When should I stop feeding my koi in the fall?

Stop feeding when water temperature is consistently at or below 50°F (10°C). As metabolism slows, koi cannot properly digest food. Use a cold-water formula during the transition, then pause feeding until spring.

Why should I trim aquatic plants before winter?

Removing dying foliage prevents organic debris from decomposing in the pond, which can fuel algae, stress fish, and reduce water clarity heading into spring.

Do I really need to net my pond in the fall?

Yes. A seasonal net keeps leaves and debris out, reducing maintenance and protecting water quality. We recommend using an Aquascape Protective Pond Net sized to your pond.

Is the Aquascape IonGen system safe for koi and wildlife?

When installed and calibrated correctly, the IonGen releases microscopic copper ions that are safe for fish and wildlife while preventing string algae from taking hold.

How long does it take to see results after installing IonGen?

Most ponds begin clearing within 1–3 weeks. For heavy outbreaks, we start at a higher ionization level, then dial down for maintenance once clarity improves.

What fall pond services does Hoaglandscape offer?

We provide pond cleanouts, plant trimming and repotting, leaf net installations, pump and filtration upgrades, and Aquascape IonGen installs across Greater Charlotte.

Where does Hoaglandscape provide pond maintenance?

We serve Mecklenburg County, Gaston County, York County (SC), and surrounding lake communities including Lake Norman and Lake Wylie.

Where can I learn more about the IonGen system?

See the official product page for details and specs: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/products/iongen-system-g2-us

3 Essential Tips for Prepping Your Pond for Fall and Winter in the Carolinas

Fall is here—and winter is right around the corner! 🍁❄️
If you own a pond, now’s the time to start preparing it for the colder months ahead.

At Hoaglandscape, we help homeowners throughout the Charlotte, Lake Wylie, and Lake Norman areas keep their ponds healthy and beautiful year-round. As the leaves start to fall and temperatures drop, a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way in protecting your fish, plants, and water clarity.

Here are three of our top tips for getting your pond ready for fall and winter:

Trim Back Aquatic Plants

As temperatures cool, many aquatic plants begin to die back. Trimming away dead or dying foliage helps prevent excess debris from decomposing in your pond—which can lead to water quality issues and unwanted algae growth.

Focus on cutting back:

Hardy lilies and marginal plants around the pond edges
Floating plants that are starting to yellow or wilt
Any overgrowth blocking sunlight from reaching your koi or filtration system

A clean pond surface and open waterline will make your pond look better and perform better all winter long.

Stop Feeding Your Koi Once Temperatures Drop Below 50°F

Once the water temperature dips below 50°F, your koi’s metabolism slows significantly. Continuing to feed them can actually harm their health because they won’t be able to properly digest food.

Instead, switch to a cold-water fish food as temps begin to drop, then stop feeding completely when it hits 50°F or below. Don’t worry—they’ll get everything they need from natural nutrients in the pond until spring returns.

Net Your Pond to Keep Out Leaves and Debris

One of the biggest fall challenges for pond owners is leaf buildup. As leaves decay, they release gases and nutrients that can affect water clarity and create maintenance headaches in spring.

Use an Aquascape Protective Pond Net to keep leaves out before they become a problem—or schedule a fall cleanout and we’ll handle it for you.

Let Hoaglandscape Help You Prepare

Proper fall pond maintenance sets the stage for a healthy, beautiful pond next spring. Whether you need a quick cleanout, help trimming plants, or full winter prep service, our team is here to help.

Call us at 980-522-6166 or request a consultation online to schedule your fall pond service in Charlotte, Gaston County, or York County today.

Bonus Tip

If you haven’t already, consider adding an Aquascape IonGen System this season—it helps prevent algae buildup and keeps your water clear year-round.