Hi,
Does anyone know of a pond builder in the southeast Texas area, specifically Beaumont? I have been searching and the only people I come across are local dirt guys that say they can build it for me. From reading on forums it seems most people are saying have a pro do it to avoid disasters, and I definately want to do this right the first time around. By the way Beaumont is about 1 1/2 hours east of Houston. Thanks

Well, I don't know the geography of Texas very well... But, I would have the co-owner of this Forum build my pond, even if he was a few hours away. Mike Otto... He's usually on here early mornings, so he'll probably see this post tomorrow morning and pass on his contact info. He's probably got more experience building ponds, than 50 average dirt movers combined.

Cdal

CJ is 100% correct - you are one lucky guy to live in TX and be able to consult with Mike Otto. He's not only one of the premier experts in his field, but he's also an owner of Pond Boss [and a really friendly guy]. Can't go wrong - I highly recommend him.

954.736.5333 Cell
(800) 882-3478 Ofc
mikeotto@ottosdirtservice.com

Anyone have any experience with Pierce Land Clearing in North Central Texas? They have some good reviews online. Their main office is in Austin, but they have locations throughout North Texas. I am looking to have a tank dug in Godley, Texas ( 30 miles South of Fort Worth).

Never heard of them but that’s not unusual.

My advice. Drive around the area and look for ponds/tanks. Stop, introduce yourself, and ask who dug it, whether they would use them again, and if there was anything they would have done differently.

Get someone who has experience digging impoundments, not just clearing land or cutting grade.

If this is your first rodeo, buy Mike Otto’s book. “Just Add Water”. It costs just a little more than a gallon of diesel.

Already ordered the book. I already had Lusk’s “Perfect Pond…”. I found it to be more of a “What not to do” than a “What to do” book. Also subscribed to Pond Boss magazine.

Polling neighbors hasn’t been successful. Either their pond was existing when they bought or they use a local company. A couple of them had horror stories.

If anyone can recommend an excavator in North Central Texas, I would appreciate it. I would think Godley would be a bit too far for Mike Ott since we are on the other side of the Metroplex.

Heck, Mike has gone a lot further than Godley. Have you tried the local NRCS or several of them?

I sent Mike an email. Both NRCS positions in Johnson County are vacant. I didn’t know I could utilize other counties.

Thanks for all your help. I’ll quit bugging you with questions.