Will tree pollen and tree blossoms affect my pond and waterfall?

5/7/2018

Spring is an absolutely beautiful time of year. The trees are leafing out and producing some stunning flower displays. While this is quite the site, during this time trees create copious amounts of pollen and of course drop all these beautiful flowers to the ground.

When this happens the pollen collects in our pond water and if the trees are near your pond, where are all those flower petals going to go? You guessed it, right into your pond! Will all of this pollen and debris really affect your pond or water feature?

All of this tree debris and pollen during the spring can wreak havoc on your pond water. Much like fall, but sometimes worse. It's worse because even with a net, pollen is still going to get in your water.

In addition, maples drop these "green" things. I have no clue what they're called, but that's not important. Whats important is a net won't keep these out of the pond or a waterfall. The petals from all the beautiful flowers can also make their way through the net, so it's pretty much pointless to put that ugly net on. What are you going to do?

1. Check your skimmer daily

If you have a skimmer, check it daily. Your skimmer should take out most of this debris and make it easy to remove. By checking it daily you are removing the debris quickly from the pond which will in turn help prevent the tannins from turning your pond color dark.

2. Manually Remove Debris

Invest in a good pond skimming net and manually net the debris from the pond. Even if you have a skimmer, you should be doing this also to keep as much of the debris out of the pond as possible. The longer this debris sit, the better your chances of the pond during a dark brown color.

3. Add Beneficial Bacteria

Adding beneficial bacteria consistently, if not daily or every few days, will help tremendously with the pollen. We can't keep the pollen out, so we much try to keep ahead of it. Consistent bacteria additions will help keep the pollen from overtaking the pond and turning it green.

Even if you follow the above steps, the pond or waterfall could still turn green overnight, cloudy, or a dark color. Also, the amount of work this will take is completely dependent on how many flowering trees or maples you have around your pond. Keep up with it, keep an eye on it, and the pond will come back around.

Don't get discouraged if you do see your pond start to turn cloudy, dark or green. Keep up the maintenance to help your pond combat this 2 week period in the spring during the tree blooms. Many times, even if you do turn a little green, cloudy, or dark the pond will bounce back as long as you keep up with the few maintenance tips above. Patience can be a ponds best friend, so if this does happen have a little patience.

Sometimes though, it's just so bad the pond may need a little help. If this is the case, please feel free to reach out, we will help try to get your pond or waterfall back on the right track.

Most importantly, ENJOY THE SPRING... this a beautiful time of year and nature sure shows her beauty!

#TheWeeklyRibbit