You can use the dead stuff but use the green stuff for firewood. I tried using the fresh, green stuff for my new pond. Within about a week it rained. Then in about another week, the water turned black. I tried stocking and everything died within hours. After doping it with huge amounts of chlorine, the water was still lethal. I had to pump it dry and let Texas summertime dry everything out. You can do a test. Cut a piece of the green wood. Toss it in a bucket of natural water; not city water that has been doctored. Let it sit for a couple of weeks. If the water in the bucket darkens, don't use the wood. Actually, it seldom takes a couple of weeks but I would make sure.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP