Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Aquascaping Your Stormwater Pond


Aquascaping is simply landscaping the shoreline of ponds with aquatic and wetland plants. Aquascaped ponds and lakes have fewer problems than those without aquascaping. Desirable vegetation will filter polluted runoff, trap sediments, control the growth of nuisance vegetation and help make the pond visually pleasing. Aquatic plants pump oxygen into the water and create habitats by providing cover and nurseries for fish and other organisms. More importantly, vegetated shorelines help improve water quality.


Choose desirable, low-maintenance plants to aquascape your stormwater pond. Not all plants are good for aquascaping, and the removal of prohibited or invasive plants can be difficult. Associations are advised to contact a reputable pond management company for most vegetation management programs. Well-managed stormwater ponds can serve as an amenity to a community and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and vegetation.


A vegetated buffer of native plants along the fringe of the pond can be used to attract wading

birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Vegetation along the banks can also make the pond more attractive.

Aquatic plants are essential to the balance in the stormwater pond ecosystem. Certain plants protect pond slope by minimizing erosion, while floating plants and algae consume nutrients in the pond. However, without proper management, aquatic plants become unsightly and degrade the overall quality of the pond.


Should you have any questions or would like more information please contact the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Coordinator in Manatee County at MichelleAtkinson@ufl.edu. Check out WaterMatters.org for detailed stormwater pond information.


No comments: