Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help New pond owner- Help me please.

Hi,
I closed on my dream property Feb 1. The lake is the main attraction. We noticed there was a spot on back of dam that looked as if it has some run off wash out. (I can post pics later) The previous owner said it was where they let the outlet pipe get clogged and the water breached, but it was now unclogged. Fast forward to my moving in. Vegetation is now down and we can see that the hole is getting larger. It is on back side of earthen dam. It is currently approximately 5 ft wide in circumference by say 3ft deep. I am fearing any raindrop. The backside of my dam also has lots of small pines starting, prob 4-5 inches circumference. What can I put in this hole and how to stop it. Who do I call about an opinion in NC? Can anyone help?

Thanks so much.

Yikes, I am by no means an expert but if you have that bad of a leak in the dam, you are probably going to have to lower the water level and repair it.

I would also clear all the trees you can 4-6 inches it starts getting scary because of the roots but I would still do it especially if they are pines (shallow roots).

Some one smart will be along shortly for some EXPERT advice!

Welcome to PB ! Post a pic if you can. I assume no water is coming out of the area.

I agree with NCMike's comments, and ewest. How old is the pond and pipe? What material is the pipe made from?

Pond was built in 95 or 97. There are 3 pipes currently- one iron, one courragated plastic and one pvc. They are flowing. I did go take some pics today I will try to post them. If we take out the small pines on dam, they are all on back side, we need to remove all roots too correct. Are there any resources anyone know of in NC of someone to contact? Forestry service? Thanks for the quick replies earlier.

That's the good thing about removing the trees from the dam now. They are small enough so you won't have to remove the roots. They'll decay, but not cause problems.

Wait a few years and you have problems with them if you cut them down. Then you'd have to remove the roots.

Cut them off at ground level, buy a quart of Tordon RTU and use a paint brush to paint the cut off stumps. Tordon RTU will prevent them from re-sprouting if you apply it right after cutting the tree down.

Talk to the county NRCS office about the dam, maybe they will have someone local that they can recommend.