Your pond and pond fish will need special care in the fall to help them both stay healthy and thrive, especially if you live in a colder climate. By taking care of your pond and pond fish in the fall, you can extend the life of your pond and make spring clean up much easier. Here are three simple steps to follow during the fall:

• Use a net to catch leaves and other types of debris. A net covering makes your pond clean-up easier and quicker. You need to choose a net that will cover the entire area of your pond with extra for securing to the sides of your pond. Once you have installed a net over your pond, it is important to empty it on a regular basis or when needed to prevent the leaves from weighing it down and the air from circulating. A great net to use is the Laguna Black Protective Pond Netting because it easily catches leaves and allows the air to easily circulate in your pond.
• Give your pond fish food that will help them to survive through the winter. Fish need to build up enough calories to help them last through the winter. In the fall, you should feed your fish food that is made from wheat germ. Wheat germ food, such as Tetra’s Spring and Fall Diet for Pond Fish, provides your fish with the calorie packed food they need to help them survive through the winter.
• Add bacteria to your pond to help break down food and waste. Clear Pond Fall & Winter Formula Dry Packets are easy to use and contain healthy bacteria that breaks down waste and other organic debris during the fall and winter that is built up in your pond from the spring and summer. This simple treatment is great for keeping the pond water cleaner and healthy for the pond fish. Just put a packet in your pond water when the water temperature is below 55 degrees.

As fall quickly approaches, it is important to think about how the cold weather will affect your pond. With the proper pond care in the fall, your pond should remain healthy throughout the winter and your spring clean up will be easier. For all of your pond needs, check out Backyard Style.