As the Texas heat begins to ease and the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time to shift your pond care routine. At Stonebridge, we’ve built, maintained, and transformed ponds across the Hill Country for years, and we know that fall brings its own unique challenges—and opportunities—for keeping your water feature healthy, clear, and beautiful.
Here are our top seasonal tips to help your pond thrive this fall:
1. Check Your Skimmer More Often
Fall leaves can be beautiful—but they’re a challenge for ponds. Your skimmer is the first line of defense, capturing floating debris before it sinks to the bottom and starts to decompose.
As the trees drop leaves faster than you might expect, it’s essential to empty your skimmer basket more frequently this season—sometimes daily if you have large oaks or maples nearby. A clean skimmer keeps water circulating properly and reduces organic buildup, which in turn helps prevent algae and keeps your pond healthy for fish and plants.
2. Remove Debris From Streams and Waterfall Basins
Leaves and plant matter don’t just fall in your main pond—they can collect in streams, spillways, and pondless waterfall basins. Before winter sets in, rinse out debris from these areas to ensure water continues flowing smoothly and your pumps don’t work harder than necessary.
3. Trim Yellowing Leaves and Spent Plants
By late fall, many aquatic plants naturally begin to yellow or die back. Trimming these leaves not only keeps your pond looking tidy but also prevents decaying matter from adding excess nutrients to your water, which can fuel algae blooms.
4. Pause Fertilization Until Spring
Now is the time to stop fertilizing pond plants and let them go dormant. This break allows the ecosystem to stabilize and prepares plants for a strong spring growth cycle.
5. Schedule a Service Visit if Needed
Even experienced pond owners benefit from a professional eye. If you’re unsure about debris buildup, skimmer performance, or plant care this fall, call the Stonebridge team for a seasonal service visit. A little preventive maintenance now can save you headaches and keep your pond looking its best all year.
Fall Is a Great Time for Pond Health
A little attention in the cooler months goes a long way. By following these simple steps—checking skimmers frequently, clearing debris, trimming plants, and knowing when to call in the pros—you’ll keep your pond balanced, beautiful, and ready for the year ahead.
At Stonebridge, we specialize in keeping Austin-area ponds thriving through every season. From seasonal tips to full-scale maintenance, we’re here to make sure your water feature stays clear, healthy, and stunning no matter what the Hill Country weather brings.