Ponds, waterfalls, and fountains can create a dazzling landscape in the warmer months, but once Minnesota weather arrives, they’ll need to be ready for freezing temperatures. When water features are allowed to freeze, the resulting ice can damage vital equipment and ruin the integrity of the structure. Fortunately, there are many ways you can safeguard these elements so that they’ll survive through the season. To help you maintain your outdoor area, here are a few steps you should take to winterize your water features.

How Do You Care for Water Features in Freezing Temperatures?

Trim Plants

Trim excess growth of any plants in deeper water features—such as ponds. If they overgrow, plants can deplete oxygen from the water and contribute to destructive algae growth. Since tropical plants won’t survive in the icy weather, it’s best to bring them indoors for the season.

Drain & Store Smaller Features

Smaller features—such as birdbaths and fountains—aren’t deep enough to prevent water from freezing. As such, they should be fully drained before the temperatures drop.

If the feature has removable components—such as bowls—it’s best to put them in a shed or garage until spring. If you can’t move the structure, place a tarp or other cover over it to shield it from dirt, pests, and precipitation.

Put Away Pumps or Prepare Them for Winter

Ice can place extreme pressure on water pumps and cause them to break. That’s why, as a general maintenance rule, homeowners should remove, drain, and store these devices until the spring.

However, if you do want to keep your water feature running to enhance your winter outdoor living experience, you’ll need to know how to protect your pump. If your feature isn’t heated, you’ll need to watch the pump regularly for ice dams and ensure that the water is flowing as it should.  

Make Adjustments for Fish  

If you keep koi fish in your pond, they should start to hibernate once the temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Since their metabolism will slow, you won’t need to feed them. However, you should make sure they continue to get oxygen by adding a bubbler or aerator to the pond.

Providing comprehensive landscaping services in Clearwater, MN, JK Landscape Construction knows how to prepare yards for the winter. As temperatures dip, you can count on these professionals to offer insight on how to care for your water features and plant life during the off-season. They’re also equipped to handle many other winter needs—such as snow removal, ice control, and beach sand shoreline restoration. To learn more about their year-round services and high-quality water feature design solutions, visit this specialist online. For estimates or service requests, call (320) 558-4445.