 According to Scientific American, it takes 1,000 years to generate just three inches of topsoil. At the present rate of decay, the world only has a 60-year supply left to grow its food. Scientists blame climate change, bad farming habits, and erosion. On a smaller scale, the same damage is occurring to landscapes across the country, but there are ways to stop the soil on slopes and hillsides from washing away.
How Does Erosion Damage the Landscape? Erosion occurs when water, wind and gravity wash away soil from slopes and hillsides, making it harder for vegetation to grow and creating problems like these: 1. Loss of nutrients from heavy rains 2. Clogged drains in yards, pools and neighborhoods 3. Higher risk of flooding from clogged drains 4. Decline in air quality because of impurities in the soil 5. Accumulation of silt at the end of driveways 6. Damage to driveways and swimming pools 7. Unhealthy living conditions for marine life 8. Buildup of mud in creeks and streams Not all slopes are the same, and the fixes for hillside erosion range from simple to complex. Florida has a flat terrain, but its sandy soil is more likely to wash away than clay. Practices like planting grass and shrubs, building terraces, and improving drainage are effective but harder in some areas than others. Sizable areas or steep slopes may be more difficult, and professionals at one of the lake management companies in Florida can help. Five Ways to Stop Hillside Erosion 1. Mulching For a slope with less than a 33% grade, mulch can be used alone or with plants to keep dirt from washing away. A three-inch layer of weighty material, such as rock or shredded bark, works better than lighter options. 2. Planting groundcovers, grasses and shrubs Plants with varying root systems hold the soil together on slopes. Indigenous shrubs, grasses and groundcovers are popular because they’re hardy and easy to grow. Plants like creeping juniper and bougainvillea do well in tropical environments, and ferns thrive in shady areas. 3. Retaining walls and terraces A retaining wall provides rigid support for different levels of soil on each side. Concrete is the least expensive building material, and stone is a time-honored classic. Sometimes, retaining walls resemble stair steps, creating a terrace for vegetation at each level. 4. Erosion control blankets Erosion control blankets may be made from biodegradable materials like coco mats and straw, or they may be reinforced with polypropylene to make them last longer. When placed on a slope, they hold soil in place. 5. Sandbags Sandbags are used to divert the flow of water away from buildings, driveways and other areas. They can be used with plastic sheeting to make them more effective. If not contaminated, the bags can be dried out and stored for future use. Maintaining the stability of slopes improves appearance, increases property value, and makes it safe for wildlife. The best solution is the use of sustainable supplies that work with the natural features of the property.
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 From enhancing the aesthetics of a golf course to creating unique challenges for players, ponds are natural and excellent additions to any golfing venue. Of course, that’s only true when those ponds stay in good shape. If they become fouled, dank, drained or otherwise damaged, ponds can seriously detract from players’ enjoyment of even well-designed golf courses. Therefore, if you own a golf course, it’s in your best interests to make effective pond management a top priority. Learn more about pond management for golf courses in Florida, including standard methods for keeping these bodies of water in tiptop shape.
Benefits of Golf Pond Management It’s easy to assume that ponds and other natural bodies of water pretty much take care of themselves. Especially on a golf course, whose turf is fertilized, cut and tended to throughout the year, ponds can develop severe issues over time. From unsightly algal blooms to musty, unpleasant odors, ponds on even exceptionally well-maintained courses can fall victim to many significant problems. Rather than wait until such issues arise, golf course owners are wise to embrace proactive golf course pond management techniques. Some top examples of pond management techniques for golf courses include:
The techniques highlighted above are just the tip of the iceberg for golf course pond management. The right company can help you keep your Florida golf course pond in excellent shape through proactive pond management techniques, so make this a priority for your business as soon as possible.  The body of water on your property serves important purposes such as aiding in the proper redirection of stormwater away from buildings. People may also enjoy recreational activities such as fishing around the lake or pond. For the most part, you can trust that your water feature will serve these vital purposes for many years, but all bodies of water do require some maintenance. Oxygen is one of the most crucial elements for keeping bodies of water healthy, and there are several methods used for aeration that can help introduce it to the water. Exploring the different ways that dissolved oxygen can be introduced to your lake or pond gives you a starting point for improving your water maintenance plan.
