Treating Aquatic Weed with Algaecides & Herbicides
When dense weeds and slimy algae start taking over your waterbody, it’s tempting to look for a quick fix. Aquatic herbicides and algaecides are safe, fast-acting tools to halt nuisance growth, but are they the only solutions you should consider when looking to control algae and weeds?
The herbicides and algaecides used in lake and pond management are well-studied and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to target undesirable growth without impacting native species. But the fact is, the results are short-lived. Weeds and algae are symptoms of larger problems, such as elevated nutrients and low oxygen levels. Without tackling those underlying imbalances, unwanted growth almost always returns.
The Importance of Establishing a Vegetative Buffer
Proactive prevention is the most effective strategy for managing nuisance growth. Many are unaware of the tools available to cultivate a balanced waterbody. An integrated management program offers tailored solutions for your property, goals, and budget.
As water flows toward lakes and ponds during rainstorms, it picks up nutrient sources like lawn fertilizers, animal waste, grass clippings, and eroded sediment. A robust buffer of native vegetation planted around the water’s perimeter can help filter runoff and stabilize the shoreline.
Nutrient Remediation Solutions
Waterbodies with excess nutrients may benefit from nutrient remediation products designed to either absorb or “deactivate” nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen in the water column and bottom sediments.
Pond Aeration Systems
Well-oxygenated waterbodies are less susceptible to water quality imbalances. Strategically placed submersed aerators and surface aerators can help consistently circulate and oxygenate the water column. Dissolved oxygen is essential to promote the healthy populations of aerobic bacteria, which play a key role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Solutions for Emergent and Submersed Weeds
Eliminating nuisance weeds and algae can be difficult. In some cases, herbicides and algaecides may be used to establish a clean slate—helping to improve aesthetics as well as access to the waterbody as you introduce proactive, long-term management solutions. And even with proactive measures in place, herbicides and algaecides may be used to help support the program if needed and desired.
Depending on the type of vegetation, a mechanical hydro-rake can be a non-chemical alternative for removing emergent and submersed weeds, along with bottom muck. Mechanical harvesters may be used to cut and collect certain floating weed species.
Reclaim Depth and Reduce Muck Naturally with TryMarine
Other restorative tools like TryMarine can help reverse the effects of time on your waterbody’s lifespan by targeting bottom muck often loaded with phosphorus. TryMarine accelerates the natural processing of organic materials, reducing the total oxygen demanded by that process, making more dissolved oxygen available to the broader ecosystem. Over time, nutrient levels in the water and sediment can fall by as much as 50-80%, and water depths can expand by up to 18 inches or more, depending on the muck composition.
Before & After TryMarine Treatments
SOL Pro Annual Management Plans
Keeping your lake or pond clean and beautiful isn’t a one-time job. It requires consistent, ongoing care by highly trained lake management professionals – and that’s exactly what you get with your SOL Pro Plan*.
SOL Pro Base
If your goal is to maintain aesthetic appeal and compliance with the most cost-effective program, we can help get you there with our SOL Pro Base plan by addressing the symptoms of poor water quality using reactive algae and weed treatments. For a more comprehensive approach, with fewer chemical applications, consider our SOL Pro-Active plans.
Plan Includes:
- Algae & Aquatic Weed Treatments
- Basic Water Quality Assessment
- Visual Monitoring
SOL Pro-Active
Algae and weeds are a symptom of poor water quality. With advanced water quality testing, it’s possible to identify imbalances and address them before they physically reveal themselves. At SOLitude, we recommend taking a proactive approach to lake management to help you reduce your reliance on chemical applications and keep your water healthy and beautiful year-round.
Plan Includes:
- Algae & Aquatic Weed Treatments (as needed)
- Advanced Water Quality Testing
- Recurring Water Quality Monitoring
- Visual Monitoring
- Source Reduction (Nutrient Remediation and/or Biological Treatments)
- Routine Fountain, Aeration and Fish Feeder Maintenance (If Applicable)
SOL Pro Restore
Address the root cause of your unhealthy, aging waterbody by taking a restorative approach to lake management. TryMarine Restore enhances water quality by processing nutrient-rich bottom muck and increasing oxygen availability, creating a balanced ecosystem that can better maintain itself over time.
Plan Includes:
- Increases oxygen availability in bottom sediments and water
- Removes muck, leaves behind sand
- Improves water quality while increasing depth
- NSF-60 certified, no water use restrictions
- Not an herbicide or algaecide
- Improves your lake’s natural ability to sustain ecological balance
*Management recommendations and solutions vary by region. Your Business Development Consultant will share and discuss details of each plan.
The Best Pond Treatment For Algae and Weeds
Regardless of the chosen strategies, water quality testing should be conducted regularly to track changes in pH, nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen, and other parameters. Fluctuations can be early indicators of emerging problems, prompting timely interventions by aquatic experts.
So, fact or myth? The idea that algaecides and herbicides alone can eliminate algae and weeds for good, is largely a myth. The real key to lake and pond management is an integrated approach that focuses on fostering the health of the entire waterbody, not just managing symptoms.
Tips to Control Pond Algae and Weeds
SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.
SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil Terminix, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
