Getting Water Features Ready for Winter
Winter is on its way and its icy grasp can easily damage water features in your garden. Water expands 8% when it freezes. This expansion packs enough force to crack solid rock! Over time repeated freeze / thaw cycles create a process called frost wedging. We definitely need to keep this in mind when getting our water features ready for winter.
Here at Bob’s we offer a wide selection of bird baths. Due to its porosity, concrete bird baths are especially susceptible to cracking when frozen. Unless your bird bath is designed for winter use (a topic for another blog post) you’ll want to drain it, thoroughly clean it, and dry it long before freezing temperatures arrive.
If possible, move your bird bath to a protected garage or shed; however, if it is too heavy to be moved, cover it with plastic. Tip the basin over on the pedestal or set a bowl or bucket upside-down in it to prevent water collection. Then cover it with thick plastic sheets and secure them around the pedestal. It might not be attractive, but it will protect it from those destructive freeze / thaw cycles.
In much the same way fountains also need to be protected. Along with draining, cleaning, and covering them with plastic, you also want to pay particular attention to the plumbing of the fountain. If you fountain has a removable pump, it is best to drain it and bring it inside to prevent ice damage. For pumps and lines that can’t be removed, blowing them out with compressed air is a great option. As a last resort, propylene glycol-based, non-toxic antifreeze rated for RV water systems can be used.
Lastly, we have water features with plants and fish, like koi. This makes winter preparation a bit trickier. If your pond features a waterfall or stream, turning it off and draining the stream is a good idea. Ice can easily damage rocks in shallow streams. This is also an excellent time to clean filters, remove dead plant debris, and deal with any water quality issues.
A “Koi Castle”
Fish require some extra care during the winter months. As the water temperature drops in the fall, fish metabolism slows down. This means they will need less food. When the water temperature drops to below 60○F, you should only feed your fish two to three times per week. Then, when the water temperature drops below 50○F, you should stop feeding completely until the water temperature returns to levels above 50○F in the spring.
Protect your fish. With their slower metabolism and the lack of plant cover, fish are an easy target for raccoons, birds, and other critters. Netting over your pond will both protect them and also keep out falling leaves. Also, adding a shelter like a “koi castle” can give them a place to hide.
As organic matter decomposes in your pond, it can produce methane and other toxic gases. If these get trapped under the ice for more than a few days, the buildup can easily kill your fish. It is important to keep at least a small area free of ice; however, do not break the ice. The resulting shock waves from breaking the ice can hurt or even kill your fish. A floating pond de-icer will do the trick. Most are designed to turn on when the water temperature drops below 40F. They can also be used to keep small ponds from freezing sold, allowing you to keep your fish alive.
Winter should not be considered as only negation and destruction. It is a secret and inward working of powers, which in spring will burst into visible activity.
-Henry James Slack (1818-1896), The Ministry of the Beautiful
Photos via pxHere.