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With cooler weather drawing near, it's important to prepare your home's pond for the upcoming Fall season. From leaves falling in to the water freezing over, what should you be doing to take care of the water, plants, and fish? The pond service experts at Clearly Aquatics in Bloomfield, NY, share some tips for seasonal pond maintenance and fall shutdown.

Fall Pond Care Tips

1. Add a Protective Netting

While trees shed leaves, that debris can get stuck in the water and start to decay, which can then release toxic gasses into the water. To avoiding harming fish, remove any fallen foliage from the entire pond and the surrounding area, and add a protective netting to prevent any debris from falling into the water.

2. Bring Tropical Waterlilies Indoors

pondIf your pond has tropical waterlilies, you can bring them indoors and keep them in a pot of 50-degree water or place them in sand to try to keep them alive. While it can be difficult to maintain their longevity indoors, it can save you from having to repurchase them in the spring.

3. Stop Feeding Fish 

For ponds with fish, you can help prepare them to hibernate by stopping meals once the temperature drops below 50-degrees. This will help their bodies prepare and alert them that it's time to hibernate.

4. Use Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria

When the outdoor temperature is below 50-degrees, you can add these bacteria drops a few times a week to help prepare it to freeze over. It's best to check in with a pond specialist who can determine how often you should use the drops, depending on the pond size and local temperature.

5. Trim Back Plant Leaves & Stems

For aquatic plants that will stay in the water through the fall and winter, you can trim their stems so that they're only about two to three inches above the water. This will ensure that they won't fall over and start to decompose during the cold season.

If you want to learn more information on pond maintenance for each seasonal change, trust the team at Clearly Aquatics in Bloomfield, NY. From pond installation and floating fountains to aeration and aquatic weed control, the specialists are equipped to help you take care of your outdoor space. For more information, visit their website or call (585) 657-7679 to set up your service plan today. 

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