Shielding Serenity: A Guide to Properly Installing Leaf Netting Over Your Pond

As the vibrant foliage of fall descends, the joy of having a pond in your backyard may be tempered by the impending chore of keeping leaves and debris out of the water. Enter leaf netting – a simple yet effective solution to protect your pond from the seasonal cascade of nature's confetti. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps of properly installing leaf netting over your pond, ensuring that your aquatic haven remains pristine and low-maintenance.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you embark on installing leaf netting, gather the tools and materials you'll need:

• Leaf netting (make sure it's appropriately sized for your pond)
• Utility knife, measuring tape
• Landscaping staples
• Rope
• Supports (Metal T posts, pvc, wood, etc.)

Step 1: Set up Supports
Unless your pond is tiny, the net will most likely need some kind of support so that it doesn't sag into the water once it's weighted down with leaves. Our go-to method is pounding in a 5.5ft studded T post on either end of the pond and tying a rope between them as tight as possible. This allows the net to form a "tent" over the rope and leaves shed off the sides. Other supports that work well are bending 1''-1.5'' pvc over the pond, wood planks, or pre-made tent poles. 
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Netting
Unroll the leaf netting and measure it to cover the entire surface of your pond. Leave a little excess on each side to ensure complete coverage and that you have enough to go up and over the supports. Use scissors to cut the netting according to your measurements.
Once the net goes up it will be much harder to access the pond. So take a moment to do any needed maintenance like skimming out leaves, trimming dead aquatic plants, feeding fish, etc. 
Step 3: Position the Leaf Netting
Drape netting over the pond and support, and spread out so it covers the entire surface. Make any necessary adjustments to align it properly. If your pond has features like rocks or plants, tuck the netting around these elements to secure it in place.
Step 4: Secure the Netting with Stakes or Rocks
To prevent the netting from blowing away or sagging into the water, secure it in place using stakes/landscape staples or rocks. Work your way around the perimeter securing the edges of the netting to the ground. Ensure that the netting is taut and doesn't sag into the water.
Step 5: Regularly Monitor and Maintain
While leaf netting is an excellent preventive measure, it's essential to monitor its condition regularly. Remove accumulated leaves and debris from the netting as needed to maintain its effectiveness. You may need to retighten it occasionally as it gets weighed down.
Step 6: Remove Before Winter
After all the leaves have fallen and have been cleaned up in the yard the net can be taken down and stored before the snowstorms of winter come. This will prolong the life of your net since heavy snow and ice can rip holes in it. 
If you live near a river or know predators like mink/otters may frequent your pond it'd be a good idea to leave the net up all winter to protect the fish. 
Conclusion:
Installing leaf netting over your pond is a simple yet impactful way to preserve its beauty and ease the burden of seasonal maintenance. By following these steps and investing a little time in preparation, you can enjoy the serenity of your pond without the constant worry of fallen leaves disrupting its pristine waters.

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