It’s Time to Winterize Your Landscape Water Features!

The crisp fall air is enough to tell you—winter is around the corner! Now is the best time to winterize your landscape water features, before the frost and cold weather really sets in. Winterizing water features in your yard now will prevent complications later this year and will help ensure your babbling brook, waterfall, or koi pond will run for years to come.

We’ll cover some of the basics below, but keep in mind that what needs to be done varies based on the type and size of the water feature in your landscape.

Applicable to All Water Features

When possible, store it. If you have a small, pondless waterfall or a water feature that easily disassembles, it is always a wise choice to simply store it for the season’s duration. This is by far the simplest option, as it saves a lot of prep work and stress.
Remove any water plants. Whether you have water lilies or hyacinths, all water plants must be removed before the chill sets in. Plants can simply be replaced next season, or you can do some research on how to winterize them based on the type of plant in question.
Remove pumps and sensitive equipment. Water circulation devices that are not rated for winter will almost certainly perish in colder weather, so be sure to remove pumps and similar items and store them somewhere warm and safe for the season.
Move any fish or water inhabitants to a warmer climate. While fish can survive freezing temperatures in the wild, your water feature is a different story. If you simply can’t move them, install a water heater.

Winterizing Fountains or Moving Water Fixtures

Remove ALL water. Any moisture present whatsoever in a fountain or similar structure presents a very serious threat of freezing. Freezing water can create cracks and breaks in your fixture, not to mention the pipes that move the water, often necessitating a complete replacement of the fountain next season.
Cover your fixture. The aim is to avoid any moisture buildup through snow and rainfall, both of which can lead to icing and damage for your fixture. There are many covers out there available, and plenty are available in hardware stores or online. In a pinch, blankets or towels will do for a time, but you must be absolutely certain that no water gets into the fountain or fixture for an extended period of time!

Winterizing Your Pond

Fish care. Many exotic fish types might need special treatment, and you should always strive to consult an expert regarding exotic fish types. However, more common pond fish like Koi and goldfish can weather a winter just fine, provided there is enough heat in the bottom of the pool. You may consider a pond aerator to facilitate oxygenated air for your fish for the season as an added precaution, and always invest in a water heater to make sure your little friends don’t freeze.
Clean and control debris. Plenty of falling leaves and plant matter may attempt to make your pond their home for the season, and can result in a murky, messy pond come spring. We would recommend carefully skimming any impurities, and covering your pond with a pond net until fall has ended to prevent a big, goopy, frozen mess.

Water Fixture Winterizing with Topeka Landscape

When you have a question about your water feature, give us a call! We are always ready to help you maintain your own water feature!