Should I Tip the Guys Who Cleaned or Built My Pond?
Pond work is beautiful when it is finished, but getting there is not exactly a spa day. The crew cleaning (or building your pond) may be standing on slippery rocks, scooping out fish poop, pressure washing muck, getting splashed in the face, and trying very hard not to think about what just landed on their shirt.
And sometimes their mouth.
They are often working in the hot sun, chilly weather, mud, water, and whatever mysterious pond goo has been waiting patiently at the bottom since last season.
On top of the physical work, they are also solving problems you may never even see. They are checking pumps, adjusting rocks, protecting your fish, being careful around water lilies and plants, and making sure the pond looks beautiful and functions properly when they leave.
Other Ways to Show Your Appreciation
Not everyone wants to leave a tip, and that’s perfectly okay. There are plenty of other thoughtful ways to show your appreciation.
One of our favorite memories is from a pond we built for an incredibly kind couple. Every single day, they prepared a homemade lunch for the crew. And not just easy boring food—full, delicious meals! The homeowner was a fantastic cook, and her generosity became one of the highlights of our day. The crew looked forward to lunchtime almost as much as they looked forward to seeing the pond come together.
Simple gestures can mean a lot. Offering cold drinks on a hot day, hot coffee on a chilly morning, homemade treats, lunch, or even a sincere thank-you can brighten a crew’s day and make them feel appreciated.
So, is it appropriate to tip them?
Yes. Absolutely. When you have people working at your home that can smile, be kind, do a great job and even sing while they are doing it….. tipping is appropriate!
If you feel the crew worked hard, took great care of your pond, protected your plants and fish, or went above and beyond, a tip is a kind and generous way to say, “I see the work you did, and I appreciate it.”
Cash?
Cash tips are especially appreciated!
Whether it is a little or a lot, a tip is a wonderful way to make your pond crew’s day. They may leave wet, muddy, sunburned, frozen, or smelling faintly like swamp treasure—but they’ll definitely leave smiling.
Of course, appreciation comes in many forms. Whether it’s a tip, a cold drink, a homemade lunch, or simply a heartfelt thank-you, what matters most is knowing that the care, craftsmanship, and attention that went into your pond were noticed and valued. Did I mention a Google review with their name in it?
Kristi's Tips
Did you know that the majority of our clients are sweet, kind, patient and wonderful to work with? THEY ARE!