Identifying Aquatic Weeds and Algae

June 16, 2019 admin

By admin

June 16, 2019 In Lake & Pond Management

Click here for a summary chart of Aquatic Weed and Algae Control products.

Algae

Algae grows in various forms. Filamentous algae is most common. It grows in strings or mats – often on the surface. Planktonic algae causes green water. It consists of millions of individual cells that cloud together. Chara is a weed-like form of algae. It grows like a carpet along the bottom of the pond. It has a musky odor and feels gritty. Use Cutrine liquid on filamentous and planktonic and Cutrine granular on chara.

Cattails & Other Emergent Plants

Emergent plants grow around the perimeter of a pond in shallow water with all or most of their foliage above water. Cattails, Bulrush, Reeds, Purple Loose Strife, Pennywart, and Pickeralwood are common emergents. Use Shore Clear/AquaNeat for best control.

Pondweeds

The pondweed family has over a dozen varieties. Each of these plants can grow in deeper water – up to 10′ deep in clear water. Sonar, Aquathol Super K, Hydrothol, Propeller and Nautique work well to control growth.

Elodea

This plant grows in thick clumps and is usually not a big problem. The leaves are in whorls of three around the stem. It also grows in deeper water like pondweeds. Reward or Weedtrine-D are most commonly used to combat Elodea.

Duckweed & Watermeal

Duckweed is hard to control. It forms a thin layer over the surface in calm, wind-free ponds. Duckweed will not grow well in moving water, so use of a surface aerator will help in controlling growth. For chemical treatment, Clipper, Propeller or Sonar are good choices. Often, only one Sonar treatment will last for multiple seasons. Reward or Weedtrine-D mixed with Cutrine and a surfactant can also be used, but regrowth can occur quickly if application is not done properly.

Waterlilies

While beautiful to look at, waterlilies can become a problem in many ponds. They grow off of a large central root system. Some growth is great for shade and cover for fish, but when left unchecked, they will over populate. Use Navigate to control unwanted growth. Shore Clear/AquaNeat with surfactant will also work if used after blossoms appear.

Eurasian Milfoil

A very prolific plant that spreads easily since fragments of plant can re-root and grow. Do not try to remove by raking. Grows very dense, making swimming and boating difficult. Sonar, Propeller or Navigate are best for treatment options.