Pond Weed Identification

Identifying pond weeds is critical in purchasing the correct products to control those weeds.  By narrowing aquatic weeds down to certain categories, you can select the proper products, the proper timing and the proper weather conditions needed to achieve success in controlling them.

 

Proper pond weed identification is critical in controlling weeds and algae.  This is essential in choosing the right products for both the weed and for the conditions surrounding the weed.

 

The first step in identifying a pond weed is deciding if it grows above the water, floats on the water or grows under the water.  Most pond weeds that grow along the shoreline above the water (like cattails, grasses, reeds) can be treated successfully with Catt Plex and Plexmate combined.  Be sure to allow at least one hour before a rain and the temperatures should be above 65 degrees F.  Floating pond weeds could be algae mats, lily pad type plants or very tiny duckweed type plants.  Algae mats are usually fairly large, are commonly called “moss” and can be at the pond bottom or floating on the surface. They are usually bright green and may be a thin mat or a very thick mat, depending on species.  Algae can be treated with Crystal Plex or Crystal Blue Copper Sulfate (see product descriptions for specifics).  Lily pads and their types are usually controlled by Catt Plex and Plex Mate combined.  Be sure to lightly spray the leaves without causing the pond water to rinse the product off.  Finally, the tiny duckweed type plants are best controlled with Tsunami DQ sprayed over the plants and be sure there is no rain for 24 hours after treatment.  This will need to be retreated every week for at least 3 weeks to get control of the problem.  Once again, take the time to read the label for directions on mixing and using the products.

 

The submerged pond weeds consist of many families of aquatic weeds.  You will likely need to compare your weeds to pictures of known weeds to establish positive weed identity.  There is one type of algae that looks like a submerged weed.  Chara is the algae and it can be identified by the strong odor that it emits when removed from water.  Be sure to read up on the products to get the correct dosage for your specific weed.