Water features under deciduous trees can be demanding. Leaf drop can commence in late summer for some trees, and you will need to clean leaves from the water feature. In my area mosquitoes are a problem, and they tend to be worse in the shade.

I recommend you start with a small water feature, and a fountain would be easiest to clean. Mosquitoes like still water, so the splashing of a fountain is not a great place to lay their eggs. A natural bacteria Baccillus thuringiensis israelensis specifically targets mosquito larvae and can be added as a backup. A fountain would, however, require a power connection for the recirculating pump.

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Should you want a water lily you need a fairly large container. Even a dwarf lily can get 2 to 3 ft wide, though a young one might be less than half that size initially. Water lilies do not like splashing so if you also want a fountain get a large, oval tank and put the lily at the opposite end from the fountain. Agricultural water troughs are likely the most durable and reasonably priced, especially for large sizes. Here is a LINK showing one of these. Look for these at farm supply and feed stores, or online. Most are round or oval and 1 to 2 ft deep. Water plants prefer more sun, though afternoon shade is better to keep the water from getting too hot. You can dig a hole and set these in the ground, or you can surround them with landscape blocks or other potted plants.

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