Are Aquatic Herbicides Bad for Lakes and Ponds?
There are many questions, concerns, and misconceptions when it comes to lake and pond management. One of the most common revolves around the safety of pond weed killers or aquatic herbicides. Aquatic herbicides are used to control nuisance and invasive weed growth, helping your lake or pond maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem. News headlines and social media posts about the potential dangers of these chemicals can cause concern for many property owners. They may have concerns about the impact on desirable plants or wildlife as well as the use of these products in recreational waterbodies.
This uneasiness about the use of aquatic weed killers is understandable, but we’re here to clear up the confusion. Our experts address common concerns regarding aquatic herbicides, discuss how we make aquatic herbicide applications safe, and when to use this solution for pond weed management.
Will Aquatic Herbicides Kill All The Plants?
Aquatic herbicides go through years of research and monitoring before they are cleared for aquatic use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This stringent registration process ensures that aquatic herbicides pose minimal risk of causing substantial harm to human health, biodiversity, or the environment when used in accordance with instructions on the product label. This cannot be achieved if a product poses more than a one-in-a-million chance of causing significant damage to human health, the environment, or wildlife. At SOLitude, all applications are performed by licensed and trained professionals.
Most products and treatment methods are carefully designed to target only nuisance and invasive vegetation without impacting desirable native plants in the aquatic habitat. Pond weed killers don’t “poison” undesirable weeds; they interfere with the unique growth mechanisms to halt their development. When licensed professionals use aquatic herbicides in accordance with label instructions, they are safe for use around non-target plants.
Do Aquatic Herbicides Make Ponds Unsafe To Swim In?
Some pond weed killers require brief water use restrictions after application, during which swimming, irrigation, and using the treated lake water for drinking are not recommended. This time allows the aquatic herbicides to break down and reduce their concentration in the water, minimizing potential exposure to the public. To ensure safety, following the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding dosage, application rate, and waiting periods is crucial. If any temporary restrictions are necessary, such as a one-day swimming ban, a licensed applicator will communicate this information clearly and post relevant signs to keep everyone informed.
Will Pond Weed Killers Kill My Fish?
Aquatic herbicides are specifically formulated to target plants rather than animals, which means they are generally considered safe for fish and other aquatic animals when used correctly. However, improper use can lead to low oxygen levels in a lake or pond. This can occur if too many plants or algae die and decompose simultaneously, especially in warm weather, potentially resulting in a fish kill. Licensed and experienced applicators take into account several factors, including water temperature, treatment timing, and the specific mode of action of the aquatic weed killer. In some cases, adding supplemental oxygen via aeration may be recommended to further protect aquatic life.
Are Natural Pond Weed Control Methods Better Than Pond Weed Killers?
When considering whether to use natural pond weed control methods over aquatic herbicides, there are options available. Hydro-raking is an efficient method for the selective removal of unwanted rooted vegetation. In addition to targeting nuisance plants, the hydro-rake is effective in clearing away accumulations of loose bottom muck and debris, such as decaying leaves and peat. Mechanical harvesters can be used to remove floating and submersed species. In addition, Tripold (sterile) Grass Carp can be stocked in lakes or ponds to target invasive weed species.
It’s important to note that natural weed control methods and aquatic herbicides are not long-term solutions and won’t prevent future growth. The best way to prevent future growth is to maintain healthy water quality by promoting oxygen levels with aeration and balancing nutrient levels with nutrient remediation, vegetative buffers, and other source controls. Citizens can help limit the transfer of invasive weeds from one waterbody to another by spraying boats down or cleaning fishing gear to ensure plant fragments are removed.
Are All Aquatic Herbicides The Same?
Aquatic herbicides are not all the same; they can differ significantly in their mechanics and applications. Pond weed killers can be applied directly to floating or emergent plants or introduced into the water in either liquid or pellet form. There are several types of aquatic herbicides, including systemic, contact, selective, and non-selective. Systemic herbicides are particularly effective as they can kill the entire plant by moving through its tissues, either from the leaves down to the roots or from the soil to the foliage. In contrast, contact herbicides only harm the parts of the plant that come into direct contact with the chemical, allowing the roots to remain alive and capable of regrowth. Non-selective herbicides will affect all plants they contact, while selective herbicides target specific types, such as dicots (broadleaf plants), leaving monocots generally unharmed. The selection process for the appropriate aquatic weed killer should consider the species of aquatic plants present, the specific ecosystem conditions, and management goals.
Long-Term Pond Weed Control with SOLitude
Lakes and ponds enhance our communities in so many unique ways. They bring us beauty and movement, they support native insects and wildlife, they create recreational opportunities, and they serve as important stormwater collection structures in our urban environments. That’s why it’s crucial that we keep these incredible systems healthy and functional through proactive management – but aquatic herbicides are often necessary to “reset” a waterbody before implementing these solutions. Although pond weed killers are a valuable solution that provides quick results, they should never be the only tool you rely on. A healthy, balanced waterbody requires an integrated approach. Contact SOLitude for professional pond weed management all year long.
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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 and Twitter.