Use Oxygen Saturation Technology to Hit the Sediment Getting to the bottom of water maintenance issues often involves going deep beneath the surface of the lake or pond. Low levels of oxygen can occur in the sediment where decaying matter has led to an overgrowth of bacteria. With this type of technology, oxygen is injected into the water where it can settle along the line where the sediment and water meet. This method has the benefit of adding five to 10 times more oxygen to the water compared to other types of aeration strategies. Install a Submersed Aerator This form of aeration is mostly undetectable from the surface of the water. Lake management companies in Florida place special equipment at the bottom of the water that use compressed air to create bubbles. As the bubbles move to the top of the lake or pond, the water can collect oxygen that it will bring back down as it sinks towards the ground. Add a Beautiful Floating Fountain Aeration can also improve the aesthetics of the waterbody, and everyone loves watching the water flow from a fountain on a warm, sunny day. While people take in the beauty of the flowing water, fountains are actually doing an important job. The water falling on the surface of the water generates turbulence that moves oxygen deeper into the water while allowing unwanted gases to rise to the top and escape into the air. Treat Smaller Bodies of Water With Nanobubble Technology For small or shallow waterbodies, it may be best to pump water through a special system that infuses it with microscopic bubbles. Oxygen is introduced to the aquatic environment as the bubble-filled water flows back into the lake or pond. Instead of rising to the surface, these tiny bubbles can float for several days. This allows for oxygen to continue to be introduced to the water over a longer period of time. An oxygen-rich body of water will appear clearer and have fewer weeds and algae growth clouding the surface. You’ll also find that proper aeration stimulates the healthy growth of fish populations and desirable plant life. If you’ve noticed that your lake or pond seems murky, emits a foul odor or has an overgrowth of algae, then aeration is an effective solution for solving many of your water-related problems.  With more than 7,700 lakes measuring more than 20 acres and countless pounds measuring 20 acres or less, Florida is a place that certainly enjoys its water bodies. Many of these are manmade and found on public property. Ponds can be a wonderful source of social and recreational activities, but it's important that they be managed properly and follow standard conservation principles in order. Otherwise, they could be harmful to the environment.
Florida's ponds and lakes provide plenty of opportunity for fishing, a popular recreational activity in these parts. These waterways are also great for hunting water fowl and bird watching. Many ponds are developed specifically for other purposes including swimming, drainage, irrigation, mining, livestock watering and residential development. It's important that some of these objectives may not be compatible with pond management meant for fish and wildlife. Knowledge of ecology, the study of living things and their relationship to the environment, is important to recreational pond management. You must understand that even the smallest change could adversely affect these complex relationships among organisms and their habitats. There are distinct levels on the water life food pyramid, ranging from algae to humans. Alligators, largemouth bass, and wading birds are also at the top. Each successive level feeds from the one below it. This interdependence must be sustained within your pond ecosystem in order to have a healthy ecosystem. Even something as seemingly mundane as the amount of algae in your pond can have significant effects on the wildlife in your pond. Too little sunlight can lead to dense algae blooms, which can take away the supply of dissolved oxygen needed for fish to live. Excessive fertility causes green ponds and harmful conditions for aquatic life. If your pond receives an abundance of nutrients, you may need to make changes to reduce or eliminate some sources. The quality of your pond water must be carefully maintained and monitored in order for the environment to be hospitable to the micro-organism, plant, fish and animal life within it. You need the right levels of pond productivity in order to feed the fish, which in turn are food for various forms of wildlife. Poor water quality results in lackluster pond production. You may notice muddied or cloudy water. This is known as turbidity. It's not necessarily a problem unless the water becomes too dark for adequate sunlight to penetrate. In such cases, measures will be needed to curb the problem. Such actions as planting vegetation to slow erosion and trees to serve as a buffer from wind can slow erosion, among other solutions. You must also be sure to support proper pH levels in your pond, typically between 6.0 to 8.0. Liming can increase low levels in order to protect pond productivity. Professional pond management companies in Florida have the knowledge and skill to cultivate the delicate conditions necessary to maintain a healthy and bountiful recreational pond. Acquiring expert assistance is an investment that can simplify your duties and result in greater success.  Most states require environmental control services for public and private water systems. Many local governments do not have the resources to fund non-profit regulatory agencies to provide these services. The Environmental Protection Agency has strict water quality standards that every state, county, and municipality must follow. Public agencies, private organizations, and residential communities will contact an environmental resource service company to clean and treat water systems to meet EPA standards.
