Q: I did a spring cleanout; do I need to do a fall one too?
Robert – Reston, VA
A: Whether it’s the spring or the fall, cleaning out your pond can be a chore. You have to pull out your gear, pull on your hip waders and gloves, and get dirty and wet. As much as you love your pond or water garden, it’s hard work!
The answer to your question depends on two factors: the condition of your pond, and your personal preference. Let’s take a closer look.
Condition of the Pond
Step outside and examine your pond and the area surrounding it. Have you, um, neglected it this summer? Perhaps the fish or algae have taken over the pond. Maybe leaves and dead plants are bunching up and decomposing along the water’s edge. Hey—don’t worry about it; it’s been a busy summer, right?
If your pond isn’t quite up to snuff, it’s a good idea to break out that pond vacuum and your Laguna Collapsible Pond Skimmer Net and do some cleaning. It’s also a good idea to add some beneficial bacteria, like Pond Logic® Seasonal Defense®, and maybe even do a partial water change to help remove excess debris before winter. Remember that debris left in the pond will continue to decompose and may pose a threat to your finned friends.
If your pond is looking good, however, and you’ve maintained it since the last cleanout, simply toss in some cool-weather bacteria, like Seasonal Defense®, to help remove any minor buildup that occurs until the pond starts to freeze over.
Personal Preference
Of course, personal preference matters, too. If you enjoy spending time pond-side as the trees do their color-changing thing, or if you plan to have some autumn soirees, Halloween haunted houses or other parties in your yard as the weather cools, then a clean-up is in order.
On the other hand, if you don’t really care how your pond looks during the fall and winter months, do a quick cleanout to remove excess debris and add some cool-weather bacteria, like Seasonal Defense®—but definitely plan to do a thorough cleanout come spring.
Pond Talk: Is it more important to you to regularly maintain your pond or do big seasonal cleanouts twice a year?
Filed under: Pond Accessories, Pond Cleanouts, Seasonal Care, Water Gardens & Features Tagged: | cleanout, cool weather, fall
I leave the accumulated leaves in the bottom of the two garden ponds that we have. I am assuming that the frogs burrow into the leaves or into the pan of dirt that I also sink into each pond.
I find I’ve got to do both. Still, regular maintenance reduces the “spring cleaning” burden, fall too. And use your microscopic helpers!!