Before you put chemicals into your pond to kill weeds or algae, read this! Chemical weed removal is not the only way to get rid of pond weeds. We tell people not to put chemicals in ponds, rivers, lakes, and other small bodies of water because they hurt the quality of the water and make eutrophication worse.
You added chemicals to the water, and when pond weeds die and break down, they release the chemicals they took in. When plants break down, they leave behind more organic sediment on the bottom of the pond. This takes away some of the dissolved oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria proliferate in bottom sediment. These bacteria are found in nature and break down organic matter and dead pond weeds. They then release harmful gases into the water that can kill good bugs and aerobic bacteria. Your fish and wildlife may then die as a result of this oxygen depletion. Adding chemicals to your pond might make it look better in the short term, but over time they will make the buildup of muck, nutrients, and toxins worse. This has adverse effects on the health of your fish, quality of water, and recreational opportunities. Chemicals are not a long-term solution to improving the ecological well-being of any waterbody.
The conditions may make lakefront property owners and associations want to use herbicides to cut down on plant and algae growth, among other things. In particular, there may be systemic causes in the watershed that worsen the problem. Specifically, housing developments that don’t have enough erosion barriers or catchment basins let nutrients run off into lakes, streams, and ponds. Organic and inorganic sediments and fertilizer runoff into watersheds, where they quickly grow unwanted plants and animals. This leads to algal blooms, low oxygen levels in ponds, higher water temperatures, bad smells in the ponds, and dead fish and animals.
Weeds are a common nuisance in backyard ponds. They can quickly overtake your pond, making it look unsightly and overgrown. Thick weeds also degrade water quality by blocking sunlight and oxygen from penetrating the water. Many pond owners are tempted to use harmful herbicides to kill pond weeds. However, chemicals have negative impacts on the fragile pond ecosystem. The good news is there are safe and effective ways to get rid of pond weeds without resorting to toxic chemicals. This comprehensive guide covers natural weed control strategies to restore your pond’s beauty and health.
Types of Pond Weeds
The first step is identifying what kinds of pond weeds you are dealing with. There are two main categories:
Floating Weeds
These weeds float freely on the water surface. Examples include duckweed, water hyacinth, and water lettuce. Floating weeds get nutrients from the water and are not rooted in the pond bottom.
Submerged/Emergent Weeds
These weeds are anchored in the sediment at the bottom and have stems and leaves that reach upwards through the water. Common examples are cattails American lotus, and umbrella plants.
Correctly identifying your weed type is helpful for choosing effective removal methods
Physical Removal Methods
Manually removing pond weeds by hand is an eco-friendly approach. It takes more elbow work but avoids using herbicides. Here are some handy tools and techniques:
Skimmer
A pond skimmer is ideal for scooping out floating weeds. Use a skimming motion across the water surface to collect debris and weeds. Empty the skimmer into a wheelbarrow or trash bin.
Pond Rake/Weed Rake
For submerged weeds, use a pond rake or weed rake. These tools have a long handle with a rake head designed to grab weeds from the bottom. Pull up plants and roots if possible.
Weed Cutters
Cutters quickly chop submerged weeds at their base underwater. Let the severed weeds float to the surface then collect with a skimmer or net. Try to remove all weed fragments.
Manual Removal
For small ponds, simply reach in and pull weeds out by hand if the roots are shallow. Use gloves and be careful of sharp edges on some weeds.
Natural Prevention Methods
Regularly removing pond weeds provides temporary relief but weeds often regrow quickly. Combining manual removal with preventive measures leads to lasting results. Here are some natural ways to control weeds long-term:
Pond Dyes/Colorants
Specially formulated dyes or colorants shade the water to block sunlight and restrict weed growth. They are safe for fish and plants. Reapply as directed.
Barley Straw
As barley straw decomposes in water, it releases a chemical that inhibits algae growth. Spread straw bales around pond edges, replacing monthly.
Bottom Barriers
Barriers placed on the bottom under rocks or gravel stop submerged weeds from taking root in sediment. Try permeable weed mats or layered newspaper.
Aeration
Diffused air systems add circulation and oxygen to disrupt weed growth. Proper aeration also supports beneficial bacteria to improve water quality.
Beneficial Plants
Plant native plants around the perimeter to soak up nutrients and outcompete weeds. Water lilies, for example, help shade out algal weeds. Introduce fish that eat weeds.
Reduce Nutrient Load
Excess fertilizer and organic waste running into the pond fuels weed overgrowth. Improve water flow and add a sediment filter to control nutrient input.