There are many environmental resource service companies throughout Florida that clean and treat waterways to help improve living and workspaces. Crosscreek Environmental is one of the top lake and pond management companies in Florida. The company has nearly 15 years of servicing businesses, municipalities, residential areas, educational facilities, and private landowners throughout the state. Here is a summary of the services Crosscreek Environmental provides to businesses and residents in Florida. Lake and Pond Maintenance Services There are thousands of lakes and ponds covering millions of acres in Florida. Crosscreek Environmental has the technology and proven strategies to maintain lakes and ponds. Crosscreek will stabilize and preserve the shoreline of lakes and ponds and restore them to their natural condition. Routine maintenance services will prevent ecological issues and prevent shoreline erosion. Erosion Control Services Water and wind cause rock, soil, and dissolved materials to move from one location to another. Erosion causes structural damage to buildings and the loss of property. Crosscreek Environmental uses a non-invasive geo-tube erosion control system as a natural way to stabilize the ground to prevent erosion. Geo-tubes prevent shoreline degradation, helps to reestablish native plants and grasses, and form a natural barrier along the shoreline to prevent erosion. Installing geo-tubes have a minimal impact on the environment. Shoreline Restoration Services Waves, inclement weather, and storm run-off cause shoreline erosion and destabilization. Crosscreek Environmental uses the latest equipment to restore and stabilize lake and pond shorelines. Wetland Mitigation Services A wetland mitigation specialist needs to know the right way to protect sensitive plants and animals of lakes and ponds. Crosscreek Environmental provides several wetland mitigation services in addition to shoreline stabilization and protection against erosion. Other wetland mitigation services include: • Littoral shelf planting • Water quality restoration and enhancement with natural biochar • Wetland beauty enhancement and aesthetics Dredging and Debris Removal Services Sediment and debris will build up in lakes, ponds, and other water sources over time. This buildup can contaminate these water sources and damage plants and wildlife. Crosscreek Environmental uses a dredge to loosen and remove accumulated material, reconfigure waterways and increase their depth, re-open channels, and more. Florida has millions of acres of freshwater wetlands. Crosscreek Environmental offers many services to help keep these waterways clean and healthy for businesses and residential areas throughout the state. Crosscreek Environmental provides services to commercial properties, apartment complexes, homeowner’s associations, golf courses, private landowners, and many more. Contact Crosscreek Environmental today to speak with an expert and get a quote.  Algae are the nemesis of just about every property owner who has a water feature in their landscaping design. While there are many different types of algae, one of the most notable ones is the kind that you’ll see floating on the surface of the water. In the past, you may have heard this be referred to as pond scum, and you might have even noticed that it can spread rapidly within just a few days. This green, stringy mess is actually filamentous algae, and learning more about the plant can help you to develop a battle plan for keeping the water on your property clean and clear.
What Exactly Is Filamentous Green Algae? This type of algae is different from the single-celled type that also inhabits the water. Filamentous algae starts off as tiny microscopic plants that start to link up and form those long filaments, or strings, that you see floating around. Typically, these plants start growing on the surface of hard rocks and other objects in and around the pond. They can also break free from surfaces and begin to float around on the top of the water in large mats. These big mats can block sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond, which can contribute to further stagnation. What Causes This Type of Algae to Accumulate? Unlike plants that grow in soil, algae lacks roots. This means that the plant must get all of its nutrients from the water. A sudden bloom of this type of algae typically means that there is an overabundance of certain nutrients in the water. This often happens when storm runoff carries fertilizer that is filled with nitrogen and phosphorus into the water where it feeds the algae. Is Filamentous Green Algae Harmful to Humans? For the most part, filamentous green algae is more of an eyesore than harmful to people. However, you will want to be cautious around algae until you know for sure what type it is. Certain types of filamentous algae are toxic, and lake management companies in Florida can help you to identify which type is floating around in your pond or lake. How Do You Control Floating Algae? Large amounts of this type of algae decomposing in the water can lead to bacterial overgrowth that can eventually choke out the aquatic ecosystem. You can immediately start controlling filamentous green algae by using caution with fertilizer around the lake or pond. Then, you’ll need to implement several other mitigation strategies that include removing the mats from the water’s surface and improving the water circulation. In serious cases, an algaecide can be used to eliminate actively growing plants. Healthy ponds often have some degree of mild algae growth that is important for a thriving ecosystem. The problem with algae begins when there are large blooms that start to impact the oxygen levels in the water. Filamentous algae are often responsible for fish die off and other issues that impact lake and pond health. Making algae control an active part of your pond or lake maintenance plan helps you to improve the aesthetics and overall health of the water feature on your property.  New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and that means that you may already be thinking about making a few resolutions. If you’re tired of making the same goal to lose weight and eat healthier every year, then it is time to think up a few new ones. This year, you can turn your focus to the outside of your property where you likely spend a great deal of your time. Resolving to keep your pond healthy throughout each season provides these benefits for your upcoming year.
