Pond Weed Control Basics

16 Feb 2011

Pond weed control is a delicate balancing act. Most aquatic plants are not a nuisance. Producing oxygen and assimilating ammonia, in fish ponds, are just two valuable functions they provide for your small pond. When excessive growth occurs, the benefits disappear and you are left with a useless pond. Pond weed control can take two forms depending on the offending species.

Algae

Phytoplankton can form “blooms” that block sunlight and create dangerously low levels of dissolved oxygen. For fish ponds this can lead to fish kills, and for recreational ponds it detracts from the beauty and can produce offensive odors. Colonies of this type of algae appear as floating masses typically blue-green in color.

Controlling both types of algae is handled with using an algaecide as directed.

Higher Aquatic Plants

Three major types of higher aquatic plants can infest your pond; submersed, emergent, and floating. Submersed plants spend their whole life cycle below the water, with the occasional flower extending above the surface. Emergent plants grow from the pond bottom. They can grow in most cases as well as on land due to their rigidity. Floating plants prosper in stagnant ponds with more than adequate wind-brakes cause little or no water movement.

Submersed and emergent plants inhabit shallow areas. Look for structural flaws around the margins of your pond. Excessive bank erosion and water-shortage are two common causes to give these pond weeds a footing. Once these potential problems have been rectified, using a quality aquatic herbicide will help bring your weed problem under control. You may need to add a surfactant; sticky chemical to aid both algaecides and herbicides to increase their efficiencies.

For floating plants, opening up your pond to a slight breeze will drive your floating problem on to the shore. Once there, these plants will dry up and die.

Where do you turn to get great pond weed control chemicals?

Sanco offers a full line of pond maintenance products to keep your pond healthy and beautiful for year-round enjoyment and use. We also offer trusted advice on the pond problems you face as a pond owner. Contact us with your questions and we will gladly help you.