Pond and Lake Management

A calm, beautiful, and healthy body of water adds so much to any natural outdoor environment. Replicating the pristine brilliance of Mother Nature, Estate Management Services' mission is to bring optimum health and resilience to lakes, ponds, and wetlands across the Southeast, Mid-South, and parts of the Midwest.

Over 30 Years of Superior Service

For over 30 years, Estate Management Services, a licensed and insured aquatics contracting and land management company, has served customers who own, manage, supervise, or develop properties with lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

Thought Leaders in Aquatics

Estate Management Services comprises the foremost authorities and thought leaders in aquatic management, including highly experienced scientists, biologists, ecologists, and aquatic resource specialists with a deep passion for protecting and revering every body of water in their care. This commitment ensures that all the joys experienced by families, friends, and communities around any body of water are perfectly balanced for all plant and aquatic life to thrive. 

What Separates Estate Management Services from Others:

Trust & Reputation

Estate Management Services caters to a diverse clientele that spans from residential to commercial sectors, including PGA tournament golf courses, as well as direct partnerships with numerous government and municipal entities, ensuring pure and safe public drinking and recreational water for the public, while also efficiently managing stormwater collection and regulatory compliance.

Examples include Dade County, the City of Atlanta, the City of Tampa, and the City of Orlando. You too can trust that Estate Management Services takes the time to provide the absolute best customer experience, caring for each customer individually with the personal attention and care that they deserve and expect.

Estate Management Services offers comprehensive solutions tailored for a variety of clients and industries, including communities, homeowner associations, multi-family residences, golf courses, hotels, resorts, municipal and local governments, as well as individual property owners, real estate developers, and engineers. No matter your management needs, Estate Management Services is equipped to provide kind, courteous service, keeping your body of water healthy and resilient for many years to come without effort. 

Our Clients

Some of our clients include:

Estate Management Services takes a holistic approach to pond and lake management. A holistic approach involves considering all aspects of the aquatic ecosystem, including water quality, plant life, animal species, and the surrounding environment. It aims to balance the needs of wildlife with those of the local community and regulatory requirements. This method often includes monitoring and managing water levels, controlling invasive species, supporting native plants and animals, preventing pollution, and more. It is a comprehensive form of stewardship that looks at the long-term health and sustainability of the water body as an integrated part of the larger ecosystem.

Our customers enjoy worry-free pond and lake management services year-round without the hassle of grappling with the complexities of management, or the risks of potential flooding, pollution, and the requirements of government compliance.

Below is an overview of the services that Estate Management Services provides to keep every body of water we manage happy and healthy:

Maintaining Clear, Healthy Bodies of Water for Ponds

Imagine a pond or lake as a stunning aquatic fish tank. Just like you need a filter and aerator for a fish tank, a pond or lake needs clean, oxygen-rich water. We achieve this by adding air to the water through aeration and carefully monitoring the water's pH levels to ensure they are just right—not too acidic or too basic—so that aquatic life and plants can thrive. Additionally, we must regulate the amount of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water to prevent excessive algae growth and weed proliferation, which can cause problems.

Pond and lake weeds grow excessively due to nutrient overload from fertilizers, animal waste, and decaying plants and debris, which act like plant food. Sunlight penetration and shallow, warm waters further encourage their growth, especially in stagnant conditions with little water flow. Limited water flow in a lake or pond can cause harm by promoting stagnation, oxygen depletion, nutrient buildup, temperature fluctuations, and habitat degradation, ultimately compromising aquatic health and biodiversity. Invasive species introduced into the ecosystem can rapidly spread, outcompeting native plants. Efforts to manage these factors, including reducing nutrient input and improving water circulation, are crucial for controlling weed proliferation.

Routine Dredging   

Over time, ponds and lakes collect a mixture of mud, dirt, and natural organic matter, known as sediment, from various sources such as soil erosion, decaying plants and algae, leaves, and other organic debris carried by wind and water. This sediment gradually fills up the water bodies, making them shallower and muddier. This can lead to issues like flooding during heavy rains, reduced habitat for fish and other creatures, dirtier water making swimming or fishing less enjoyable, and potential harm to the plants and animals living in the pond or lake. To address this, we need to periodically remove this muck through a process called dredging. Think of dredging as giving the water body a thorough clean-up, similar to scooping out the accumulated dirt and debris from the bottom of the pond or lake to restore clarity. By dredging, we create deeper water for recreational activities like fishing and swimming, promote healthier aquatic life and plants, and prevent excessive algae growth. Essentially, dredging rejuvenates the pond or lake, making it a better environment for both wildlife and people to enjoy.