Contribute to Improving an Entire Ecosystem As you may have noticed, your pond is its own unique little world. There may be fish swimming around in the water that depend upon the proper mix of nutrients to keep them alive. You’ll also notice a variety of plants that grow both in and around the water that help to keep everything in balance. Small insects and other critters also rely on the pond for water and food sources. While it may seem like a small thing, your efforts to improve your pond has an impact upon a large part of the environment. Prevent Potentially Damaging Nuisances From Developing A stagnant pond is more than just an unsightly mess. Your pond can turn into a potentially hazardous situation if you don’t take steps to mitigate common problems. Ponds that accumulate too much debris may not have the proper oxygen levels to prevent algae and other types of unwanted growth that contributes to that rotten egg smell. Mosquitoes also love stagnant ponds for reproducing, which could lead to your pond contributing to the spread of disease in your community. Lake management companies in Florida can help you to clean up a deteriorating pond with strategies such as increasing the aeration and cleaning up sludge so that your water feature is a positive part of the community. Create a Peaceful Oasis On Your Property While preventing pests and odors is important for protecting others in your community, you might also want to consider how caring for your pond can improve your mental health. Spending time outside by a body of water has a relaxing effect that can help you to deal with life’s daily stresses. In fact, keeping your pond healthy can help you to meet your other resolutions. When you have a beautiful clear pond on your property, you’ll be more likely get outside and soak up the sunshine. You’ll also have the perfect place to use as a quiet sanctuary that you can go to at the end of a hectic day. The beginning of each new year represents a fresh start when you can begin to focus on making those important improvements that you might have put off in the past. Making pond management a priority in your life this upcoming year provides many benefits for your property as well as your general health. Now that you’ve made your resolution, you can get a jumpstart on making sure that you can celebrate achieving your goal.  Many property owners start out believing that a natural body of water will take care of itself on its own. After all, ponds have existed for many years in the wild, and it seems like they should naturally maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem. The issue is that ponds don’t always take care of themselves when they exist on inhabited land. Chemical run off from landscaping projects and changing weather conditions can cause ponds to start to fail. Even human activity such as fishing or picnicking near the area can alter a pond’s health. Figuring out if working with a pond management company is worth the investment is easy when you consider these benefits that regular maintenance provides.
Improve Drainage Around Your Property Ponds are frequently used as a collection site for stormwater runoff. This provides a more aesthetic way to redirect water away from your property, but it might stop working if the perimeter of the water develops too many weeds or other types of debris. A maintenance plan can help you keep the entry points to the pond open so that the feature can do its primary job of protecting the rest of your property. Avoid Potential Public Nuisance Violations An unhealthy pond in the wild might go unnoticed except for the occasional hiker or person who wants to go fishing. However, they can become a major nuisance in populated areas. A failing pond often develops a foul odor that is noticeable from many yards away. Mosquitos and other pests are also drawn to stagnant water. If you live in an area with an HOA or other community governing bodies, then ignoring an unhealthy pond could land you in hot water with your neighbors. Lake management companies in Florida can help you keep the water in good condition so that you can avoid hefty fines and public embarrassment. Create an Attractive Recreational Oasis Take a moment to really look at your pond and think about ways that you can improve it. Perhaps your pond is stagnant due to poor water and air circulation. Adding a fountain can turn your pond into a major focal point. When the pond is regularly maintained, you can also look forward to going there to fish, ride your bike or even enjoy a picnic with your family. Being able to turn your pond into a recreational feature makes the investment in a maintenance company worth every penny. Increase Real Estate and Property Values A poorly maintained pond can send your home or commercial property’s value plummeting down the drain, but sprucing it up can send it soaring. If you plan to sell your property anytime soon, then you’ll want to make sure that the pond is in good shape. This initial investment in the pond can yield you thousands of dollars more in the asking price you set for your property down the road. Planning to revive an unhealthy pond several weeks in advance of a property sale is best for getting the most out of your investment since it gives the treatments time to work. An effective pond management plan begins with water testing and treatments to restore clarity and cleanliness. Then, you’ll work with a technician to develop an ongoing maintenance plan that reduces weeds and keeps any fish in the pond healthy and at manageable numbers. With a little time and professional assistance, you can have a water feature on your property that you are proud to show off to the community.  Your community's stormwater pond plays an essential role. They provide a beautiful focal point for your neighborhood, as well as a place for residents to enjoy recreation and social activities. They also serve some very practical purposes. Stormwater ponds collect and store runoff from heavy storms. They also aid in the improvement of water quality. They can prevent flooding to downstream waterways and even reduce pollution.
