Ponds are a coveted addition to any backyard, but they can come with a lot of upkeep. Many people might install them in their outdoor spaces without considering the work needed to keep the new ecosystem balanced and healthy for all of its inhabitants, animals and plants alike. Perhaps the most common issue people have is certain species of plants taking over the curated flora in and around the pond. Luckily, there are a few different ways to handle aquatic weed control that are safe and effective.
Understand the Pest
First, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with when it comes to removing unwanted growth in your waterscape. Some species, such as cattails, grow a webbed system of roots underground as they begin to sprout in your space. This means simply cutting them back won’t solve the problem. To get rid of these, the entire root system needs to be removed from the ground so no new shoots can spring up. Additionally, some people think any algae is a bad sign in their pond, but this isn’t so. Some algae is necessary to keep other organisms in check, but too much can start to kill fish or plants also using the water as a life source.
What To Do
For sprouting weeds, an easy fix is to plan a season routine where the stalks and roots can all be pulled up out of the ground. It’s unlikely to completely stop their growth, but this helps to keep the population from overtaking an area. As for algae, some herbicides are made specifically to curb algae growth and can be an easy way to make sure you keep the balance in your water ecosystem.
Having a pond is a great addition to any home if it’s properly maintained against unwanted plant pests.