How to Control Lake Weeds Without Chemicals
Nuisance and invasive lake weeds can greatly affect the health and appearance of lakes and ponds by degrading water quality, outcompeting beneficial plants, and disrupting the native food chain. Aquatic herbicides are among the most effective tools for quickly controlling lake and pond weed growth, but decision-makers are sometimes reluctant to use these products. It’s understandable that stakeholders only want the best for their waterbodies and those who utilize them. Fortunately, for those who are hesitant about relying on herbicides, several non-chemical methods are available for controlling lake weeds.
Before exploring chemical-free lake weed control options, it’s important to emphasize that pond herbicides properly applied by professionals are not harmful to the environment. EPA-registered aquatic herbicides are well-studied and specifically designed to target nuisance and invasive weeds without negatively impacting non-target species. When applied by licensed professionals in compliance with local regulations, aquatic herbicides are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Let’s explore the various ways you can control lake weeds without chemicals:
- Hydro-raking Aquatic Vegetation
Mechanical hydro-raking for lake weed removal
A hydro-rake is a powerful tool designed to remove lake weeds like watermilfoil and hydrilla that grow from the bottom of lakes and ponds. Much like a floating backhoe, it can excavate up to 500 pounds of plant matter, including roots and seeds, per scoop. Additionally, operators can target emergent lake and pond weeds along the perimeter without damaging the shoreline. Hydro-raking also helps restore depth to shallow waterbodies by clearing accumulated debris, sediment, and decaying plants, reducing flood risks and delaying the need for costly interventions like dredging.
Mechanical harvesting for lake weed control
Mechanical harvesting is another physical lake weed removal method that is useful for managing large infestations of floating lake weeds like water chestnut, which can rapidly overtake the water’s surface. A mechanical harvester cuts and gathers the weeds onto a conveyor, which transports them onshore for removal.
Biological lake weed control: triploid (sterile) grass carp
Grass carp have a voracious appetite for aquatic plants, making them an effective biological control solution for submersed, floating, and emergent weeds in some waterbodies. However, grass carp also eat native plants and it may take a long time to see the desired results. Because they are subject to strict permitting and are not legal everywhere, it’s vital to consult with a professional before stocking grass carp.
Hand-pulling lake and pond weeds
Hand-pulling is a labor-intensive but effective method for removing small infestations of aquatic lake weeds, typically floating and emergent species. Many lake associations and communities organize hand-pulling events, where volunteers work together to manually remove lake weeds from the water. This method can be beneficial in small waterbodies or localized areas.
Considerations for physical removal of lake weeds
While physical removal methods are effective for all types of lake weeds, they may have certain limitations. Furthermore, many lake and pond weeds can regenerate from small fragments left behind in the water, meaning that an infestation may regrow. As a result, physical removal techniques often need to be repeated to maintain control.
This is why a comprehensive, annual lake or pond management program is essential. Regular water quality monitoring and proactive lake maintenance strategies like nutrient remediation, biological augmentation, erosion control, fountains and aeration, and other preventative solutions can help facilitate early intervention and prevent future lake weed growth. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use chemical or physical lake weed control methods comes down to personal goals, budget, and preference, but both approaches help foster healthier, safer, more beautiful water.
Explore Lake Weed Control Solutions
Contact Us to Control Your Lake Weeds
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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, 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.
