Leland Insider, Fall Edition Fall Insider 2017 - Final Draft | Page 8

Abscission
As the Fall Season moves in, many species of plants will begin to shed their leaves in prepa-
ra on for colder weather. They are actually preparing to protect the root structure for the
next spring bloom. Other plants will start to turn yellow, orange and red, especially in wet-
land and preserve trees. These colors are the plant pigments, also called carotenoids. During
autumn, as sunlight decreases, plants produce less chlorophyll (which keeps the plants
green), and the carotenoids are expressed. The process of leaves shedding, or turning color
and then falling off in autumn is called abscission.
Impact
The impact of abscission is seen in lakes by the increase in nutrients from the fallen
leaves. When leaves fall into your lakes or are forced down storm drains during rain events
these leaves bring many stored nutrients. As the leaves begin to decay they release these
nutrients and eventually turn to muck in the lakes' diges ve system. These excess nutrients
promote fall algae blooms
Preven on
There are several strategies we recommend to help prevent Fall Algae Bloom:
Beneficial Bacteria - Bacteria will break down the released nutrients and will help the
leaves decompose properly instead of turning to muck at the bo om of your lake.
Aera on - Aera on systems will promote beneficial bacteria growth and water circula-
on, as well as prevent stagnant odors and poor water clarity.
Aluminum Sulfate - Alum treatments are used to reduce the amount of phosphorus in the
water. These non-toxic treatments can flock the suspended nutrients in the water column
to the bo om and help bacteria break them down faster.
Autumn is a beau ful me of year, but can be problema c for your lakes. The sim-
ple strategies outlined above can prevent unwanted and unsightly lake issues from
occurring. Please contact us to discuss these proac ve techniques that will greatly
improve the health of your lake!
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Testimonial
“ I am sending a quick note of apprecia on for our on-site staff: Lee Wilson, Sherri Jackson, and Kira Floyd. All three showed
up to work at Legacy of Leesburg first thing Tuesday morning, even though none of them had power at home, and as I under-
stand it, Sherri s ll did not have power as of Friday. The dedica on and commitment to Legacy was gra fying to see. It was
also recognized by the residents, as evidenced by a series of posts on our internal message board. “