People may not be aware of the benefits of stormwater ponds, but they most certainly notice when problems arise such as an overgrowth of algae and weeds or the disappearance of water life. The underlying conditions that lead to these issues can be hard to determine, especially by those without understanding of stormwater management. If your community is struggling with such problems, read on to learn why monitoring the structure of your stormwater pond is so important and how you can improve the situation. Bodies of water like lands and ponds are often man made to serve various purposes such as irrigation, recreational use, drinking water and more. Stormwater management is a crucial need in residential communities, and your stormwater pond can do a great job of maintaining water levels in order to avoid flooding. These bodies of water do require specific care to thrive. A stormwater maintenance facility is needed in order to properly filter away debris and regulate water levels. Regular monitoring can detect problems such as structural damage, water loss, and algae bloom that can be costly to repair. Responsibility for this upkeep typically lies with pond owners. Understanding your community's specific duties associated with pond management can be quite a challenge, especially when responsibility is shared with a governmental entity or locality. Your community's Stormwater Maintenance Agreement that breaks down these responsibilities is usually located with your locality if you don't have a copy within your organization. Seeking the support of stormwater management companies in Florida can help you to better take care of your responsibilities. These professionals understand what is needed for proper pond upkeep. They also know how to best meet inspection requirements. They can inspect your stormwater management facility on a regular basis, including any pipes that are present, in order to detect potential issues before they become big problems. The detection of such problems allows them to be proactively addressed, rather than waiting for a costly disaster to occur. Your stormwater maintenance company is able to perform comprehensive monitoring and annual assessments to discover any concerns and determine solutions specific to the problem. Aeration, nanobubble technology, aquatic weed and algae management, strategic erosion control, nutrient remediation and biological augmentation are just some of the techniques such experts can apply. They will keep your community's unique needs, goals, and budget in mind in order to develop customized strategies that address and rectify presenting concerns, saving you money and frustration over the course of time.  Murky lake water isn’t just an eyesore; it’s usually a sign of serious underlying issues. Therefore, if the water in your pond or lake has become turbid, cloudy, or murky, it’s crucial to enlist the help of lake management companies in Florida right away. Through techniques like aeration, shoreline stabilization and hydro-raking, cloudy water issues can be resolved quickly and effectively, ensuring that your lake or pond remains a positive asset.
Why Does Lake and Pond Water Get Murky? Everyone loves a clear, sparkling pond or lake. When the water becomes cloudy, murky and stagnant, however, the pond or lake becomes more of a liability. This issue is often a sign of high sediment levels, which are triggered by things like pollution and erosion. In addition to being unsightly, murky water is a haven for foul odors, nuisances like mosquitoes and the overgrowth of invasive weeds. As excess sediment builds up in the water, muck starts accumulating at the bottom. This muck largely consists of algae, fertilizers, lawn clippings and plants whose decomposition has been inhibited, and that usually happens when dissolved oxygen levels are too low. How to Resolve Murky Pond or Lake Water Issues Since low levels of dissolved oxygen in lakes and ponds play a major role in the development of cloudy, murky water, introducing more oxygen can effectively combat the problem. Lake management companies in Florida use solutions like floating fountains and submerged aerators to integrate and circulate more oxygen into ponds and lakes. Floating fountains aerate and circulate water near the surface while submerged aerators integrate water and oxygen movement from the bottom up, helping to resort the balance of the overall water column. As useful as adding more dissolved oxygen can be for combating murky water, it does nothing to directly address large buildups of muck at the bottom of lakes and ponds. However, a cutting-edge technique called, oxygen saturation technology, or OST, can expedite the breakdown of accumulated sludge by introducing oxygen directly into it. Hydro-raking, which involves using a floating barge with a backhoe to scoop massive amounts of muck and debris from the bottom of lakes and ponds, is one of the most effective ways to keep the issue in check. The debris is piled along the banks of the pond or lake where it can decompose more readily. Other techniques can be used to address existing murky water issues and to ward off future ones. For example, native, deep-rooted buffer plants can be planted around a lake or pond to stabilize the shoreline and reducing erosion. These plants also help filter polluted runoff from rainstorms, keeping many pollutants from reaching the water. Weakened banks can be stabilized with tools like knitted mesh, which is used to anchor and reshape eroding shorelines. Another solution, nutrient remediation, involves introducing products that bind to excess nutrients in the water. This keeps them from promoting the growth of unsightly algal blooms, which are driven by planktonic algae. |
AuthorAt Crosscreek Environmental, we believe in providing a comprehensive, environmentally friendly approach in creating solutions to maintain the beauty and health of Florida's ponds, lakes, wetlands, and shorelines. We use the B.E.S.T.™ geo-tube solution and are one of the best geo-tube solution providers in the state of Florida. Archives
January 2022
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