Customer Education

Aquatic Weeds
Aquatic plants that cause weed problems are typically categorized into four groups: submersed (majority of foliage below the water), emergent (foliage above the water), floating, and algae.

Plant and Weed Identification
Below are the categories that help you determine what type of weeds you have. Please also see our links page for access to other sites containing more information.

Submersed
These plants are completely underwater and are generally rooted in the bottom sediment. If flowers exist, they may extend above the surface of the water. This group includes many introduced or exotic species that grow prolifically and are considered to be problematic. An example of this is hydrilla.

Emergent
These plants have most or all of their vegetative and flowering parts above the surface of the water or on the shoreline. This group may also be referred to as shoreline and wetland plants. They grow in shallow areas and banks of lakes, ponds, rivers and ditches. They are generally rigid. They do not need water for support. Many are not considered truly aquatic but can survive submerged in water or in saturated soils for extended periods of time. Examples of this type of plant are cattails, arrowhead and pickerelweed.

Floating
These plants will either float freely on the surface or they have leaves that float on the surface and are rooted in the bottom. Examples include water hyacinth, water-lily and duckweed.

Algae
Algae are single-celled or multi-celled plants that lack true supporting or conducting tissues. They are commonly referred to as pond scum or slime. Algae are separated into several groups. Plantonic algae are composed of single cells or small colonies and are usually free-floating or suspended in the water column, giving a green, brown or even sometimes red color to the water. Filamentous algae are multi-cellular algae whose cells are attached end to end to form long threads. Macrophytic algae are larger, multi-branched algae mimicking underwater weeds.

Lake & Pond Problem Factors
It is important to know that each pond and lake is a unique ecosystem. It is possible for two ponds in the same area to have different problems. This is why it is important to understand the possible causes of the problems as well as the fact that all of these factors are interrelated. It is also important to know there isn’t a magical cure for most lake and pond problems.

Temperature 
During the summer months, shallow ponds can reach temperatures of 90 degrees or more. High water temperature can accelerate plant growth at what sometimes seems to be an alarming rate. Under these situations, algae can reproduce every four hours. Pond weeds (submersed vegetation) can grow one inch per day. If left untreated, a pond or lake can become covered within a very short time. We recommend herbicide treatments to help keep growth under control. A maintenance treatment done once a month is usually required. In some cases, two or more treatments may be required during the summer months.

Depth of water in the lake or pond
Light is a key factor in plant growth. The deeper the water, the less light will be able to penetrate the water. Light can penetrate to the bottom or a lake or pond that is less than four feet deep, allowing excess plant growth. These excess plant growths are commonly known as “blooms.” The fact that shallower water heats up quicker can also cause “blooms.” Deeper lakes and ponds may still develop “blooms,” but they usually occur on the edges where the water is shallower.

We use aquatic dyes to help keep light from penetrating the water. These dyes are food quality and non-toxic. Typically we use a deep blue dye because the darker color limits the amount of light penetration. These dyes are also used in very clear water that may be deeper than four feet, as the clearer the water the further light will penetrate.

Water Circulation (Aeration)
Water circulation can help improve water quality by mixing the water within the entire pond or lake, so that there are not any stagnant areas with low oxygen levels. Water movement can be achieved through the installation of an aeration system, such as aerator fountains or diffuser (bubbler) systems.

Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of the water is one factor that cannot be easily regulated. In some instances it may be detrimental to do so. The chemical composition of the water can either promote or retard the growth of plants. The chemical composition of a pond includes pH, alkalinity, conductivity, dissolved solids, nitrogen and phosphorus. We can monitor all of these factors so that problems can be identified. If adjustments become necessary, we will do so in a way that is most beneficial to the ecosystem.

Bank Erosion
Erosion of the banks into the water feature can cause many problems. This can create shallow areas promoting “blooms.” Stabilizing the banks during construction is critical. This can be accomplished by hydro-seeding the banks, laying sod, using rocks or riprap. If you already have shallow shelves, plants may need to be installed. The use of native aquatic plants will help absorb nutrients from runoff as well as beautify the pond or lake. We will be happy to provide you with a free evaluation and price quote.

Good choices for plantings include the following:

Soft Rush
Yellow Canna Lilly
Arrowhead
Sand Cordgrass
Pickerelweed

Excess Nutrients
Nutrient loading can come from many sources including the following:

Fertilizer
Fertilizer in lakes or runoff can create a major problem. Watering time can be reduced to reduce the nutrient runoff.

Runoff
Runoff from surrounding areas can be difficult to control. However, there is a way to control the absorption of the runoff by planting native aquatic plants on the shelves near the inflow pipes. This will help absorb excess nutrients.

Grass Clippings
Grass clippings in lakes act as a fertilizer. Bagging the clippings and/or not blowing the clippings into the lake will help combat the problem.

Excess Waterfowl
Ducks and geese are beautiful to see on any pond. However, their waste is a source of nitrogen which feeds growth. Large numbers of waterfowl degrade water quality, possibly leading to blooms. Migrating birds can carry unwanted weeds and plants to your pond on their underbellies. Unfortunately, this cannot be stopped.

Excess Plant Growth
Excess noxious plant growth is the final result when you combine any of the factors listed above.