Not only does a pond with exposed raw soil stand out unpleasantly from the rest of the landscape, but it’s also prone to erosion and leaks without a protective layer of vegetation. Ponds without a concrete liner or rim require plant growth around the edges, over levees and dams, and especially in open drainage areas.
However, you can’t just throw out any old seed and expect good results. Ponds are healthiest when vegetated with grasses, forbs, and other meadow or prairie plants native to your area. Native plants are best suited for thriving and growing quickly in your specific conditions. Grasses and other small plants grow shallow, interconnecting roots that resist the effects of running water and flooding. Avoid trees, shrubs, and other more deeply rooted plants that could damage your dams and levees rather than support them. Decorative plants like bulbs can be mixed in with grasses for color and beauty, but don’t rely on them for erosion control or soil reinforcement.
Establishing good grass growth around a pond requires you to choose a water-tolerant variety of grass that grows well in your climate. Unlike when establishing a pasture or lawn, you’ll have a generous supply of water for irrigating the area around the pond during germination and root development. Consider seed spray products that cling to the soil until a seed grows roots since most areas that need vegetation around a pond are sloped and can shed seed into the pond during a pre-germination rainstorm.
