Professional Pond Removal, Fill-In & Yard Restoration

Pond Removal & Fill-In Service for Chicagoland Backyards

Remove an unwanted, leaking, neglected, or inherited pond and properly fill the former basin so the area is stable, graded, and ready to use again. Midwest Pond Features handles pond draining and teardown, liner and equipment removal, clean backfill, compaction, topsoil, finish grading, and yard restoration across Chicagoland.

Serving Greater Chicagoland

Pond Removal & Fill-In Service

Project cost depends on pond size, depth, access, rock and liner removal, disposal, clean fill volume, compaction, grading, and the final lawn or landscape finish.

Drain & Remove the Water Feature

Water, pump, plumbing, lighting, liner, and unwanted pond components

Fish, Rock & Material Planning

Fish relocation planning plus rock, gravel, liner, and equipment removal

Clean Fill & Compaction

Backfill the former pond cavity with clean fill placed in compacted layers

Topsoil, Grade & Restore

Topsoil, drainage-aware grading, seed, sod, planting, or another landscape finish

Why Homeowners Remove & Fill In Ponds

Sometimes Removing and Filling In the Pond Is the Better Use of the Yard.

Pond removal and fill-in usually start with a practical problem. The feature leaks, demands more maintenance than you want, creates open-water concerns, or occupies space you would rather return to lawn, planting, patio, play space, or another landscape use.

Leaking or Failing Pond

Old liner, damaged plumbing, sunken edges, failing equipment, or repeated repairs can make full removal and a proper fill-in worth comparing against another rebuild.

Too Much Maintenance

A pond that constantly needs cleaning, pump attention, algae control, or fish care can be removed and filled in so the area returns to a simpler landscape use.

Open-Water Concerns

Some families want the open pond basin gone completely. Filling the pond cavity back in creates usable ground for the next stage of the yard.

Need the Space Back

An inherited or unused pond may occupy valuable backyard space. Removal plus fill-in opens the area for lawn, planting, a patio, play space, or another outdoor plan.

Removal + Fill-In + Restoration

Removing the Pond Is Only Half the Project.

A complete pond removal service should not leave an empty excavation behind. After the pond is drained and the liner, equipment, rock, and unwanted materials are removed, the former basin needs clean backfill, compaction, topsoil, and drainage-aware grading so the yard is ready for what comes next.

Remove the Existing Pond Components

Drain the pond, plan for fish, disconnect equipment, and remove the liner, underlayment, gravel, boulders, plumbing, and other unwanted water-feature materials.

Fill the Pond Cavity Correctly

Backfill the former pond area with clean fill placed in controlled lifts. Compacting the fill in layers helps reduce future settling and low spots.

Finish the Yard for What Comes Next

Add topsoil and set the final grade for drainage, then prepare the area for seed, sod, planting, patio planning, or another landscape use.

Professional Pond Removal & Fill-In Process

From Existing Pond to Properly Filled, Finished Yard.

A successful project has two equal parts. First, remove and decommission the pond correctly. Second, fill the former basin with clean material, compact it in layers, add topsoil, and set the final grade so the area performs like the rest of the yard.

Step 01

Assess the Pond, Access & Final Use

Review pond size, depth, rock volume, equipment access, nearby structures, underground utilities, drainage conditions, and what you want the filled-in area to become.

Step 02

Drain the Pond & Plan for Fish

Drain the water feature responsibly and address koi or goldfish before the basin is emptied. Fish should be rehomed rather than released into public waterways.

Step 03

Remove Equipment, Rock, Gravel & Liner

Disconnect pond equipment and remove unwanted pumps, plumbing, underlayment, liner, gravel, boulders, edging, and other materials that should not remain buried in the fill area.

Step 04

Fill the Pond in Compacted Layers

Backfill the former pond cavity with clean fill placed in controlled lifts. Compacting each layer helps reduce later settlement, soft spots, and depressions where the pond used to be.

