How to Look After Your Pond in Autumn

As the weather begins to cool down, it's important to take some simple steps to ensure that your pond remains healthy and beautiful throughout the autumn and winter months. Here are some easy tips for pond care in cooler weather:

1. Remove Leaves and Debris

As the leaves start to fall from trees in Autumn, they can quickly accumulate in your pond and cause the water to become discoloured and murky. To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly remove any leaves and debris from your pond using a skimmer net or a pond vacuum. This will help to keep the water clear and healthy for your fish and plants.

2. Check Water Quality

It's important to regularly test the water quality in your pond to ensure that it remains balanced and healthy. In particular, you should check the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, as well as the pH and alkalinity. If you notice any imbalances or irregularities, you can take steps to correct them using pond treatments or additives.

3. Adjust Feeding

As the temperature drops during the year, your fish's metabolism will slow down, and they will require less food. Overfeeding your fish during this time can lead to excess waste in the water, which can compromise the water quality. To prevent this, make sure to adjust your fish feeding schedule and give them smaller portions of food.

4. Trim Plants

Autumn is a great time to trim back any overgrown aquatic plants in your pond. This will help to prevent them from decomposing in the water, which can cause nutrient imbalances and water quality issues. It is ideal to use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears and cut the plants back to just above the water level.

5. Install a Pond Thermometer

If you live in an area of Australia that experiences extra cold winters, you may want to consider installing a pond thermometer to monitor the temperature of your pond during the colder months. This will help to ensure that the water remains well-oxygenated and your fish remain healthy throughout the cooler months.

With these easy tips, you can keep your pond healthy and stunning even in the chilly Autumn and Winter months. By giving your pond some basic maintenance and care, you can keep enjoying the beauty of your outdoor water feature in your garden all year long.