Aquatic Weed Management

Pond weeds can be most intense on waterbodies containing excess nutrients. The greater the nutrient load, the greater the possibility of nuisance growth. Aquatic experts can apply several types or products that help bind or “de-activate” excess nutrients, creating more balanced water quality. When nutrient levels are controlled, water quality issues like pond weeds are less likely to develop. Phoslock, Aluminum Sulfate (alum), and EutroSORB each work similarly to help eliminate free reactive nutrients in the water. Nutrient remediation projects require little downtime and may have the biggest impact when implemented at the start of the growing season. When used alongside other maintenance solutions, nutrient remediation strategies can yield long-lasting results.

Remediating nutrients present in the water column is an excellent preventative measure – one that should be reinforced with the introduction of fountains and aerators. Fountains, surface aerators, and submersed diffused aerators each help to oxygenate and circulate the water column. Dissolved oxygen plays a necessary role in the decomposition of organic matter and bottom muck, which are high in nutrient concentrations. When the decomposition process occurs efficiently, nuisance pond weeds are less likely to develop. 

Fountains and aerators provide benefits any time of year, so it’s never too early or too late to begin using them. However, in northern regions that experience long freezing winters, systems should not be installed until ice formation subsidies in order to prevent equipment damage.

For more extreme muck build-up, aquatic experts may recommend the use of beneficial biological bacteria to aid in decomposition, or mechanical hydro-raking or dredging to physically remove hundreds or thousands of pounds of detritus and muck. These jobs can take several days to weeks, making them a perfect winter project.

Finally, repairing damaged shorelines can help improve water quality conditions for the return of the growing season. Erosion occurs naturally due to wind, rain, and wildlife activity, but can be accelerated when the shoreline is disturbed through recreation, construction, landscaping, and urban development. When sediment erodes into the water, it brings with it undesirable nutrients and pollutants. 

Depending on the severity of the erosion, aquatic experts may recommend establishing a vegetative buffer around the perimeter to naturally hold soil in place and slow water as it flows over the bank during rainstorms. In more extreme cases, the shoreline may need to be rebuilt using bioengineering techniques and a patented knit material called SOX, which is filled with organic material, and reshaped to restabilize and extend the shoreline to its original condition. Winter is the perfect time to complete shoreline restoration projects as they can take several days to weeks.

Invasive pond weeds, in particular, are well adept at reproducing, which is why some species like Phragmites require multi-year management programs to fully eradicate. In the winter, professionals can complete cutting and burning projects to remove the dead stalks and aggressive root systems. It’s also an important time to get ahead of future spread. Invasive weeds can quickly overtake a new ecosystem when transported by wildlife and recreational activities. Carefully examining boat motors, fishing gear, and other water equipment for plant fragments will help prevent introduction to other waterbodies. Winter is an excellent time to begin developing educational materials and signage around the importance of preventative inspections.

Of course, despite consistent maintenance efforts, nature can still find a way during the spring and summer months. When all else fails, licensed aquatic experts may recommend the use of EPA-registered aquatic herbicides that are designed to target the unique growth mechanisms in pond weeds without impacting native species. And new drone technologies are making applications safer and more precise. Though not a long-term solution, herbicides can help create a clean slate which allows you to implement proactive maintenance strategies over the rest of the growing season. 

Eliminating pond weeds is hard, especially after they have become established. Preventative maintenance strategies are the key to avoiding green, slimy growth from reappearing during the growing season. When property owners and managers partner with experienced aquatic experts, they are able to design custom management programs that keep pond weeds at bay. By leaning on the professional expertise of environmental scientists and aquatic biologists, they can feel confident that, when the growing season arrives, all they will see is healthy, beautiful water.