Step 05

Add Topsoil & Set the Final Grade

Finish the upper surface with about 4 to 6 inches of topsoil and shape the grade so surface water drains in the intended direction rather than collecting over the old pond area.

Step 06

Restore the Filled-In Area

Prepare the filled-in space for seed, sod, planting, or another landscape plan. The goal is for the former pond footprint to feel like an intentional part of the yard again.

Pond Removal & Fill-In Cost in Chicagoland

Removal & Fill-In Cost Depends on the Whole Scope.

Pond size and depth affect the teardown, while access, rock and liner disposal, clean fill volume, compaction, topsoil, finish grading, and lawn restoration affect the fill-in portion of the project.

Typical Chicago-Area Pond Removal & Fill-In

Midwest Pond Features currently publishes this general range for many Chicago-area backyard pond removal and fill-in projects. Small ponds often sit near the lower end. Larger and deeper koi ponds with heavy rock, difficult access, more disposal, more fill, and full lawn restoration move higher.

Every property needs a project-specific quote based on both the removal work and the finished yard scope.

Pond Size, Depth & Fill Volume

More pond volume means more material removal and more clean fill needed to bring the yard back to grade.

Equipment & Fill Access

Limited machine access increases hand work, hauling time, and the effort required to bring clean fill and topsoil into the backyard.

Rock, Liner & Disposal

Large boulders, gravel, liner, plumbing, and equipment affect removal labor, hauling, and disposal.

Compaction, Grading & Final Finish

Compaction, topsoil depth, drainage grading, seed, sod, planting, or another landscape use changes the fill-in and restoration scope.

Proper Pond Fill-In Matters

A Proper Pond Fill-In Should Finish Stable, Graded and Ready to Use.

Removing the pond is only the first half of the work. Loose backfill, buried organic debris, or poor compaction can show up later as settlement, standing water, soft ground, or a visible depression. A proper fill-in rebuilds the former pond area in layers so the finished yard has a better foundation.

Across Chicagoland, freeze-thaw cycles and heavy soils make compaction and drainage-aware grading especially important. The final topsoil and surface grade should support the lawn or landscape use planned for the space.

Remove pond debris before backfilling

Clean fill compacted in controlled layers

About 4 to 6 inches of topsoil at the surface

Final grade shaped for drainage

Google Reviews

The Verdict is In - See What People Think

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Scott ScottyKarate 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. FIRST TIME HIRING THIS POND CLEANING COMPANY TO REMOVE ALL MY HUGE KOI FISH AND DO A TOTAL CLEAN OUT & POWERWASH EVERYTHING WITHIN MY POND, AND SULAIMAN & HIS HELPER DID A FANTASTIC JOB AND OFFERED ALOT OF POND SUGGESTIONS WHICH I APPRECIATED, JUST WISH THE PRICE WAS A LITTLE CHEAPER, BUT HOPEFULLY NEXT SPRING SULAIMAN WILL GIVE ME A DISCOUNT AFTER I TALK WITH HIM AGAIN !!! SO THANK U SULAIMAN FOR THE WONDERFUL JOB YOU DID ON MY KOI POND LT.DET./AGENT SCOTT
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mike Jacoby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience renewing our pond with Midwest Pond. Worked with our schedule and the result is fantastic.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Justyna Homenda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Thacker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my first year working with Midwest Pond Features and they did an excellent job with my spring clean out. The owner, Sulaiman, has great communication and offered a bunch of helpful advice to improve how I maintain the pond, and even stopped by for a leak inspection at no cost. I would recommended any pond owner to work with them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Musial 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent job and reasonable price! We have used Midwest for multiple years and will use them again next year!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Colletti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Soleckl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was our first time and was a great experience on time as scheduled very detailed and knowledgeable customer oriented . After the clean out we discussed some solutions for an issue that was created by a previous company looking forward to doing future business with them
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Art 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My sincerest thanks to all of you who have previously written reviews.  If not for you, it may not have been such an easy decision for me to select Midwest Pond Features to clean my pond.  They were fabulous.  Sulaiman was a great communicator and extremely responsive.  He and his team of 3 guys arrived on time, truly cared, and did an outstanding job.  There are two pumps in my skimmer box, one for the waterfall and the second to prevent the pond from freezing by creating motion.  The second pump had not generated any water movement for years despite my working with other firms.  I mentioned it to Sulaiman, without any hesitancy, they blew out the lines.  What a difference this pump has made in the water movement and enjoyment of our pond.  A suggestion, don't spend any additional time looking for a firm to care for your pond.  If you have read this review, then you have found them!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul R. Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Completely unreliable; would not recommend.  The owner had me waste 2 full days waiting for him to stop by to review a new pond design and provide a proposal.  The first day, he changed the expected arrival time twice, only to cancel at the end of the day and asked if he could push it to the following day, which I reluctantly accepted.  The following day (yesterday), he never showed up, nor had the courtesy to call/text.  At the end of the second day, I needed to leave, so I texted him to simply let him know I was leaving, thinking he would apologize and attempt to reschedule again.  I have since received no response.

