Should I Be Managing My Pond Myself?

Owning property with a private pond means you always have a relaxing spot to go when you want to enjoy nature, fish or simply sit back and enjoy some peace and quiet. While a private pond is a wonderful amenity for any living space, managing a private pond can become difficult rather quickly.

Challenges in Pond Management
Although nature takes care of a lot of the day-to-day issues of pond management in the wild, a private pond doesn’t always experience the same cycles as ponds found out in nature. This is because many private ponds are either man-made structures or they are cut off from ecological factors like streams and rivers.

The Loss of Natural Habitat
In either case, the loss of natural habitat can make it more difficult to handle things like stocking a pond, cleaning a pond and ensuring that the pond’s structure doesn’t damage nearby land and other natural resources. This is even more of a challenge if your pond has an artificial water source that pumps fresh water in or if it has a man-made liner that develops a crack or a leak. In the latter case, the pond may need to be drained completely or divers may need to be sent in to find and fix any damage.

Are You Able to Clean Your Pond Sufficiently and Safely?
Additionally, if your private pond is near a roadway, debris and even litter from passing vehicles can lead to pollution concerns. Regular cleaning of your pond may be necessary to remove debris and litter, and in some cases, pond management may require you to hire professional cleaners to dredge the bottom of the pond to remove contaminants and debris.

Trespassers Can Be a Burden and a Potential Legal Threat
You may also experience trespassers on your property who may not realize that your pond is private. This presents a safety risk to you, your property and to any people who wander onto your property. If someone is injured on your property and your pond has not been clearly marked, you may also face liability for injuries or other legal issues.

Alternatives to Managing a Pond on Your Own
It’s certainly not impossible to manage a pond on your own, but the challenges you may face in doing so can take up a lot of your time. You may find that hiring a pond management company makes more sense as these companies employ professionals experienced in handling all types of challenges to pond health.

Pond management companies in Florida and other parts of the country where warm weather is common typically have the tools necessary to not only handle man-made pond concerns, but they can also work with land owners who have natural ponds on their property.

Whether you’re in a rural region like North Central Florida or you’re in more populated areas like Orlando or Jacksonville, pond management companies in Florida are going to be able to provide experienced service due to the state’s climate and number of homes with private pond ownership. If you’re unsure about your ability to handle all that managing a pond entails, it may be time to contact a professional.