This pond has been on our property for at least 30 years. At one point it was fully stocked but since has been neglected as it was used for a rental property. All that is in it now is little minnows and tons of turtles. As you can see it needs a lot of work. I am looking to kill off all these weeds and get it clear of all unwanted vegetation so we can stock and fish it again. I do not know anything about ponds so any and all suggestions and info are greatly appreciated! I am not sure of the depth (If I had to guess I would say 10 ft) or the size of the pond, I have posted photos of the pond and close ups of vegetation. We are in Houston, TX
Welcome to the pond boss family! Please give the size ,depth of water what your interests are and by all means read,read,and reread the information in here then jump in and ask all the questions you have, good smart folks here that can and will be helpful. What part of Texas are you? Again welcome!
I'm seeing pennywort, and a big "maybe" on early season waterleaf on the bank. If the experts agree, then those are 2 plants you want gone. Several other plants, but I can't help you with those.
Better pics would help, but look at these, and see if they are what you are seeing.
Welcome to the forum!! You are in the right place. I'm a newbie so can't help you on what your problems are, but like Pat said, read, read, read...then read some more. If I had this place when I first had our pond built...WOW would it had turned out different, but now it is what it is, and the great folks here have helped me turn it into something to be proud of...but Rome wasn't built in a day. Again, welcome!
I am looking to kill off all these weeds and get it clear....
aharris - I think you say clear, I think you mean "clear" of plants and weeds. From your pictures the water is pretty clear with visibility close to 5 to 7 ft deep. Lots of mostly underwater plants in the water usually cause the water to be clear as in your pond pictures. The plants act as water clearing agents. Two main methods or their combination will help manage the abundant plant growth. 1. Manual removal by what ever creative ways you can find. The removed materials can be composed and or used as good organic mulch. 2. Chemical applications. Main 1st thing to do is identify the plants. Different chemicals are used for different plants. Be aware that when the water is warm in summer it does not readily mix to the bottom so any chemicals that are applied would need to be somehow applied and/or mixed into the bottom depths to get a good complete plant treatment. You likely have plants growing in the bottom deepest part of your pond because the water is clear and light penetrates to the bottom to stimulate or allow plant growth.
Always remember in warm water do not kill lots of plants at one time or you will have an oxygen shortage due to all the rapid decompositon of dead plants. This usually results in fish kills which may not be all bad in your case. A total fish kill in your case, allows you to start with an all new well balanced fish stocking.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/15/1708:13 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine - America's Journal of Pond Management
Thank you everyone for your kind words! I have updated my post to say I do not know the size of the pond but would estimate the pond is around 10 ft deep. My main goal is to get rid of all of the unwanted vegetation and get it under control to be able to stock and fish it again.
.gif)
