How to Prepare Your Water Feature for the Winter
Your water features add curb appeal to your home, especially when your landscaping is blooming during the spring and summer. However, when the threat of winter weather is on the horizon, the steps you take to winterize your water features is essential. These long-lasting enhancements can offer you many more years of not only enjoyment but beautification of your lawn when you properly care for them during the off-season.
Winterizing Small Water Features
Small water features such as a birdbath or fountain require minimal care when the Kentucky weather begins to turn cold. If you don’t have any fish or plants in your water feature, the best course of action is to drain the water, clean the structure and cover it. Make sure that you store any pumps typically submerged in water in a frost-free area. If your water feature is small and lightweight, you can even store it indoors in a storage area or in your shed or garage. If it’s too much of a hassle to move the water feature, make sure it is covered so pottery or cement structures will not be damaged by rain or snow. Freezing parts of your water feature are at risk of breakage if not covered properly.
Winterizing Large Water Features
If you have large water features that hold fish or plants, the process of winterizing in the fall is a bit more involved. Start by cleaning and weeding plants. In addition, when the weather cools, avoid fertilizing. Once temperatures drop to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, stop feeding the fish to keep them from getting sick. Remove any tropical plants and store them in watertight buckets for winter. For water features with fish, it’s necessary to use a bubbler for proper oxygenation of the water in the feature. You may also need to invest in a floating de-icer to protect the fish and prevent the pump from freezing. During the colder months, consistently monitor the water levels to avoid the risk of freezing.
Look to the Professionals
Winterizing your water features and your lawn can be a big job. Keep your curb appeal in check and your water features properly preserved by enlisting the help of the professionals at Four Seasons Landscape Management. Our comprehensive services range from complete lawn care and shrub care to irrigation maintenance and driveway sealing.
