Question
We have a problem with algae and have tried over the past three years to add plants to our pond.  The problem is a resident groundhog who eats everything.  Can you suggest a way to help control this problem that doesn't involve water plants?

Answer
I'm sorry about your hungry groundhog.  I saw the first groundhog on our property in 30 years last year; he was by the pond but didn't harm anything. We have deer that eat everything they can reach.  Does the groundhog get into the pond to eat the plants that are out of reach?  Can you cage or fence the pond or plants in the pond to protect them?  I've caged hundreds of plants to keep the deer off.

Anyway, there are other ways to control algae than plants.  These include good filtration, barley straw, and algaecides and UV sterilizers if nothing else works. I have a list of options at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/algae2.htm
Hopefully something there will be helpful.  Good luck!

Robyn