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PREPARING THE POND FOR WINTER
In the early part of Fall (late August to mid September) it's time to start preparing your pond for Winter. When you notice a slackening plant growth and a slight drop in temperature it's time to cut back the oxygenators (hard). They are not needed as much as the weather begins to cool. If it's at all possible, remove all the old flower blooms and leaves from the water lilies as they brown. Cut back all hardy marginals (bog plants) after the first frost hits them and turns them to an ugly brown. Try to keep as many of the falling leaves and debris out of the pond. Netting is available to put over the top of the pond to eliminate falling leaves from trees and shrubs from entering the pond. THE WHOLE THING IN A NUTSHELL IS TO KEEP AS MUCH ORGANIC MATTER OUT OF THE POND AS POSSIBLE. WHEN WINTER COMES AND DECOMPOSITION OCCURS, TOXIC LEVELS OF METHANE AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE MAY DEVELOP. THESE TOXINS ARE HARMFUL TO FISH.
If a covering of ice coats the pond for even a few days the natural gas exchange through the water surface is cut off and the fish can suffocate. To open a hole in frozen water, place a pot of boiling water on the surface and allow it to melt through. Add fresh boiling water as needed. To maintain an opening a pond heater can be used when threats of a prolonged freeze occur. If there is no power source for a heater the best thing to do is to cover an end or corner of the pond with polyethylene. Do not cover the entire pond.
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