Thanks for wasting 2 days of my valuable time waiting for you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Blanca Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Waste of time. Guy agreed to come by for an initial “consultation” and estimate. We set a time, then close to said scheduled time he had excuse for running late but that he was on his way. Over two hours later, another excuse, and instead of giving us the option to have him come by later, he said “by the time [he] got here, it’d be almost 8/9.” We agreed to have him come the next day, and again, excuse after excuse, we eventually stopped hearing from him. We had hoped he’d show up at some point, but after two wasted days of staying home waiting for him to show up, we gave up. Texted him in the evening that we had had to leave and never did hear back from him. Would’ve earned a higher rating if he had at least shown up and told us he couldn’t work with our pond needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Homeowners Ask About Pond Removal & Fill-In.

How much does pond removal and fill-in cost in the Chicago area?

Midwest Pond Features currently publishes a typical planning range of about $1,500 to $6,000 for many Chicago-area backyard pond removal and fill-in projects. Large or deep koi ponds can reach $10,000 or more. Pond size, depth, access, rock and liner disposal, clean fill volume, compaction, grading, and the final yard finish determine the actual quote.

Does pond fill-in include removing the liner, rock and equipment?

A complete removal and fill-in project should address the unwanted pond materials before the basin is backfilled. The scope can include pumps, plumbing, liner, underlayment, gravel, boulders, edging, and other water-feature components, followed by clean fill, compaction, topsoil, and final grading.

What do you use to fill in an old pond?

The former pond cavity is backfilled with clean fill placed in controlled layers, then finished with topsoil near the surface. Organic yard debris and other materials that decompose are not a good substitute for proper fill because they can contribute to future settlement.

How long does pond removal and fill-in take?

A small liner pond often fits into a one-day project. A medium pond commonly takes one to two days. Large koi ponds with heavy rock, significant hauling, backfill, compaction, grading, and sod restoration often take two to four days. Weather, access, and saturated soil can affect timing.

What happens to koi or goldfish before the pond is filled in?

Fish need a rehoming plan before the pond is fully drained. Options can include another private pond owner, a water-garden group, or a store willing to accept them. Pond fish should not be released into public lakes, rivers, or retention ponds.

Do I need permits or utility locating before pond removal and fill-in?

Requirements vary by municipality and property conditions. Illinois also requires underground utility locating before excavation. Work tied to drainage easements, stormwater systems, wetlands, floodplain areas, or major regrading can require additional review, so the specific property should be checked before digging.

Should I repair or convert the pond instead of removing and filling it in?

Sometimes. If you still want moving water, a pondless waterfall can remove the open pond basin while keeping the sound of water. If the existing pond still fits the yard, repair or renovation can also be worth comparing before full removal and fill-in.

Request a Pond Removal & Fill-In Consultation

Start With the Pond, the Fill-In Plan and What You Want the Yard to Become.

Tell us about the pond size, depth, access, fish, rock, liner, and what you want the area to become after the pond is removed and filled in. Those details help us understand both the teardown and the backfill, grading, and restoration scope.

