Seasonal care calendar
April pond care in Pennsylvania
Stocking season opens and curly-leaf pondweed peaks. Docks and swim areas go back in.
- Care
Curly-leaf pondweed peaks in spring. Penn State suggests raking or cutting it before its seed spikes appear above the water, and piling it away from the pond.
Source: Curly-leaf Pondweed
- Permit timing
File PFBC's free Notice of Stocking before stocking any pond; keep a copy on site; no pet-store fish. Stock only species on PFBC's approved list for your watershed.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Sources: 58 Pa. Code § 71a.5, Notice of Stocking to the Commission; Species by Watershed Approved for Open System (Flow Through) Propagation and Introductions This may be outdated
- Care
Swimming in the pond this summer? Penn State recommends a certified-lab water test every spring for ponds used for swimming.
Source: Farm Pond Safety
- Permit timing
Putting in or rebuilding a dock? Docks, piers, walls and fill in or touching any pond or lake are regulated 'water obstructions'.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: 25 Pa. Code § 105.1, Definitions This may be outdated
- Care
Discourage resident Canada geese: Penn State notes their droppings add phosphorus that feeds algae, and suggests a vegetated buffer at the water's edge and no feeding.
- Safety
Set up safety gear by any swimming area: Penn State describes a rescue post with a rope and buoy, a light reaching pole, posted rules and emergency numbers.
Source: Keeping Your Family Safe Around Your Pond; Farm Pond Safety
This calendar repeats every year. Permit reminders show the date we last checked the rule.
The Seasonal Pond Letter
Free, four times a year: mid-February, May 1, mid-August and November 1: what to do and file before each season. Sign up.