Weeds quickly produce a hostile environment in a pond, tucked out desirable aquatic plants and strangling small aquatic wildlife. These unwanted plants also lower the look of lakes and ponds, and might lessen the water quality. Several control procedures help get rid of existing weeds and keep them from returning. Consider using two or more control procedures together with each other for an integrated aquatic weed management.
Mechanical Controls
In smaller ponds, an aquatic algae and grass rake, which functions in the same manner for a leaf rake, eliminates certain species of weeds and algae from the water. Weed harvesters and drier are big and costly equipment, and might not be a feasible choice for homeowners. Weed harvesters and drier, however, immediately remove the weeds from the water without chemicals. Unfortunately, these control procedures are sometimes a time-consuming process, and because aquatic weeds are usually perennial, the weeds are likely to grow back until their whole roots are eliminated.
Biological Control
Grass carp help control a variety of forms of aquatic weeds with no potentially dangerous substances. On the other hand, the species of grass carp is a significant factor, because certain species are recorded as invasive and should not be introduced into ponds or lakes. The Chinese grass carp, for instance, is invasive in California. The triploid grass carp is sterile, won’t reproduce in the wild and is also a fantastic alternative to the invasive Chinese grass carp. Contact your local Department of Fish and Game prior to introducing grass carp to ask about any licenses you might need.
Chemical Control
Copper sulfate, glyphosate and algaecides are aquatic herbicides that control weeds in lakes and ponds. Algae are one of the weeds treated by copper sulfate. The alkalinity of the water determines the effectiveness and also the fish toxicity of copper sulfate, and a pH level evaluation ought to be conducted before using copper sulfate. Lakes and ponds with a very low alkalinity require more copper sulfate than ponds with acidic or neutral pH equilibrium, and also can be toxic to fish. Glyphosate controls various rooted and floating aquatic weeds. Since glyphosate is a foliar herbicide, it won’t control plants that are entirely submerged. Algaecides, like endothall and peroxygen-based granular, control different species of algae in ponds and lakes. Endothall is extremely toxic to fish, and extreme caution should be taken when using it. Peroxygen-based granular algaecides control and protect against algae in streams, lakes, ponds and irrigation systems.
Cultural Control
Pond dyes darken the water to prevent sunlight from penetrating the water. Without sunlight, algae and weeds cannot grow. These dyes aren’t harmful to fish or other aquatic wildlife. Pond dyes might not be effective when aquatic weeds are dense, and chemical or mechanical control may be required before using pond dyes. Fertilization works similar to pond dyes in that it reduces the total amount of light penetrating the water. However, fertilization controls only submerged macrophytes and filamentous algae that have yet to blossom, and it gives floating and emergent weeds a boost, increasing their numbers. Fertilization is an ongoing process. Stopping the outbreaks triggers aquatic weeds and algae to grow rapidly.