Prefer to talk?

(630) 407-1415

Call to discuss pond removal, pond fill-in, clean backfill, grading, lawn restoration, renovation, or conversion options.

Pond Removal & Fill-In Request

Tell Us About Your Pond.

Share a few details about the existing pond and how you want the filled-in area to look and function afterward.

Name

Phone

ZIP Code

Approximate Pond Size

What do you want done?

Are there fish in the pond?

Backyard Equipment Access

Tell us about the pond and the finished space

No obligation. Your information is used only to respond to your pond removal and fill-in inquiry.

Pond Removal & Fill-In Service for Chicagoland Backyards

Drain & Remove the Water Feature

Fish, Rock & Material Planning

Clean Fill & Compaction

Topsoil, Grade & Restore

Sometimes Removing and Filling In the Pond Is the Better Use of the Yard.

Leaking or Failing Pond

Too Much Maintenance

Open-Water Concerns

Need the Space Back

Removing the Pond Is Only Half the Project.

Remove the Existing Pond Components

Fill the Pond Cavity Correctly

Finish the Yard for What Comes Next

From Existing Pond to Properly Filled, Finished Yard.

Assess the Pond, Access & Final Use

Drain the Pond & Plan for Fish

Remove Equipment, Rock, Gravel & Liner

Fill the Pond in Compacted Layers

Add Topsoil & Set the Final Grade

Restore the Filled-In Area

Removal & Fill-In Cost Depends on the Whole Scope.

Pond Size, Depth & Fill Volume

Equipment & Fill Access

Rock, Liner & Disposal

Compaction, Grading & Final Finish

A Proper Pond Fill-In Should Finish Stable, Graded and Ready to Use.

The Verdict is In - See What People Think

Questions Homeowners Ask About Pond Removal & Fill-In.

Start With the Pond, the Fill-In Plan and What You Want the Yard to Become.

(630) 407-1415

Tell Us About Your Pond.

Service Areas

Cook County, DuPage County,
DeKalb County, Grundy County,
Kane County, Kendall County,
Lake County, McHenry County,
Will County

Address

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

Contact

(630) 407-1415

Mon-Fri: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm
Sat: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

hello@midwestpondfeatures.com

Pond Removal & Fill-In Service for Chicagoland Backyards

Drain & Remove the Water Feature

Fish, Rock & Material Planning

Clean Fill & Compaction

Topsoil, Grade & Restore

Sometimes Removing and Filling In the Pond Is the Better Use of the Yard.

Leaking or Failing Pond

Too Much Maintenance

Open-Water Concerns

Need the Space Back

Removing the Pond Is Only Half the Project.

Remove the Existing Pond Components

Fill the Pond Cavity Correctly

Finish the Yard for What Comes Next

From Existing Pond to Properly Filled, Finished Yard.

Assess the Pond, Access & Final Use

Drain the Pond & Plan for Fish

Remove Equipment, Rock, Gravel & Liner

Fill the Pond in Compacted Layers

Add Topsoil & Set the Final Grade

Restore the Filled-In Area

Removal & Fill-In Cost Depends on the Whole Scope.

Pond Size, Depth & Fill Volume

Equipment & Fill Access

Rock, Liner & Disposal

Compaction, Grading & Final Finish

A Proper Pond Fill-In Should Finish Stable, Graded and Ready to Use.

The Verdict is In - See What People Think

Questions Homeowners Ask About Pond Removal & Fill-In.

Start With the Pond, the Fill-In Plan and What You Want the Yard to Become.

(630) 407-1415

Tell Us About Your Pond.

Service Areas

Cook County, DuPage County, DeKalb County, Grundy County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County

Address

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

Contact

(630) 407-1415

Mon-Fri: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm Sat: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

hello@midwestpondfeatures.com

Cook County, DuPage County,
DeKalb County, Grundy County,
Kane County, Kendall County,
Lake County, McHenry County,
Will County

Mon-Fri: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm
Sat: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm