Fall in Michigan is simply spectacular. The colors, the crispness in the air and the lack of bugs make this a perfect time to enjoy your pond. How to keep your pond in tip-top shape for fall?
Read more to learn our recommendations:
Install Pond Netting
If you net your pond yourself, make sure to do it before the leaves fall or it will be too late. Getting set and ready for leaves before they fall will greatly reduce your pond maintenance. Once all the leaves are down, roll up the net, remove the leaves and put the net away until the following year.
If you didn’t install netting, you’ll probably have a buildup of leaves and debris that need to be removed. A long handled pond net makes an easy job of scooping the debris from the bottom of the pond. If you leave the debris on the bottom of the pond, you’ll be creating a bigger mess to face in the spring.
Check Your Skimmer Basket
One of the first things you will notice with fall pond care if that you need to clear your skimmer basket more often. Sometimes you might find leaves and debris outside of the basket. You can reach into the skimmer and pull them out by hand, or use a small net to scoop out any debris that escaped the confines of your basket. When you’re done, slide the basket back into place. You should check the skimmer every couple of days at the beginning of the season, and then check it daily when fall is in full swing.
Remove Leaves And Debris
In the Chicagoland area, leaves can start dropping early. Your pond skimmer should do a good job removing leaves and debris from the surface of the water. If you notice a few have settled to the bottom of the pond, remove them before they have a chance to decay. Be careful of slippery rocks underfoot if you decide to venture into the pond to remove leaves and debris from the pond’s bottom. If you don’t like getting wet and don’t own a pair of waders, you can use a pond net to remove them.
Take Proper Care Of Aquatic Plants
We recommend that you stop fertilizing your pond plants when the weather turns cooler. This lets the plants know their season is coming to an end. Trim dead foliage to remove excessive organic debris that would otherwise decompose in the water. Your tropical and hardy water lilies will continue to thrive until the first frost. Cut back hardy waterlilies just above the base of the plant and cut back marginal plants that could droop over into
the water during the fall and winter.
Ensure Healthy Fish Before Winter
You want to make sure your fish are in good condition before they go into hibernation. When the water temperature falls below 60 degrees, the metabolism and digestion of your fish begins to slow down. Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food is scientifically formulated to properly nourish your fish during these lower temperatures. Be sure to stop
feeding your fish altogether when water temperature falls below 50 degrees.
With these steps, your pond should be all ready to get through fall and winter.