Overgrown pond restoration tips
Have you moved into a new home with an overgrown, neglected pond? Or maybe you installed a backyard pond and haven’t kept up with the maintenance.
Cleaning up a neglected pond can seem daunting, but in this article I’ll show you step by step how to get rid of the sludge, muck and weeds to restore the pond to its former glory.
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HOW TO CLEAN AN OVERGROWN POND
Draining the pond
The most common question people ask when they’re confronted with a pond that hasn’t been looked after is “Do I need to drain the pond?”
Draining the pond is the quickest way to clean it, but it also means that you’ll lose the natural ecobalance in the pond and you’ll have to start from scratch to build up the good bacteria.
If you decide to drain the pond you can use a bucket or pump to remove most of the water and then scoop out the thick muck at the bottom of the pond.
If the water is reasonably clear you won’t need to drain it. Just follow the steps below.
Remove any floating debris
The first step to cleaning up a neglected pond is to remove any debris that is floating on the surface of the pond.
Use a long handled net
You’ll also need to cut back any plants or weeds that are hanging into the water.
Cleaning out the sludge
Most backyard ponds have a thin layer of sludge at the bottom, which won’t cause any problems, but when it builds up to become a thick mass of sludge and muck it needs to be removed.
Thick sludge is made up of organic matter like fish droppings, rotting plant matter and other waste.
A thick layer of sludge is bad for the pond because it reduces the oxygen level in the pond which can cause fish and beneficial bacteria in the pond to die off.
If the pond smells like rotten eggs, it’s time to remove the sludge.
There are a few ways to get rid of pond sludge.
You can use a fine pond net
If you have a garden, it’s a good idea to compost the sludge. When it breaks down it’ll provide valuable nutrients for your garden.
Hopefully your neighbors won’t complain too much about the smell!
Introduce beneficial bacteria
Natural beneficial bacteria that is found in muck reducer tablets
Control algae growth
Installing a UV clarifier
UV clarifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy algae that is suspended in the water so you’re less likely to have algae blooms in the future.
Install a filter
Using a pond filter
It’s also a good idea to install a fountain
A garden pond that is aerated well will have higher numbers of aerobic bacteria, the good types of bacteria that help to reduce built-up waste in the pond.
After you’ve completed all these steps you can put the fish back in the water, but if you’ve added tap water to the pond, let the water sit for a day or two before putting your fish back in.
So there are my tips for cleaning up an overgrown pond.
Cleaning a neglected pond can be a dirty, disgusting job, but once the pond has been rehabilitated it won’t take much effort to keep it looking nice.
By following these tips for cleaning up an abandoned pond, you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard pond for many years to come.
RELATED ARTICLES
- How To Make Your Pond Water Clear Blue
- Winter Pond Maintenance
- How To Fix Green Pond Water
- How to Use a Pond Vacuum Cleaner
Are you struggling with a neglected pond in your backyard? Let me know in the comments below.
Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Garden Ponds and Pond Tips that you may find interesting.
Don’t forget to pin this post for later.
