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Ponds are a lovely addition to any garden and can provide a rich habitat for a range of wildlife. However, without care ponds can soon become an eyesore with overgrown plants, weeds and water that is unhealthy for fish and other wildlife. Occasional cleaning and regular maintenance are required.
All ponds need regular maintenance to prevent them silting up and turning into bog gardens.
Small ponds need a complete overhaul to remove debris every five years, while large ponds need thorough cleaning every 10 years.
The best time to clean ponds is in late autumn when many creatures are less active. See our separate page for more on maintaining a wildlife pond. Below are some tips on general garden pond care:
In late spring, pond algae and weed growth can be rife. There are various ways of controlling and preventing these problems. If you have a large pond with a serious weed or algal problem, then you may choose to contact a contractor or specialist centre for advice.
Centre for Aquatic Plant Management National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC)
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.