Old Pond Treatment

09 Aug 2011

A common statement that floats around this time of year is “This pond has been here for 20 years. I’ve never had this problem before!” Does an older, more mature pond need a different treatment protocol than a new, freshly dug pond? If so, what are some guidelines to follow for each?

With an older, more mature pond it is important to start an aggressive preventative strategy in the spring to help ward off common algae and weed problems that are sure to develop as the season progresses.

Introducing dyes, such as Crystal Blue and Black Out, to the pond will aid in shading the water as well as helping to settle clay particles as the dye acts as a flocculent (attracts and settles particles in murky water). The consistent use of dyes in a pond is a must for a healthy pond.

Another young pond preventative strategy is the use of beneficial pond bacteria, such as Natural Pond Cleaner. These bacterial spores are easy to apply and are aggressive in their digestion of organic waste, nutrients washed into the pond, and organic debris. By using Natural Pond Cleaner, one can begin creating a much healthier environment for your pond. It also provides competition for algae and weeds for the nutrient loads available in the pond.

In mature ponds, as the algae begins to creep in, be sure to treat it with copper products, such as copper sulfate and Crystal Plex as early in the season as possible. The water needs to be around 40-45 degrees F in order to effectively kill algae. It is important to establish a treatment schedule of treating algae every two weeks in order to manage its prolific growth.

Likewise, early inspections should be done to examine weed problems in a pond. The water temperatures must exceed 55 degrees F in order for the herbicide to work. All weeds must be treated as they are growing; there are very few exceptions to this rule. Tsunami DQ is one of the most wide-ranging herbicides in controlling submerged weeds. Catt Plex w/ Plex Mate is an excellent combination attack on cattails, reeds, grasses and virtually any emergent weed along the shoreline.

A well rounded preventative/curative program is imperative in managing a mature pond. Scheduling and treating in a timely fashion will save money and aid in creating an aesthetically pleasing pond.

For more information on treating a mature pond contact Sanco.