See All Pond Management

In the winter, the water gets much colder, and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period. This can lead to what is called "winterkill."

Pond leaks are a very common pond management problem in Pennsylvania. This article introduces the steps for determining if a pond is leaking and tips for repairing leaks.

Duckweed and watermeal are free-floating aquatic plants that are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. They are usually found in nutrient-rich ponds with stagnant or little flow.

Fish kills are common in many ponds. This article describes common reasons for fish kills in different seasons.

Coontail is a common aquatic plant in Pennsylvania ponds and lakes. It has whorls of stiff leaves that get more compact toward the end of the stem.

This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control.

Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae.

Dozens of fish species are suitable for stocking in Pennsylvania ponds, but some species are usually more successful than others.

The European Water chestnut has nothing to do with the edible variety. It is a rooted aquatic plant that can dominate ponds, shallow lakes, and rivers.

Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long.

This article discusses some of the critical components of a typical pond that should be identified and inspected before tackling pond management issues.

One of more than 20 pondweed species (Potamogetons) that occur in Pennsylvania, this invasive plant from Europe frequently grows to nuisance levels in ponds.

One of the most common native, submerged pond plants in Pennsylvania.

Different species of filamentous algae exist, but all have a similar growth habit. These algae begin growth in the winter and early spring on the pond bottom.

Eurasian Milfoil is an invasive, nonnative plant with long stems, often reaching the surface, with feather-like leaves in whorls of 4 or 5 around the stem.

Planktonic algae floats in the water column and can sometimes be confused with muddy water. It causes the water to look green, brown, or reddish in color.

The links below provide a listing of aquatic or wetland plants considered to be noxious weeds by the federal government or Pennsylvania.

Ponds naturally attract diverse wildlife. Their presence provides significant benefits but presents management challenges at times.

This document describes parameters included in the Penn State pond/lake water test kit to help pond owners detect common water quality problems.

Over half of Pennsylvania pond owners have reported having issues with overabundant aquatic plants and algae. This article outlines several strategies for preventing nuisance algae and aquatic plant problems in farm ponds.

This common aquatic plant is a part of many Pennsylvania pond ecosystems.

This information is intended to help select native aquatic plant alternatives and avoid invasive plant species. This guide is intended as a portable reference.

Unwanted, overabundant aquatic plant and algae growth is one of the most common management issues pond owners face.

A pond is a source of tranquility and natural beauty in your outdoor space, but it can also be a source of concern, especially for families with young children.

These commonly-encountered snakes are a part of the pond ecosystem.