A pond in your yard can quickly become a source of pride. Well, this is true as long as it remains beautiful! Over time, weeds can turn your pond into an eyesore. For pond owners, weed control is easily one of the least pleasant aspects related to pond management. But without it, your pond will be overtaken in a short period of time by the weeds and become unhealthy as well as unpleasant looking. Fortunately, there are several products you can use to treat this problem. Pond dyes are especially popular among pond owners looking to control weeds. Following is information you need to know about this particular weed control method.
How Pond Dye Works
Basically, pond dye changes the color of the water which limits the amount of sunlight that enters the water. Since weeds need sunlight to grow, dyes are able to stunt the growth of weeds by filtering out UV light. Dyes are available in powder or liquid form. For dyes to work, you simply add them to your pond in the amount recommended based on the size of your pond. The frequency of dye application also depends on your pond’s size. Keep in mind that dyes only prevent weeds from growing – it does not actually kill weeds that currently exist. You will need to find another way to remove weeds.
Types of Pond Dye
Pond dyes are made in a variety of colors. The most common are blue, aqua green, and black. Some people prefer natural colors like blue because it makes ponds look extra healthy. However, black pond dyes are increasing in popularity because black makes your pond look deeper and the reflective appearance is soothing. Geography plays a big role in helping pond owners choose dyes. The color of your pond is likely to mirror its surroundings. So in some arid areas, it is not unusual for ponds to look brown. Of course, most pond owners simply choose dye color based on personal preference.
Benefits of Pond Dye
Pond dyes are perfectly safe for fish, plants, and people. Fish and plant life will continue to thrive with dye in the water. And you can still swim without worrying about possible side effects that might exist with other weed control products. In addition to controlling weeds, dyes offer aesthetic benefits to ponds that other weed control products do not. By changing the color of your pond water, the entire presentation of your pond is different. Because dyes are non-toxic and are free of chemicals, pond owners tend to use them to control weed growth. Another benefit is that dyes are affordable which means you can use this weed control approach for a long time without breaking the bank.
While having some weeds is good for your pond and its inhabitant, excessive weeds can be the kiss of death for every living organism in your pond. As a pond owner, you may not be comfortable using herbicides to control weeds. Clearly, a good alternative is pond dye which allows you to maintain ecosystems in your pond without introducing harsh chemicals to the water.