Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Willow trees growing in pond!

Long story but now I have alot of willow trees growing in my pond. They are growing in 3'- 5' of water in the pond not near the dam. My question is this a bad thing?

I would think this would be great cover.

I would be cautious about "a lot" of Willows, and your decision has + & - either way. The downside is that they require a lot of water, leaves will accumulate, and they multiply. From what I remember, you have a well to satisfy # 1, tilapia may solve # 2 (future experiment), and you'll need to keep an eye on them maintenance wise. Now for the positive side. Willows are great for providing structure, they grow very fast, as the large limbs crack off, they are instant fish magnets. I've seen a lot of Texas ponds and lakes with Willows in the coves and "slews", creating an excellent breeding habitat, and safety for YOY. You may be limited in the future with artificial baits there, but I plan on adding a couple once my waterline stabilizes. p.s. they are snake magnets...keep a .22 handy.