Oddly enough, the best time to combat algae is during the initial pond design.  A well designed pond with a great deal of variety in habitat and a healthy native plant population will be much less susceptible to algae invasions than the soup bowl ponds that often dot the landscape.  The problem with the soup bowl pond design is that the steep sides create very limited area for aquatic and riparian plants along the margins. Fortunately, these problems are easily overcome in design and also in retrofit situations.

Creating broad wetland and marginal planting areas either adjacent to the pond or at the head of a recirculating stream that flows to the pond provides a wealth of nutrient reducing life.  The primary cause of an algae infested water body is excess nutrients in the water column.  Nitrogen, in a variety of forms, and phosphorus are the two leading culprits. Algal growth is limited by the availability of nutrients.  Some forms of algae are phosphorus limited while others are nitrogen limited.  In either case, removing excess nutrients from the water body eliminated the growth potential of algae. The wetland and riparian plant life adjacent to the pond removes both nitrogen and phosphorus through its growth cycle.

Allowing appropriate space for the marginal and wetland plants provides the natural system with the opportunity to naturally manage nutrients in the water feature. Additionally, the marginal planting areas provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of creatures.  The wetland pockets are prime environments for frogs and other amphibians as well as a variety of birds, and even aquatic insect life which promotes balance and natural waste management in the pond ecosystem.

Planting the right plant species in the right places around the pond can balance the long term water quality of the pond and make water quality management simple.  Additionally, many of the wetland plants that help to clarify pond water also produce brilliant flowers which add to the beauty of the pond setting.   

Contact us now for a detailed planting plan