We are approaching the end of 2019. Before winter hits with full force, come up with a plan to winterize your garden pond. Winter can be a challenging time for pond enthusiasts. Pond organisms do not usually react well to a dip in temperature. Additionally, cold weather can negatively affect the working capacity of pumps and filters. To steer clear of these problems and to keep your pond pristine, you need to prepare it for winter. Here are some tips to winterize your pond by landscape contractors in Santa Rosa.

Show Your Pond Some Love: Clean your pond thoroughly. To prevent gas from building up, remove dead plants, debris, flowers, leaves, and algae. When eliminating dead vegetation, be careful not to remove floating plants. Use a sludge treatment and pond vacuum to get rid of debris and eliminate sludge that settles in the pond bottom. Clean the pond filter. Prune dead stems and leaves of plants. Use a net, if necessary, to prevent falling leaves from clogging your pond. Check the zinc anode of your unit for corrosion. Replace if necessary.

Switch to Cold Bacteria : Many pond owners use beneficial bacteria to control and eliminate sludge and slime and foul odors. Once in the water, beneficial bacteria work round the clock to reduce odors and muck, and clean the pond water. Regular bacteria, however, cannot survive in cold temperature. To keep your pond clean, look for all-temperature or cold-weather bacteria that can survive the cold.

Feed Your Fish Less: All pond fish are cold-blooded. Cold temperatures slow down their digestion and metabolism, resulting in health issues such as constipation. To prevent this from happening, feed your fish wheatgerm pellets as their protein content is very low, making them easy to digest. It is also advisable that you feed your fish less frequently as they may create more waste products than plants can process. Stop feeding your fish completely when the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not have to worry about your fish not getting enough food. Your pond will have enough nutrients to help them survive the winter.

Use a Pond Heater: If you have koi fish in your pond, opt for a pond heater that can help preserve the temperature of your pond. Pond enthusiasts with a large pond (600 gallon plus) may want to use a couple of heaters. Different types of pond heaters include electrical heaters, oil heaters, and gas heaters. Oil and gas heaters have huge setup costs; however, they are easy and inexpensive to maintain. Electrical heaters, on the other hand, are not expensive at first, however, they have a high maintenance cost. Plus, they pose a risk of electric shock. Before making a decision, consult an experienced water feature contractor near you.

Your pond is your sanctuary – a place where you can de-stress and relax. Follow these tips to ensure it does not get reduced to a mess this winter. At Sweetwater Landscape, we understand the important role that your pond plays in your life. We are committed to helping pond enthusiasts make the most of their garden pond in different seasons. To learn more about us, call us at 707-887-0140.