Fall is an important time of the year for anyone who owns a pond. It is a sign that winter is coming and if you value your plants and fish, you’ll prepare for it accordingly. Below are some fall pond maintenance tips that will help you during autumn when the leaves begin falling off the trees.
Install And Remove Netting As Required
Covering your pond with netting during fall is important as it will capture debris and leaves, preventing them from getting into the water, and reducing its quality. Furthermore, netting is highly effective in protecting your precious fish from predators such as birds and cats. But fall netting must be used carefully; those that intend to leave it in place until spring should recognize that it can only support so much weight, so if you experience significant snowfall during winter – this can be a problem.
Fish are vulnerable in winter, not so much from the cold, but from predators that find it easier to prey on them due to the fact that falling temperatures will make the fish move slower. Finding food during winter is always tough for predators which means if your pond isn’t thoroughly protected, they will get in and kill all your fish before you know it. In addition to netting, another potential solution is fish caves which can be used as a refuge whenever predators are present.
Move Your Tropical Plants Indoors
Many pond owners enjoy adding exotic, tropical plants to their ponds. These plants tend to be pricey and hard to come by, which is why it is so important for you to protect them from falling temperatures and the cold. The majority of tropical plants will rapidly die if they’re left outside during winter, so bring them indoors and if that alone isn’t enough, they may need to be kept warm using various heating devices.
Make Sure The Pond Is Thoroughly Cleaned
Cleaning the pond during fall is a fundamental aspect of preparing it for winter and spring. When done correctly, it will eliminate excess leaves and organic matter, ensuring that the fish remain healthy. Another thing that you’ll need to consider is whether or not you want to shut down the pond or keep it running. If the pond is shut down you won’t have to monitor it as much, but you must also provide supplemental aeration to ensure that no toxic gases get trapped beneath the pond water when it freezes over.
Finally, fall is one of the busiest times of the year. It is the season when students return to school, when many people begin preparing for the three major holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas). That being said, few people have the time or inclination to prepare their ponds for the winter months. This is certainly understandable, but if you wish to keep your pond in pristine condition, then you should seek professional assistance!