Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Question and a few Pics

The question I have is: My pond only has about 2 1/2 ft of water so most of the dirt banks are exposed so when it rains it stays muddy. I added some dye just to try to clear it up a little but it just turned a pastel green. Is that normal and can I expect that until I get more water? Here are a few pics of what I been working on. Thanks,

I would get those banks seeded in something before you get the next rain. A lot of guys use rye but anything will help keep all that soil from running back into the pond. Don't ask me how I know this! Nice place you have there. Are getting runoff from somewhere or just rainfall?

TKD, my experience is that water/soil makeup can change the color of dye.

I have a pond that has high iron content, and it turns blue dye into an almost "bloomy" colored green.

Cisco, I planned on doing that but hit water table right away. Have no way to till it and keep seeds from washing. What can I do? That amount of water is basically what came up from the water table. Very little is from rain. I know I need to do something.

TKD, you do not have to till. You really just need to scratch the surface. If you can handle the heat a rake will work. I have even taking sections of a chain link fence dog pen and pulled it with a four wheeler round and round to scratch the surface. A desperate fella will do about anything. lol.

After the ground is scratched put your seed out. Then if you can find some kind of roller to roll over it to press the seeds in the ground you would be good. Even if that roller has to be a four wheeler or something to drive round and round, just to get the seeds pressed into the dirt. It would take some time, but you could use your shoes.

To keep it from washing for the time being, spread some hay/straw on it. This will also help get your ecosystem started. Water it best you can...it won't take long to start popping up. As already said, many use rye, it comes up quick...but anything will work. You are simply wanting to hold the soil until your water gets up. Once up you can rake the hay back out or leave it.

Hope this helps some.

Awesome advice. I WILL make it happen. Thanks

Just a thought.....

As the pond only has a couple feet of water at this point, now would be a great time to add broken concrete, rip rap, etc. in some areas of the shore for baitfish/crawfish habitat once the pond fills. The structure will also hold the soil and help with erosion. I suspect local concrete contractors would be happy to dump a torn out patio at your place instead of paying a landfill!

Good luck!

If your ground water is that close I would look at putting in a small shallow well. If you can get the flow you could maintain a higher water level longer with a good pump.

I agree with everyone above. Even your own grass clippings from your lawn on top of the new seed then water it will kick start the grass growing.

Cheers Don.

This is great advice!! That will also add fertilizer to your seedlings. Fresh grass clippings will also have and hold more moisture at the start than hay or straw. It will hold closer to the ground...less airy I guess you could say.

+1 just make sure the clippings are laid on in a very thin layer so they are well exposed to the air. Fresh clippings will heat up if very thick at all and also prevent air/sunlight from getting to the new seed.

Just my 1 cent

I did get some grass to grow before all the water came to Louisiana. My pond was 5 feet from being full pool. I was there at 6:00pm before the weather came and at 9:30am the next morning my pond was overflowing. Crazy!!!!