As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler here in Minnesota, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your pond for fall. September is a key month, it gives you the chance to stay ahead of falling leaves, string algae, and dropping water temperatures before they create problems. At Pond King Water Gardens, we’ve been helping clients throughout the Twin Cities with seasonal pond care for over a decade. Here’s our guide to keeping your Minnesota pond healthy and low-maintenance as we head into the colder months.

While your pond is still running strong and the water is warm, it’s the best time to perform a light cleanup:
– Remove string algae
– Trim back aquatic plants and dead foliage before it falls into the pond
– Clear out your skimmer basket or intake bay regularly

If you notice debris settling at the bottom of the pond, use a long-handled net to scoop it out. If the water starts turning brown, that may be a sign of excessive organic matter. In that case, consider adding Aquascape Activated Pond Carbon or Clear for Ponds to help naturally clarify the water.

Pond King Tip: As fall winds pick up, leaf litter increases. Keeping your yard free of leaves helps prevent them from blowing into your pond. 

Our fall shutdown service includes:
– Some leaf and debris removal (We’ll net or hand-pull what we can, but most clients wait for spring to address what continues to blow in.)
– Pump removal
– Intake bay or skimmer cleanup
– Autofill line blowout (to prevent freezing and cracking)
– De-icer and aerator installation for ponds with fish

Optional: Pond netting is available for an added charge. For pondless waterfalls, we’ll do light debris removal, but most leaf buildup gets handled during spring startup.

As Minnesota temps drop, your fish’s metabolism slows. Adjusting their feeding routine is essential for their health.

– Water temps above 70°F – Feed a high-protein summer blend
– Water temps between 60–70°F – Switch to a cold water formula
– Water temps below 60°F – Stop feeding entirely

Pond King Tip: We recommend Aquascape Cold Water Fish Food Pellets for fall. While we don’t stock retail products, you can find them online or at local pond supply stores.

Netting your pond is an effective way to prevent excess leaves from turning into muck at the bottom of your pond, but it does take some planning.

If you choose to net:
– Install before leaves begin falling
– Use arched PVC pipes or frames to elevate the net, this popular method prevents sagging and keeps it above the waterline (but it’s not the only option)
– Remove the net after leaf drop to avoid damage from snow accumulation

If you decide not to net, stay active with maintenance:
– Skim daily with a leaf or fish net during peak drop
– Check your skimmer basket at least once a day depending on your surroundings & leaf load in the area
– Scoop out any leaves or debris that settle outside the basket

Pond King Tip: A clean yard is one of the easiest ways to reduce what ends up in your pond, especially on windy fall days.

As water temperatures drop below 50°F, your regular pond treatments may no longer be effective. That’s where Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria comes in. This specialized formula is designed for cold temps and helps break down organic debris over the fall and winter months.

We also recommend having Clear for Ponds or Activated Carbon on hand if your water becomes discolored due to leaves. These natural clarifiers can keep your pond looking its best, even late in the season.

You don’t need to shut your pond down just yet, but now is the time to start thinking ahead. If your pond has fish or lots of plant material, a proper winterization can save you a lot of hassle come spring.

Our Minnesota pond winterization services include:
– Some light leaf and debris removal
– Pump removal
– Autofill blowout
– Aerator and de-icer installation
– Optional netting

A well-maintained pond doesn’t happen by accident, it is the result of timely, proactive care & a properly built ecosystem. With a few smart steps this fall, you’ll set your water feature up for a smooth winter and an even better spring.

We proudly serve clients all across Lakeville, Prior Lake, Savage, Burnsville, and the entire Twin Cities metro area. At the time of writing this article, we are only able to offer fall shutdown services to the clients we’ve built for, with a few exceptions if we have extra availability. We hope to expand our services in the future.

Call us at 952-454-3101 or contact us online to book your fall pond service today.