As the colorful foliage of fall settles in, it’s time to prepare your lake or pond for the colder months. At Jones Lake Management, we specialize in keeping your waterbody healthy throughout the year, and fall is a critical time to take proactive steps. Here’s your essential fall checklist to ensure your lake or pond remains beautiful and balanced, while also promoting its long-term health.
1. Fall Fish Stocking
Fall is an excellent time to stock fish, as cooler water temperatures allow fish to adjust more easily to their new environment. Adding the right species can improve the overall health of your pond by balancing the ecosystem, controlling unwanted vegetation, and enhancing recreational fishing.
Our Solution: Fall is an especially important time to supplement your forage base with fathead minnows, golden shiners and bluegill sunfish. A robust forage base is the key to a healthy fishery and growing trophy-sized largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. We offer native fish stocking services tailored to your pond or lake's needs. Our biologists can select the best species, sizes and quantities based on your waterbody's current fishery and goals, to promote a thriving and well-balanced ecosystem throughout the year.
2. Cattail Removal
Cattails, while a common sight in wetlands, ponds and lakes, can quickly become a problem if left unchecked. These tall, dense plants can dominate the shoreline, clogging waterways and creating ecological imbalance as they outcompete native wetland plants. Selective herbicides are generally used to prevent them from spreading and causing bigger issues in the future, but this does little for the build of dead material.
Our Solution: Jones Lake Management offers a two step cattail management approach. Selective herbicides are used to control the plant, but leave behind spent foliage that can take years to fully decompose, resulting in an accumulation of dead matter that forms thick mats. In the fall and winter, our biologists recommend our cattail removal service to restore the aesthetics and the functional value of your waterbody, and protect your pond or lake from a buildup of excess nutrients.
3. Fountain and Aerator Winterization
If you live in an area that experiences sustained freezing temperatures, one of the most critical tasks is preparing your fountain and aeration systems for winter. If left in the water, these systems are at risk of ice buildup, which can cause significant damage. When ice forms on and around fountains or aerators, it can strain motors, put excess stress on the float, crack components, and lead to costly repairs—or even require full replacements.
Our Solution: At Jones Lake Management, we provide comprehensive fountain and aerator winterization services. Our technicians will remove the unit from your lake or pond, inspect and clean the unit, and store them for the winter in a heated and insured facility to prevent ice-related damage. Winterizing your equipment now ensures that it’s in top condition and ready to perform efficiently when warm weather returns.
4. Beneficial Microbes to Promote Leaf Litter Decomposition
As leaves fall into your lake or pond, they can decompose and lead to an overabundance of nutrients. This excessive nutrient load promotes algae growth, poor water clarity, and muck buildup. To combat this, introducing beneficial microbes can help accelerate the breakdown of organic matter.
Our Solution: We recommend Aqua-Tron and Waste and Sludge Reducer, two powerful microbial products that naturally aid in the decomposition of organic material. Aqua-Tron enhances water clarity and reduces nutrient levels, while Waste and Sludge Reducer specifically targets muck and organic sludge buildup. These microbes are an eco-friendly way to maintain your pond’s health through the fall and winter, reducing the risk of foul odors and poor water quality.
5. Get Out and Enjoy Your Pond
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to enjoy your lake or pond. The crisp air, cooler temperatures, and stunning colors of the changing leaves make for a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you love fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, now is the time to make the most of your water body before winter sets in.
Our Tip: Your well-maintained lake or pond can be a retreat for you, your family, and your friends. Whether you’re fishing for bass, enjoying a picnic by the water, or taking in the seasonal beauty, make sure to get outside and appreciate the benefits of a well-cared-for water body. Jones Lake Management is here to ensure that your lake or pond remains healthy and beautiful for all your outdoor activities year-round.
6. Plan Ahead: Work with Our Biologists for Next Season
Fall is the ideal time to start planning for the upcoming year. Developing a proactive strategy with our expert biologists allows you to get ahead of any potential issues, from vegetation management to water quality improvements.
Our Solution: Our team of biologists can work with you to develop a customized management plan based on your lake or pond’s specific needs. Whether you’re looking to improve water quality, introduce new species, or control unwanted vegetation, we’ll create a plan that ensures your pond remains healthy and beautiful throughout the seasons.
At Jones Lake Management, we’re dedicated to providing year-round solutions for maintaining healthy and vibrant ponds and lakes. Don’t wait until spring to address potential problems—take action now with our fall lake and pond management services. Let’s get your pond ready for fall and set the stage for a successful, beautiful spring. Contact us today!
