Gardeners are being urged to check their water this May ahead of the upcoming summer. Experts have issued advice to people with ponds which will prevent further issues down the line.
Although algae are important members of the pond ecosystem, they are unattractive and potentially harmful. It’s important for gardeners to get rid of excessive algae and prevent its growth. Experts say their growth is dependant on a number of factors, including light, temperatures and nutrient type in the pond.
Some algae cause pond water to turn green or brown. Most species occur in the late spring and summer, which makes the start of May the perfect time for gardeners to act.
The Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: “Algal blooms and mats can harm a pond by shading out and preventing other submerged or floating-leaved plants from getting established. Algal mats may prevent oxygen mixing into the water, thus lowering available oxygen for invertebrates, fish and other pond life.
“Decaying algae further deoxygenates the water and algal mats can block up inflows and outflows. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can poison wildlife.
The experts recommend making sure your pond has a number of submerged plants that compete with alage for nutrients. They also say that up to a quarter of the pond’s surface should be shaded to prevent the growth of algae.
If you have an excessive amount of algae or pondweed, then you may have to scoop it out. These plants block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels which cause problems for fish.
However, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust advises people to double check that what they are pulling out is algae. Some species can be easily confused with small floating plants.
These plants are often found in sheltered ponds where the water quality is good. They can be very beneficial for ponds as they provide shade, filter water and provide food for fish.