I love Labor day, but when Labor day arrives, I realize that the “closing of my pond” is just around the corner.

Or more accurately .. just around the Indian Summer. (We normally get an Indian summer here in Michigan)

Labor Day has come and gone.

Special autumn pond care is necessary when the plants and fish begin going dormant in cooler weather. When temperatures start dropping ponds require that we slow down or stop many things we did daily or weekly during the hot summer months.

• When the average water temperature is below 50°F, or before the first freeze, place hardy pond plants deeper in your pond and bring subtropical and tropical plants indoors. These subtropical and tropical plants will need heated water (at least 70°F) to get through the winter successfully. Do not fertilize these plants during the winter.
• Falling leaves from nearby trees and bushes, as well as leaves from your pond plants, can quickly build up on the bottom of your pond. Decaying vegetation can increase levels of dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) and rob water of oxygen. Lower levels of oxygen can stress your fish. Remember, your fish are already struggling to deal with fall temperature swings. During late summer and early fall it is important to remove as much material from the bottom of your pond as possible.
• First, prune your marginal pond plants, and remove floating plants before they decay. Next, Skim, Vacuum and use a pond net to remove the rest.
• Drape a pond net over your pond to prevent the majority of leaves and twigs from getting into the water in the first place. Your pruning, skimming, and dip net or vacuuming efforts will take care of the rest.

Happy Ponding and we’ll be back with more fall maintenance tips this weekend!