Whether you delight in the quiet beauty of a small backyard water garden or are the proud owner of a full-size farm pond, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of battling unwanted plant growth within the water. Fortunately, you can safely control pond weeds and algae through the use of aquatic herbicide.
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Aquatic herbicide is available in both systemic and contact varieties, depending on your pond’s specific needs. Systemic herbicide will kill an entire plant, down to its roots, while contact herbicide only kills the parts of the plant that it comes into contact with. Thus, contact herbicide allows you to effectively control plant growth within your pond without eradicating aquatic plant life altogether.
Whether you opt for systemic or contact herbicide for your pond or water garden, you must choose between selective and non-selective brands. Selective brands are only toxic to certain types of invasive plants. Non-selective brands, however, are toxic to all plant life.
Aquatic herbicides are generally effective against the following types of invasive pond plants:
You can purchase basic chemical herbicides for small ponds and water gardens at most pond supply stores. The pond chemical that will work best for you depends on your area’s climate and the type of invasive aquatic plants you want to eradicate.
Applying herbicide over larger ponds, however, often requires a permit. Check with your state environmental agency to determine the legal requirements you must meet for a large-scale herbicidal treatment.
Because pond herbicides are composed of chemicals that are intended to be toxic to certain varieties of invasive plants, some are also hazardous to fish and people. Always check the usage restrictions on the label of the product you choose before using it in your pond or water garden.
According to the Kentucky State University Division of Agriculture, most chemicals used to reduce plant growth in and around ponds are not directly toxic to fish. These chemicals do, however, reduce the water’s oxygen content. This, in turn, creates a less hospitable environment for pond fish.
If you have a natural pond without a liner, keep in mind that chemicals from the herbicide can seep into the soil – adversely affecting surrounding plants. This should also be a consideration if you or others use a nearby natural spring or groundwater supply for irrigation purposes.
Although alternative pond weed control techniques tend to be more expensive than chemical treatment, they’re often healthier for the surrounding area. If you have a fish pond, own pets, or raise farm animals that use your pond for drinking water, alternatives to chemical weed control can help you preserve the health of your animals and nearby plants.
For example, if you struggle with pond algae, consider introducing carp or tilapia to the water. While most fish do not view algae as a food source, carp and tilapia are bottom-feeders and will devour several common forms of pond algae, such as filamentous or ‚”string” algae. Mechanical plant removal alternatives are also available for large-scale ponds.
Used properly, chemical herbicide can help you control algae, eradicate pond weeds and reduce the growth of attractive, but invasive, pond plants – restoring the beauty and tranquility of your pond or water garden. Used improperly, however, toxic chemicals can endanger the health of you, your pets and the surrounding area. Because of the risk involved with any herbicide, consider your options carefully before settling on a weed control option for your backyard pond.
Related Articles:
Pond Fish Care During Winter: Cold Weather Pond Maintenance Tips
Prevent Algae Growth in Fish Ponds
Outdoor Pond Fish: Seasonal Fish Feeding of Goldfish and Koi
Sources:
Washington Department of Ecology: Aquatic Plant Management
Kentucky State University Division of Agriculture: Aquatic Weed Control in Ponds
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