Retention Pond Maintenance Checklist

There are many maintenance red flags when it comes to your retention pond. Our retention pond maintenance services can take the steps that can keep your retention or detention pond in inspection-ready condition.

Preventing Erosion

The embankments of retention and detention ponds are naturally going to erode because of the way these structures work. They’re designed to catch water, which flows from the surface into the basin.

Water flow takes a toll on the ground over time. So does mowing in the same pattern, which is necessary because we always make horizontal passes with mowers on slopes for safety reasons. When erosion occurs, soil and sediment can wash into the basin, compromise the integrity of the embankment and impact the water quality.

The Fix: Balding embankments may require reseeding, which is ideally done in spring or fall. Rock may be added to bolster areas where erosion is a real problem. The point is to keep soil in its place, whether by planting vegetation or installing rock beds that slow the flow of surface water.

Clear and Blocked Inlets or Outlets

The moist environment surrounding retention and detention ponds is ripe ground for invasive vegetation. Grasses and weeds just grow faster, and it can block inlets and outlets that must remain unobstructed to ensure proper water flow into basins. This vegetation can trap debris, which also naturally tends to collect near these inflow/outflow areas because it gets trapped.

The Fix: Ongoing maintenance that includes trimming back weeds and tall grasses that block pipes will keep inlets and outlets working effectively. Debris should be removed. Watch for it regularly rather than allowing the inspector to find a reason to mark the “yes” box for requiring corrective action.

Manage Cattails and Other Vegetation

Phragmite is a big word in retention and detention pond maintenance. This invasive water-loving weed can grow like mad. (Same goes for cattails, actually.) The problem is, these invasive species can crowd out other vegetation including grass that is designed to stop erosion. And, excess vegetation taking over pond embankments does not look attractive.

Many times these basins are positioned within plain view on a commercial property. (Aesthetic appeal is not part of the inspection report; it focuses on infrastructural integrity.)

The Fix: Timing is everything when managing cattails and phragmites. If you cut them back during their growing season—which is spring through summer—then they’ll grow back fast and strong. Ideally, this vegetation management should be taken care of in winter.

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