The best time to set your lake or pond up for a clean spring is right now, in Autumn. Waste sitting on the bottom, buffers that haven’t been cut back, and drainage systems clogged with fall debris all get harder and more expensive to deal with once the ground freezes. These four steps will help you prepare for a Spring with fewer chances of the algae blooms and erosion problems.
1. Remove Dense Populations of Aquatic Plants
Removing dense aquatic plants this fall, before they die back and settle to the bottom, keeps that material from decomposing during winter and feeding algae the moment the water warms. ILM amphibious equipment, like the Truxor, handles the heavy lifting now, while conditions such as water levels and shoreline access are optimal.
2. Nutrient Deactivation
Nutrient deactivation treatments applied this fall can help bind-up phosphorus in the water and sediment before it has all winter to build up. This helps lock away excessive Phosphorus by the time spring temperatures trigger algae growth. Treating now, ahead of freezing temperatures, also allows the process time to work before the next wave of nutrients arrives with spring runoff.
3. Mow or Burn Buffers
A native plant buffer planted around the perimeter of a stormwater pond helps slow and filter water before it enters the pond. Deep roots of native plants anchor the soil, preventing shoreline erosion. Once the growing season winds down and plants begin to go dormant in late fall, it’s the ideal time to mow back or conduct a prescribed burn. This clears out old growth and gives buffers a clean start when spring arrives.
4. Check Culverts for Proper Draining
Before leaves pile up and the ground freezes, autumn is the easiest time to catch a clogged culvert or blocked inlet grate. Crews can still access inlets without fighting frozen ground or a rush of spring meltwater. A quick inspection now costs far less than an emergency repair once flooding starts.
