Water features from Van Zeeland range from small bubbling fountains to larger ponds and waterfalls, scaled to fit a property's size and the maintenance a homeowner wants to take on. Fountains generally require less upkeep than a full pond system with fish and aquatic plants. The design team plans placement around sun exposure, sound, and visibility from a patio or window. Materials and pump systems are selected for Wisconsin's freeze-thaw conditions.

Pond and water feature systems in Wisconsin typically need seasonal shutdown procedures before winter to protect pumps, plumbing, and any fish or aquatic plants from freezing temperatures. Van Zeeland's design accounts for this seasonal cycle from the start, including accessible components for easier winterization. Fountains without fish generally involve a simpler shutdown process than a full pond. The maintenance team is available for seasonal startup and shutdown service on installed water features.

Sizing a water feature depends on the scale of the yard, the desired sound level, and how visible the feature should be from a patio or the house. A small fountain suits a compact space or a subtle accent, while a larger pond or waterfall works better as a focal point in a bigger yard. The design team walks through scale options and placement during a landscape design consultation. Budget and long-term maintenance expectations also factor into the right size for a specific property.