Cleaning
a pond in Autumn can be a daily chore unless screen or netting is
placed over the top. Keeping leaves and debris out of a pond is
critical. Leaves can start decomposing in just a few days and can
be toxic to fish.
When the
water tempature drops below 50°, stop feeding fish and
plants. Trim back the tops of hardy marginal plants; hollow
stemmed marginal plants should be trimmed 1/2 inch above the water
level. Hardy water lilies should be pruned slightly above the
crown and lowered into the deepest part of the pond to remain ice
free. Trim back submerged plants and place below the anticipated
freeze level. These steps will help prevent decomposition in the
water.
Tender and
tropical plants should be discarded or brought indoors before the first
frost. If the plants will be over-wintered, provide them with a
saucer of water and a strong light.
If
your pond is shallow and will freeze solid, remove all plants and fish
from the pond. Drain, clean and cover the pond before freezing
weather occurs. If water is left in the pond it will most likely
be ruined by the freezing and thawing of winter weather.
