Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Is It Safe?

Thank you for the forum.

For years I've entertained the idea of my very own pond in my back yard; today, I am acting on that idea. I’ve established the beginnings of a 1± acre pond in my back yard; the area has been excavated and I am ready to attempt to create a habitat for the fish. I intend a mixture of Bass, Catfish and Bluegill.

In considering options that will provide a healthy environment while supporting nesting & spawning, cover and pond orientation, I am confused as well as concerned regarding some of the available materials that I may use.

I recognize the availability synthetic materials that may serve as trees and such, and I have considered them. However, I have access to a few root balls of a demolished Walnut Grove; I also have access to large branch formations of pruned pecan, olive and eucalyptus trees.

My question to you is: are these materials safe and effective for the purpose I intend… especially the eucalyptus? I am concerned that the eucalyptus may be too oily and not a good mix for such a small system. Also, should I be concerned about the rate of decay of any of these variety of trees?

Thank you again for the forum and thanks in advance for your response to my inquiry.

Sincerely,

P. Nations

Welcome to the forum!

Eucalyptus were orig brought to Ca to grow railroad ties due to their rapid growth rates and their anti-rot properties. (At least that's what I was told when I lived out there)

I would have the same concerns as you do about putting them in the pond, especially if they aren't completely seasoned, and have the same concerns about Walnuts.

There are a couple of members that are from Ca., hopefully they will chime in shortly.

Bump... hopefully for additional, more definitive info.
Thanks Much

PN

Sorry, I don't have any advice regarding the specific cultivars of trees you are considering as structure, however, you could bypass the entire issue by considering using PVC as structure. It's cheap or free, virtually snagproof, can be removed and placed elsewhere unlike stumps, and one eliminates any concerns about decomposition or leeching any harmful compounds into the pond. Just a thought.

I learned the hard and expensive way about the toxicity of tanins in green oaks. Since I know nothing about the properties of those trees, I won't recommend one way or the other. I will no longer use any tree that hasn't seasoned for a year.

Rock piles are generally safe.

Paiute Nation: It seems that Pond Frog hasn't seen this post, why don't you send him a PM (personal message) asking him that question? He manages ponds in Central Ca.

First off welcome to Pond Boss!

Hello Paiute Nation, personally I wouldn't put eucalyptus in a pond. Here's a link to information regarding Eucalyptus, it's interesting reading.

Thank you all for your response.

The thought to use eucalyptus to create habitat for the fish of my pond is out. There is no good reason to risk it's use.

The gross abundance of absolutely free product has given me cause to inquire, but, after reading all that I have read, I cannot justify the risk. Thanks again to everyone.

P. Nation