When to Remove Pond Weeds
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Spring and summer are critical times as warmth accelerates growth.
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Don’t allow weeds to spread across more than 1/4 of the surface.
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Remove floating weeds before they form dense mats.
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Prune back emergent weeds annually to stop them colonizing.
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Clean out excess weeds before they sink and decay at bottom.
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Remove fragmented weeds so they don’t reroot and multiply.
How Often to Remove Pond Weeds
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Weekly removal is needed for aggressive weed problems.
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Monthly maintenance will help keep weeds under control.
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Spot treat regrowth in high weed areas more frequently.
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Some weeds may require only one annual removal.
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Consistency is key – don’t allow weeds to reestablish.
When to Avoid Removing Pond Weeds
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During hot summer months, as decaying weeds consume oxygen.
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In very cold weather, as ice cover makes removal unsafe.
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During fish breeding seasons, to not disturb spawning habitats.
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When manually removing weeds, take care to not uproot beneficial native plants.
Pond Weed Removal Tips
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Wear gloves, waders, and shoes to protect yourself from sharp weeds.
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Dispose of weeds properly in sealed bags or bins, not back in the pond.
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Rinse all tools thoroughly after use to avoid spreading weeds.
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Work systematically from one end or edge of the pond to the other.
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Remove fragments and break up weed mats to prevent re-forming.
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Don’t remove more than 1/3 of weeds at a time to maintain oxygen.
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Consider supplemental aeration if removing large quantities of weeds.
Eliminating pond weeds takes effort but is vital for an attractive and ecologically balanced pond. Manual removal combined with preventive measures to control regrowth offers the safest and most sustainable approach. Take time to properly identify weed types, use the right tools, and stick to a consistent maintenance schedule. Your pond will soon be weed-free and healthy for many years to come.
Natural Alternative to Chemicals for Pond Weed and Algae Control
We suggest using both inversion oxygenation systems (also called aeration systems) and bioaugmentation programs to get rid of pond weeds. There are natural processes in every pond ecosystem that restore oxygen, but inversion and oxygenation help these processes by restoring oxygen that has been lost due to too many nutrients and anaerobic conditions on the bottom. Adding more oxygen to a pond to make the water better is called aeration. Fish and other aquatic animals need oxygen to live and grow. Aerobic bacteria also thrive on oxygen and can help clean up pollution and change an ecosystem that is constantly breaking down into one that is constantly getting better and lasts for a long time.
Clean-Flo is expert at designing these systems and restoration programs. When air diffusion equipment is added to a pond, the concentrations of dissolved oxygen rise dramatically throughout the water body. This makes the water quality get better quickly. Aerobic bacteria take the place of anaerobic bacteria, which speeds up the breakdown of organic matter that has built up from dead plants and algae. The noxious gases and nutrient release caused by anaerobic decomposition cease.
A healthier pond ecosystem benefits from using a natural method to get rid of pond weeds. This is because natural systems are based on the idea that ponds clean and heal themselves using their own natural processes. Most of the time, ponds stay clean and free of weeds because they are home to ecosystems with food chains of living things that take in extra nutrients. Chemical applications erode this delicate balance and contribute only worsening conditions and increasing weed and algae growth. Inversion oxygenation and biological augmentation supplement the natural process until it becomes self-sustaining again.
How to Get Rid of Weeds in Ponds & Lakes: Aquatic Weed Control Tips
FAQ
How do I get rid of pond weeds without harming fish?
What will eat weeds in a pond?
How to remove floating weeds from a pond?
How do I stop weeds from growing in my pond?
Installing a heavy-duty pond liner sheet is one of the most effective ways to stop the growth of pond and lake weeds. Typically used to line decorative backyard ponds and streams, barrier sheets like this one can be installed in large bodies of water, too. Start by removing the weeds from your target area.
How to remove pondweed?
Pondweed removal is a must when you have them in excess amount in your pond. There are mainly three methods of pondweed removal- Manual, Chemical and Biological. In this article, you will learn the ways of pondweed control of all three methods. Manual or mechanical pond weed removal is the safest method that you can adopt.
How long does it take to get rid of weeds in a pond?
The application process is straightforward, too – just shake it, mix with water, and pour around the pond’s edge. I like that simplicity. However, patience is key with this one. It might take 30-60 days to see control over established weeds, and up to 90 days for full protection.
Does weed control work on overgrown ponds?
This method won’t work on ponds that are overgrown with weeds, but is most effective to continually help keep the plants under control as time goes on after their initial eradication, either by manual, chemical, or biological means.
