Year-Round Maintenance

You would be surprised at how often people dig a hole in their garden, call it a pond, and then leave it to the elements. A pond is not a ‘set it and forget it’ feature. It will require regular maintenance to ensure that it is thriving and healthy, especially if you are planning to introduce aquatic life.

It is often the case with first time pond builders/owners that they don’t realise how much work is required to keep a healthy and balanced ecosystem however, if you are diving into the pond life as an avid hobbyist who is ready to get their hands dirty: you may already be familiar with the amount of year-round care a pond is going to require. Either way, hobbyist or newbie: it is important to think ahead in terms of care, especially if you are expecting to introduce aquatic life to your pond, with particular consideration for winter care (as feeding requirements change depending on external temperatures).

 

 

During the colder months, as with any body of water, there is the chance it may freeze. Deeper ponds are less likely to freeze completely so, fish will still be able to swim and survive beneath the surface. This should be considered when calculating the dimensions of your pond. Having a deep pond does not guarantee a healthy pond, during colder months you may need to consider installing a pond heater or de-icer to keep a section of the surface open. This will allow you to maintain oxygen levels mechanically.

Your pond will need monthly maintenance at its minimum. You can either undertake this work by yourself, if you are more direct, or split the work between yourself and your local pond maintenance company.

 

 

If you plan on being hands on with your maintenance, but would still like a little bit of guidance, some companies offer packages where they come in twice a year to do the hardcore seasonal preparation. You look after your pond on the day-to-day and then, they come in autumn to prep for winter and again in the spring to prepare for the summer. Summer and winter care are most important to consider as this is when the most extreme weather conditions will play havoc with your pond and its ecosystem.

There are many intricacies in pond maintenance, but hopefully this article highlights their importance. Educate yourself on your pond type and take care. If you are struggling to find the correct information – as there are so many conflicting opinions out there – feel free to contact our team of experts who will be happy to impart their wisdom to you.

Pond maintenance can be overwhelming, there is no shame in calling in the professionals to help, particularly if it is your first time!