If you are a pond keeper, it is imperative to ensure that certain tree species that are poisonous are kept away from your fish pond. The vast majority of species shed their leaves, particularly in the fall. The last thing you want is for your Koi and other pond fish to eat the leaves as they fall into the water.

Even if the leaves are not poisonous, increased levels of organic matter falling off or entering the pond is bad news; the leaves eventually rot on the pond floor. Decaying vegetation increases ammonia and carbon dioxide levels; Nobody wants that!

A net cover is a viable solution but in my opinion it detracts from the overall appearance of the pond; necessities must in many cases though!

You may think I’m fine because I have a pond surface skimmer to remove the leaves. Although the pond skimmer will remove the leaves, it may not do so in time. Koi are curious and hungry creatures that will investigate any new presence in the pond almost immediately!

The right selection of tree species will certainly provide a welcome respite for your koi, goldfish, toads, and other aquatic life from a hot summer day, as their shade prevents the water from heating up quickly.

The cozy shade helps block UV rays, which in turn helps control the buildup of suspended algae and weeds. Colder water helps oxygen from the atmosphere to dissolve into the water much more easily.

When selecting trees to place around a pond, avoid the following, or select at your own risk! Laburnum, bay, bay, yew, and linden cause problems. Other species, while not necessarily poisonous, have large root systems that will eventually interfere with your pond liner; poplar, willow, and sycamore varieties are examples to avoid.

The following list is suitable for planting in backyards that contain a fish pond or water garden:

*Some of the ash varieties are a good choice, as they don’t cast much shade and their root system doesn’t spread like wild wire. Mountain ash bears umbels of larger-type flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in fall that are nearly dwarfed by the stunning red foliage. The Japanese mountain ash produces large, orange berries.

* Crabapples are a fairly small tree species that are an excellent choice for landscaping around a fish pond. The Japanese Crab apple and the scented Malus Pink Perfection are good choices.

*Other good choices are Hawthorns or Mays, especially if you need something really sturdy and sturdy. Why not try Crataegus prunifolia for fall color?

* Swedish silver birch (Betula dalecarlica) is great if you’re looking for light foliage and bark that gradually turns whiter over time.

If you have an outdoor pergola, situated near your pond and are looking to add some variegated evergreen vines, be sure to avoid deciduous vines such as ivy. This plant species is among the most poisonous of all climbing varieties.

If you’re determined to select evergreen deciduous vines, silvery queen (Euonymus fortunei) is an excellent choice, as it grows quickly and hardly flowers at all; it occasionally produces flowers, but you can easily prune it.