Keep Leaves Out of Your Water Feature

Fall leaves are a great addition to the compost pile. They aren’t, however, a good addition to your pond or other water feature.

As leaves fall into water they decompose releasing nutrients and gases that are harmful to fish and encourage the development of algae. Avoid this problem and reduce your workload with a bit of creative prevention.

Cover your pond with plastic bird netting just prior to leaf drop. The black netting won’t be visible from a distance.

Plus, you’ll probably find it worth sacrificing a bit of the view for the health of your pond and reduction in your workload.

Carefully slide the leaf-filled netting off the pond to avoid spilling the leaves.  Or ask for help and roll the netting to keep the leaves contained. Dump the leaves in an area to be shredded and composted or used for mulch. Repeat as long as leaves are falling and blowing.

This method also works great for keeping leaves out of groundcover beds.

A bit more information:  Shred leaves with mowers and use as a soil mulch in perennial gardens and mixed borders. Or dig them into vacant annual gardens or new planting beds. The leaves decompose over winter, improving the soil for next season.

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maintenance water-garden

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