Erosion Management

Erosion management involves strategies to prevent soil and rock from being worn away, crucial for ponds and lakes to avoid sediment buildup, maintain water quality, and protect shorelines. It safeguards aquatic habitats and biodiversity by preventing pollutants from entering the water and supports the stability of the surrounding land. This is essential not only for the environmental health of the water body but also for the recreational and aesthetic value it adds to the landscape. Without proper erosion management, ponds and lakes can suffer from a variety of ecological and structural problems that can be costly and challenging to resolve.

Fountains & Aerators

To ensure your pond or lake is visually appealing above the surface, oxygen is essential beneath the water's surface to sustain aquatic life and plants. A fountain, acting as a water feature that sprays water into the air, is not only visually appealing but also mixes air with water, helping to add oxygen. An aerator, similar to an underwater or above-water movement fan, stirs the water around, ensuring a fresh supply of oxygen as well. This extra oxygen and water movement are critically important for the fish and small creatures living in the water. It makes breathing easier for them, keeps their homes clean by breaking down debris such as fish waste, and prevents the water from becoming too warm and stagnant in one spot. Moreover, it hinders the growth of algae which turns the water green and smelly. This reduction in algae growth also means fewer mosquitoes, as their offspring thrive in still, stagnant water. By keeping the water moving and oxygen-rich, fountains and aerators enhance ponds and lakes, making them livelier and more enjoyable for all.

Healthy Plant Management

Underwater plants are beneficial because they produce oxygen and provide fish with places to hide. However, it is important to ensure that there aren't too many plants because they can become dominant. We also have to watch out for 'bully plants' (invasive species) that aren't native to the area and can outcompete the local flora. Sometimes it's necessary to remove these plants manually or treat the water to maintain balance.

Natural Filters for Pollutants

Certain vegetation serves as natural filters for pollutants in bodies of water such as ponds and lakes. Wetlands, functioning as natural absorbers, trap pollutants, while water plants remove excessive nutrients. This process leads to purer water and fosters a thriving ecosystem, showcasing nature's capacity to purify itself and sustain a wide range of aquatic life.

Healthy Fish and Wildlife Management

Adding the right mix of fish can help control bugs and keep the algae and weeds in check, and it's also fun for fishing. But it's not just about fish; we want frogs, turtles, and birds too, because they all play a part in keeping the pond healthy and balanced.

Healthy Water Temperature and Light Management

The water in a pond or lake can have layers of different temperatures, which can affect how much oxygen is in the water. By mixing the water up (aeration), we make sure oxygen gets everywhere it's needed. We also manage how much sunlight gets through, making sure it's just enough for the underwater plants but not so much that we get too much algae.

Healthy Stormwater Retention and Runoff Management

Stormwater retention and runoff management are essential for protecting ponds and lakes from pollution, controlling erosion, and preventing flooding by capturing and treating stormwater before it enters natural waterbodies. These practices help maintain water quality and preserve aquatic habitats, supporting biodiversity. Additionally, they can offer recreational and aesthetic benefits to communities, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Effective stormwater management is crucial for the ecological health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

Human Impact Management

Excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals on land can lead to nutrient runoff into ponds and lakes, but this can be mitigated by employing sustainable agricultural practices and creating buffer zones with native vegetation to absorb nutrients.

Regular Check-Ups

Just like people, ponds and lakes need regular check-ups. Testing the water and keeping an eye on how it looks and what animals are doing can help us spot any problems early and fix them.

Government Laws and Compliance

There are laws, like the Clean Water Act, that set rules on how to look after bodies of water. These laws help make sure that the water stays clean and healthy for everyone.  This helps avoid unnecessary pollution and flooding.

In short, keeping a pond or lake healthy is a bit like taking care of a big outdoor aquarium. We need to make sure the water is clean, the plants and fish are balanced, and we don't let things get too muddy. Plus, we have to follow the rules to make sure the water stays in good shape for everyone to enjoy.

Schedule a Free Property Inspection

Estate Management Services offers free property inspections for any type of project. To get started, please submit your contact information to schedule a free, no-obligation property inspection today.

Residential and Commercial Services

Estate Management Services offers a wide variety of services for residential and commercial clients, as well as for government and municipalities. This includes: