Parrotfeather & Algae Control in Private Pond
Aquatic Weed and Algae Control Case Study

Location and Acreage:
New Baltimore, VA | 0.3-Acres

Project Timeframe: 
June - July 2019

Project Manager:
Hunter Poland, Environmental Scientist     

Site Description:
In June 2019, SOLitude Lake Management was contacted by a private homeowner to assess their pond. Upon the initial site visit, it was found that the waterbody at the residence had not been previously managed and was fully choked out with Parrotfeather. The growth was obstructing the flow of the pond and beginning to promote watermeal growth by blocking the stand-pipe.

Scope of Work:
The client’s goals were to promote the aesthetics, kayak access, and the overall health of the pond. After discussing their options and budget, the client decided to move forward with a one-time treatment. The highly selective ProcellaCOR EC was chosen for the Parrotfeather treatment based on its fast and long-lasting control of milfoil.

Project Description:
In June, the pond was treated with ProcellaCOR EC. Less than one week after the initial treatment the Parrotfeather had already fully browned out and was beginning to decompose. After two weeks, no distinguishable plants remained but filamentous algae had begun to grow from the newly available nutrients. At that point, the filamentous algae were treated with an EPA-approved algae control product.  We chose this product because we required quick and reliable results. Within days the algae had cleared up. Once the algae died, the watermeal growth quickly flowed out and did not return. By the end of July, the pond was completely clear and no non-target species had been affected.

Within one month, the fully choked out pond was cleared of several nuisance species and was accessible for use by the family. The client’s goals were quickly met within a limited budget. Labor and product costs were low because the treatment efficacy was high.