Landscape & Urban Design Issue 71 2025 | Page 60

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

PREPARING PONDS AND

LAKES FOR AUTUMN :

THE IMPORTANCE OF AERATION

through aerobic bacteria , which consume the nitrogen , phosphorus , and nutrients that algae would otherwise thrive on .
If you need specialist guidance , lake and pond management experts Reesink Hydro-Scapes provide technical advice , symptoms check support , and , through its extensive dealer network , distribute Otterbine aerators .
For over 70 years , Otterbine have pioneered industry-leading aeration systems . Reliable and efficient , their technology promotes water circulation and oxygenation – both critical if you want to protect the health of your water bodies .
As the summer heat dissipates and autumn arrives , ponds and lakes go through subtle but quite significant changes . While natural and cyclical , these changes can profoundly impact your water and , if untreated , cause potential disturbances to its ecosystem .
For owners of lakes and ponds , now is the time to take proactive , preventative measures to maintain ( or , indeed , improve ) water quality . fall , resulting in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms . In these conditions , phosphorus , ammonium , and some metals are also released from sediment , which will increase algae production .
Resulting algal blooms don ’ t just reduce water clarity , they also absorb available oxygen and prevent plant life from growing , causing the death of wildlife and a more pressing biomass issue .
By investing in a new system , or upgrading your old one , you can enter the autumn season with confidence . To learn more about Otterbine and how aeration can improve the quality of your water , give Reesink Hydro-Scapes a call today on 01480 226948 .
www . otterbine . com
The first thing you need to consider is thermal stratification – a natural process that occurs during warm weather . As the sun heats the surface of the water body , cooler water , which is more dense , settles and warm water rises , creating discrete layers .
As temperatures drop in autumn , the stratification effect weakens and layers mix again via a process called turnover .
When oxygen-depleted water mixes with oxygen-rich water , overall water oxygen levels can suddenly
So , what steps can pond and lake owners take to prevent these problems ? Aeration – the process of maintaining or increasing oxygen levels in water .
Aeration systems work by circulating water , breaking up thermal stratification , and ensuring oxygen is evenly distributed . This prevents sudden oxygen depletion , which keeps plants and aquatic life healthy , while also preventing other issues like sludge build-up and bad odours .
Oxygen , moreover , is used by ponds and lakes to remove excess nutrients
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