While lakefront living offers stunning views and an array of recreation opportunities, property owners do have to put in the effort to maintain a healthy lake ecosystem. Proper lake cleaning and maintenance improves water quality, supports aquatic life, and preserves your property. With some basic knowledge and consistent care, lakefront owners can be good stewards of these precious water resources while caring for their property.
Best Practices to Clean and Maintain Your Lake
Preventative Measures
Regular shoreline maintenance is crucial to keeping your lake clean and healthy. For example, removing debris like fallen leaves and branches can prevent excess nutrients from entering the water.
Creating a buffer zone along the shoreline with native plants is also a good preventative measure. These plants can help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and filter runoff.
Proper lawn care practices can also make a big difference. To help protect the lake’s water quality, limit fertilizer use near the water’s edge and only use phosphorus-free fertilizers.
Physical Lake Cleaning Techniques
Raking leaves is a simple yet effective method for removing debris. You can use specialized lake rakes with long handles to reach the deeper areas. Generally, this technique works best for clearing leaves, twigs, and small amounts of algae.
Besides basic raking, mechanical harvesting is often required in lake cleaning. With mechanical harvesting, we use machines to cut and collect aquatic plants. These harvesters resemble and work like floating lawnmowers, effectively cutting vegetation below the water’s surface.
Installing Native Plants
Native aquatic plants are essential for a healthy lake as they absorb excess nutrients, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Additionally, the root systems of native plants act as natural filters to trap sediments and pollutants and stop them from entering the lake.
We can help you choose and install a wide variety of flowering native plants and vegetation that not only look beautiful but also help control erosion and support the ecosystem.
Regular Maintenance Routines
If you want your lake to remain clean and pristine, make a maintenance schedule that you can follow. A weekly walk around the shoreline, for example, can help you catch any potential issues early on. During these walks, you can pick up any trash or debris along the shoreline.
Make a list of monthly tasks to include checking water quality and inspecting aquatic plants. Simple water tests can be done to check pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. If you see excessive plant growth, you may need to trim or remove it to maintain the balance of the lake.
Additionally, seasonal maintenance is equally crucial for your lake’s health. In spring, check for any winter damage and remove fallen branches or leaves. Summer calls for regular mowing of the surrounding grass areas to prevent nutrient runoff.
Fall maintenance involves removing leaves before they enter the water to prevent excess organic matter from decomposing in the lake. Finally, winter preparations might include removing docks or other structures to protect them from ice damage. If you have damaged structures in the lake, it could mean repair work has to be done, causing debris and pollution in the lake.
Besides these regular maintenance routines, our experts can help you ensure your lake stays healthy. We can evaluate its overall condition, spot any potential issues early, and suggest specific treatments if necessary.
Stay Proactive in Keeping Your Lake Clean and Healthy
A clean and thriving lake doesn’t only enhance the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of your property. It also enables a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Call Karina Lakefront today and let our team help you clean and maintain your lake to keep it in balance.
