Top Tips To Keep Your Pond Leaves-Free

Your pond is the centerpiece of your garden, and debris such as falling leaves can affect the overall well-being of the aquatic animals in your pond. Leaves that fall into the pond will decay over time and release harmful by-products. For example, the aforementioned can clog the pond or turn the water to a black or green color, killing aquatic life. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your pond leaves-free. You can be sure of improving the quality of your fish and water plants by taking better care of the pond.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Falling leaves are a major sight in a garden which has deciduous trees, and especially if the pond is under the overhanging branches. Trim these overhanging branches to get rid of this problem if you do not want to cut down the trees. Trees are great additions to any garden so entirely removing them might not be a very good idea.

Trap Leaves with A Net

Since cutting down the trees is not a very viable idea, one idea that can work very well is to trap the leaves with a net. This method is also called pond netting and it involves the installation of a net over the pond. The net traps leaves as they fall, and is mostly recommended during autumn and winter when leaf fall is heavy.

Installing the netting requires you to acquire a net and metal or wooden stakes. The net must be bigger lengthwise and width-wise than the pond so that the leave around the edges are also trapped. To trap the fine debris, get a fine mesh.

There are nets that allow the debris to fall of the nets, rather than accumulate on top. The nets are pyramid, dome or cone-shaped for this effect. They are perfect because they do not allow dirt to accumulate, thus do not hinder light and ventilation from streaming into the pond.

Build Taller Edges around the Pond

Taller edges on the pond’s perimeter help to reduce surface run-off away from your pond. Run-off water is very filthy and sweeps with it leaves and other types of debris into the pond. To prevent this, construct the pond edges using stone and concrete, ensuring the edges do not give way to flood water or debris. An excellent idea is to have a trench on the side to redirect the run-off from the pond.

Remove All Leaves That Enter the Pond

To keep your pond leaves-free, you need to immediately remove any leaves that get into the pond. You can remove the floating leaves by hand if they are floating within reach. If not, get a skimmer net to scoop up the rest. If the leaves have settled at the bottom, a pond vacuum will be the most ideal way to remove it.

If you need to have your pond cleaned, or need more information on how to take care of it, Fitz’s Fish Ponds is more than willing to help. Fitz’s Fish Pond are experts when it comes to designing and maintaining ponds, waterfalls and more! Call us at (908) 315-7370 or drop us an email at sales@fitzfishpond.com.