees. Any insight would be appreciated.

Even a small pond will act as a climate buffer. As long as it gets direct sun in the day, it will store some of that heat and give it off at night.
It should be deep enough so that it does not freeze solid in the winter. At least a couple of feet deep.

In your case you will want to combine different types of microclimate "enhancers" - put large, dark rocks in and around the pond. If you can put the pond on the South
side of your house to block winds from draining heat from your microclimate, that would be good.

John - With a small lot like I have I would not be able to take advantage of the cypress tree. I have and am adding quite a bit of other trees to my small yard.

Cris - Thanks for the suggestions. The area of my yard that I am thinking of has good southern exposure. That is where I am thinking of putting a small pond in.

Jen Shrock wrote:
Cris - Thanks for the suggestions. The area of my yard that I am thinking of has good southern exposure. That is where I am thinking of putting a small pond in.

I have two small ponds directly in front of the South side of my house, I think they have definitely enhanced the microclimate there. They are fed from the run off from the roof during rainstorms. Another good reason to have them right by the house is for fire protection. Keep a bucket near by.