Backyard Pond: Pond Maintenance
Backyard Pond
Pond Maintenance
Algae is a common problem in many newly established backyard ponds. The water often becomes an unsightly green after a few days. While your first instinct is to drain the pond and start over, this only prolongs the problem. Once a backyard pond is "balanced," algae usually are kept at an acceptable level. A balanced backyard pond is one in which the nutrients are at the appropriate level for the pond plants present. Excess nutrients and light are needed for algae. Reducing the nutrients and decreasing the amount of light entering the water will help reduce algae. Floating pond plants or those with broad leaves such as water lilies will help reduce the amount of light available for algae and compete for available nutrients. Scavengers such as snails will help clean up wastes from the bottom of the backyard pond.
Pond filters can help reduce algae, but require maintenance. Filters need to be cleaned frequently if algae is a problem. Chemicals can also be used to control algae. Use cautiously as they can be toxic to other plants and aquatic life. The need for algaecides should decrease as pond plants become established.
Excessive plant growth, especially of free-floating pond plants, may be a problem. Periodically skim off excess growth of duckweed, water lettuce, and other floating plants. Monthly, prune dying plant material. Clean out some of the decaying plant material that has accumulated in the bottom of the backyard pond in the spring. Remember: a natural backyard pond is not a swimming pool and too much cleaning can do more harm than good.
Pond Maintenance
Algae is a common problem in many newly established backyard ponds. The water often becomes an unsightly green after a few days. While your first instinct is to drain the pond and start over, this only prolongs the problem. Once a backyard pond is "balanced," algae usually are kept at an acceptable level. A balanced backyard pond is one in which the nutrients are at the appropriate level for the pond plants present. Excess nutrients and light are needed for algae. Reducing the nutrients and decreasing the amount of light entering the water will help reduce algae. Floating pond plants or those with broad leaves such as water lilies will help reduce the amount of light available for algae and compete for available nutrients. Scavengers such as snails will help clean up wastes from the bottom of the backyard pond.
Pond filters can help reduce algae, but require maintenance. Filters need to be cleaned frequently if algae is a problem. Chemicals can also be used to control algae. Use cautiously as they can be toxic to other plants and aquatic life. The need for algaecides should decrease as pond plants become established.
Excessive plant growth, especially of free-floating pond plants, may be a problem. Periodically skim off excess growth of duckweed, water lettuce, and other floating plants. Monthly, prune dying plant material. Clean out some of the decaying plant material that has accumulated in the bottom of the backyard pond in the spring. Remember: a natural backyard pond is not a swimming pool and too much cleaning can do more harm than good.
Backyard Pond - Backyard Wetland - Composting - Mulching - Terracing Slopes