Pond Weed Treatments

Pond algae isn't the only problem that many large pond owners may experience. Pond weeds can also show up in ponds when conditions are right and supportive of their growth.

In some cases, as with duckweed and watermeal, if the pond is treated with beneficial bacteria, very early on in the spring before the plants show up, there has been a history of keeping them in check. This works because these particular plants, like algae, draw much of their nutritional support directly from the water column. Therefore by lowering nutrient loads in the water, they may not be able to grow so aggressively.

Pond dye can also be used to help control some aquatic weeds, since sunlight is another major stimulator.

And finally, manual weed cutters and rakes provide a direct way to remove many weeds in a non-chemical fashion.

What about treating with chemicals?

Most commonly, aquatic weeds are treated with various types of chemcials including aquatic herbicides. It's generally not recommended to use a general type of weed killer such as RoundUp in a pond.

The first step in determining the proper treatment for a weed growth is to get an accurate indentification of the plant. One of the best, and most useful resources for aquatic plant identification can be found here.

Once you've ID'd the particular plants in your pond, you can then determine the best way to treat it. While the AquaPlant website noted above does have some suggestions, these may not apply in every situation and some states have restrictions on the use of certain products as well. Ideally you'll want to check with your local or state agencies to confirm what can be applied in our area.

Treating all weed growth at the earliest possible time is often the best route to go. The plant is weaker at that stage and the area to treat is smaller. This often saves on chemical usage and cost. If the plant is well underway, or the weather is hot, it may be better to not treat at all. Most pond weeds will subside in cooler weather and can be treated in the early spring for better control.

As with all treatments, be sure to have abundant aeration running whenever you are treating aquatic growth.

**Chemical products may be restricted to ship to the following states: AK, CA, CT, ID, HI, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA. Please check with state authorities before ordering. No chemcial products can be shipped to Canada.

Listed below you'll find our suggestions for treating some common pond weed problems.

Cattails:

Cattails are a common plant found around and in the shallow waters of many ponds. They often add a very natural element to the pond and provide good cover for young fish and wildlife. Many pond owners prefer to have some around the pond but at times they can be invasive.

When you're wanting to reduce the number of cattails mechanical removal is one option. It does little good to simply cut them off as they will regrow if the roots are not removed.

If you prefer to treat the plants with something to thin them out, we suggest a product called Shore Klear that's combined with an activator. This solution is then sprayed topically on the plant to kill it. This application can be very targeted and some reapplication may be necessary to control heavy infestations.

Treatment for Cattails:

Shore Klear

SHORE-KLEAR is a nonselective herbicide used around ponds, lakes and streams for control of cattails, brush and weeds that grow out of the water.  Shore-Klear is not effective on plants that grow under (or mostly under) the water.  Shore-Klear is sprayed onto the foliage of the plant and kills the plant and its roots. 

Shore-Klear must be used with activator (found below).  Application rate is two ounces per gallon of water. 

Some plants, like cattails, may require a second application.  Effectiveness may be reduced if rain occurs within six hours of treatment.  Results will begin to show in two to four days in most plants but can take as long as two weeks.  Waters treated with Shore-Klear have no restrictions for swimming, irrigation or human and animal consumption.

Shore Klear - One Quart - $45.95 

Cide Kick II Activator

CIDE KICK II is liquid additive for use along with liquid herbicides and algaecides to enhance their effectiveness.  The surfactant in these nonionic, water soluble and biodegradable products eliminates beading, providing a uniform spray solution.  This ensures maximum contact with the plant's foliage. 

The low viscosity oil in these products breaks down the waxy coating on leaf surfaces for improved penetration and coverage. 

Use three ounces per gallon of water.  Restricted into CA, ID, WA and Canada.

Cide Kick II Activator - One Quart - $24.95

Duckweed or Watermeal:

Duckweed or Watermeal can be pretty easy to indentify but harder to control. They will appear like small little pellets or beads that float on the water. They will also have a few very small roots protruding from the bottom of the beads.

Since both plants use nutrients from the water, some biological treatment prior to their arrival may keep them down. However once the growth has started, it will be more difficult to control and the best option then is usually some form of herbicide.

The most highly recommended treatment for Duckweed is called WhiteCap (or Sonar) and usually a single treatment will control the plant for several seasons. WhiteCap is best used early in the season for the most effective results.

Treatment for Duckweed:

WhiteCap (Fluridone)

WhiteCap is a specialty herbicide that controls almost all aquatic weeds.  WhiteCap should be applied early in the season, prior to or just after plant growth begins.  Very effective on duckweed and milfoil.  Treatments last for several seasons in many cases.  WhiteCap is absorbed by the plants and inhibits the weed's ability to make food, causing it to die.  Initial results can be seen in ten days.  Complete kill can take 30 to 90 days

When treating with Whitecap you always must consider the dilution factor. Dilution comes from pond inlets such as rivers, streams and/or parking lots. In most cases if a pond receive water from outside source it must discharge this extra capacity through an outlet. This outlet will not only take the extra water out of the pond but it will take the Fluridone (the active ingredient in both Sonar and Whitecap). To have a successful Fluridone treatment you need the product to stay in the water for at least 30 days.

Restrictions: 30 day irrigation restriction. No other water use restrictions - safe for swimming, fishing and/or other recreational uses.

WhiteCap 8oz - Treats Up To 1/4 Acre - $189.95 
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Pond Weeds (Various Species)

The pond weed family represents about 12 different species of plants that vary in appearance and structure. Some of the more common species might include the American Pondweed, Sago, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Clasping Leaf Pondweed, Large Leaf Pondweed, and Bushy Pondweed.

All of the plants take root in the bottom of the pond and are generally submerged although some may be seen at or near the surface of the pond. Many of them can grow in water as deep as 10 feet if the water is clear.

Many pondweed are perennial plants and can provide good habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife. If control is required, it's often recommended to treat pondweed as early in the season as possible.

Hydrothol and Aquathol Super K are two aquatic herbicides in granular form that are suggested as excellent controls for pondweed.

Treatment for Pondweed:

Hydrothol

Hydrothol is a granular herbicide that is fast acting and effective on a variety of aquatic weeds including milfoil, coontail, hydrilla, sago pondweed, leafy pondweed, curly leaf pondweed and others. 

Hydrothol should only be used for spot treating. 

Use Aquathol, below, early in the season when plants are young and easier to treat. 

Hydrothol - 10 lb and 40 lb Pail - From $59.99

Aquathol Super K

Aquathol Super K is a granular herbicide that utilizes Culigel® super absorbent polymer technology.  Aquathol Super K is six times more concentrated than regular Aquathol.  This means less product to handle, less labor to apply and reduced container disposal. 

Excellent for spot treatment of hydrilla, pondweed and Eurasion milfoil. 

Dosage rate is variable according to plant species.

Aquathol Super K - 10 lb Pail - $263.25 

Have questions about the best way to treat your aquatic weed problem? Contact us before ordering and to learn more.

Additional Information

This material conforms to the description on the label and is reasonably fit for the purposes referred to in the directions for use. Timing, unfavorable temperatures, water conditions, presence of other materials, method of application, weather, watering practices, nature of soil, disease problem, condition of crop, incompatibility with other chemicals, pre-existing conditions and other conditions influencing the use of this product are beyond the control of the seller. Buyer assumes all risks associated with the use, storage, or handling of this material not in strict accordance with directions given herewith. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS OR MERCHANTIBILITY IS MADE.

**Buyer assumes all risks and responsibility associated with the use, storage, or handling of all pond treatments that may be purchased from KLM Solutions LLC. **