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 is 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, Cutrine
granular on chara.
Cattails and 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 for best control.
Pondweeds
The pondweed family has over a dozen varieties with the four shown above
being the most common. Each of these plants can grow in deeper water -
up to 10' deep in clear water. Sonar, Aquathol Super K and Hydrothol
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 the pondweeds above. Komeen or Reward
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 Sonar is the best choice. Often times one Sonar treatment will
last for multiple seasons. Reward or Weedtrine 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 (much like popal
trees). 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/Aquastar with surfactant will also work if used
after blossoms appear.
Eurasian
Milfoil
A very prolific plant! Spreads easily since fragments of plant
can reroot and grow. Do not try to remove by raking. Grows very dense
making swimming and boating difficult. Sonar or Navigate are best for
treatment options.