Control Growth Before the Summer Heat

If you have been putting off pond maintenance this Spring, now is the time to develop a maintenance plan. Spring has sprung and more and more ponds are becoming covered with algae and weed growth. By acting sooner than later, you can save yourself a lot of frustration in the long run and be able to enjoy your pond all summer long.

The best time to address algae and weed problems is at the first sight of them. It is at this time that they are actively growing and taking in nutrients. This makes them very susceptible to lower doses of chemical applications. Also the water temperature is cooler this time of year. Cooler water holds more oxygen than warmer water. Acting now will lessen any effect of oxygen depletion due to plant decomposition, reducing stress on your fish population. 

Waiting until your pond is completely covered with algae and weed growth can lead to several problems. We often see ponds 100% covered with algae growth in the middle of the Summer. Although control can still be achieved, it must be done properly and slowly. The mass eradication of heavy growth will often lead to a fish fill, especially in the heat of the Summer. With oxygen levels already low due to the heat, the additional depletion due to plant decomposition is often more than the fish can handle. For this reason, sections must be treated with time between applications for the oxygen to rebound. This is a methodical and time consuming process which may take several months.

Getting a head start on your pond management plan is the best way to enjoy a healthy, aesthetically  pleasing body of water all Summer long. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gain control. Please feel free to contact us today with any of your pond questions.