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How do I keep leaves out of my pond if it is too large for a net cover?
ASKED BY: Jack of Fairport, NY
ASKED BY: Jack of Fairport, NY

How do I keep leaves out of my pond if it is too large for a net cover?

A: It might seem impossible to keep drifting fall leaves from landing in your large pond or lake, but managing them without pond netting is doable. With some planning and the right equipment, you can learn how to keep your pond clean using our straightforward three-step solution: aeration, beneficial bacteria, and manual debris removal.

Step 1: Aerate to Break Down Muck

An aerator won't remove leaves from your pond like a leaf blower. However, it will circulate oxygen throughout the water column, boosting beneficial bacteria doing the cleanup for you. An Airmax Aeration System will also keep your pond or lake ecosystem in top shape by removing toxic gases like ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Step 2: Put Beneficial Bacteria to Work

Adding beneficial bacteria like those found in Airmax MuckAway throughout the fall will help decompose leaves and organic debris that have landed in your lake or pond. The probiotic-packed pellets sink below the water's surface and instantly get to work digesting muck, gobbling decomposing organic matter, and improving water clarity.

Step 3: Manually Remove Leaves and Debris

Because a net won't fit over the surface, you should plan to remove fallen leaves and debris from your pond manually. Doing so will lessen the workload on your beneficial bacteria and aeration system while providing nutrient-rich material for your compost pile.

Tools that make this job easy include:

  • Jenlis Weed Raker: Perfect for mechanically controlling weeds, algae, muck, and debris. This three-foot-wide aluminum rake comes with a durable 11-foot aluminum handle, a detachable polyethylene float, and 43 feet of polypropylene rope.
  • Heavy Duty Pond Net Combo: This heavy-duty handheld net includes a fish net, a sludge/utility net, and an aluminum neoprene-grip handle that extends to more than nine feet. The quick-change design makes switching between nets fast and easy.
  • PondSkim: Remove leaves from your pond quickly by dragging the PondSkim across the water’s surface. This five-foot-wide skimmer has a tough collection screen, a buoyant float, a sturdy abrasion-resistant lower crossbar, and a 24-foot pull line.

Getting rid of leaves in a large pond or lake can be challenging, but it is possible with a bit of planning, hard work, and the proper tools. Good luck!

Learn More Fall Pond Maintenance Tips

How to Winterize a Pond
Combating Falling Leaves
Benefits of the DefensePAC
Why Aerate My Pond