Asked By: Richard, Davenport, IA
A: Colorful fall leaves are beautiful, but once they start falling, they can be a hassle—especially when you have a backyard pond. When they drop into the water, they turn it into leaf tea, add to the nutrient load, and as they break down, build up as muck on the pond bottom.
A net is your best option for protecting your pond from leaves. The type that will work best for you will depend on how you answer these questions:
- What types of leaves are you battling? If you have trees with small needles or leaves, like locust or pine, you'll need a small mesh net — like Fine Mesh Netting — to catch all those tiny needles while still allowing sun to shine through. If you have larger leaves, like maple or oak, go with a stronger net that can handle their weight, like Premium Protective Netting.
- How concerned are you about your water garden's aesthetic appeal? If you want something that will shelter your pond while allowing you to enjoy the view, check out some Economy Netting or Premium Pond Netting. They're both easy to install, and they won't block your view—but you will have to keep the leaves cleaned off to prevent the net from sagging. If you have a heavier leaf load, however, you might require a stronger net, like one of our Pond Cover Nets. Your view won't be as naturalistic, but the net will protect your pond and reduce your extra fall chores.
- How long do you hope to use the net? Sometimes, a quick-fix, inexpensive solution is what you need. In that case, plastic Economy Netting designed for single-season use fits the bill. Cover your pond for the season, and when the snow starts falling, remove it and toss it. If you're looking for something you can use season after season, however, consider Premium Protective Netting or netting with sturdy framework. It might cost more initially, but its durability will pay for itself in the long run.
With several different netting options there is one to fit just about any pond owner's needs, choose one that'll keep your pond leaf free.
Last Updated: May 16, 2024