Best Way to Remove Weeds from Lake?
Lake Weed Removal Options
So you’ve read What Makes Plants “Bad” or “Invasive Weeds?”, and learned that you have invasive weeds in your lake just as you suspected.
Now the question is: What is the best way to remove weeds from a lake?
The reason you’re feeling unsettled is because invasive weeds are no joke. Removing weeds from your lake may appear to be a daunting task, because–in all honesty– it can be almost impossible to completely remove non-native weeds once they enter an ecosystem.
But there are ways to manage them.
Just like weeds in your lawn, there are ways to control plant growth and impact on your waterfront property. And just like lawn maintenance, there are several factors to consider the best removal method.
Primarily: effectiveness, pricing, and environmental impact.
What’s the Best Way to Remove Weeds From a Lake?
Below are the most common methods of removing weeds from lakes. We break it down into simple Pros and Cons.
It’s up to you to decide:
CHEMICALS
Herbicide spray or granules that are applied to the water or area following specific instructions.
Pros:
- Effective at targeting specific weeds
- Less labor intensive
- Kills the whole plant
Cons:
- Gov. Permits may be required to apply to water
- Can only apply herbicides at certain times of the year
- Must be purchased and applied annually
- May take weeks to be effective
- Can be toxic to humans and wildlife if instructions are not followed carefully
- Plant must be physically removed from water after death to avoid nutrient spread and further growth.
WEED RAZER and RAKE
Weed Razer is a V-shaped aquatic weed cutter that cuts lake and pond weeds at their base via a method of tossing and retrieving. The blades clear a path of 48 inches, and rooted aquatic vegetation float to the surface after being cut. The Weed Rake is an aquatic rake designed to pull in freshly cut weeds…
Pros:
- (The combo) cuts and completely removes plants from water
- Affordable
- No permit, or permission required
- Does not affect fish populations
- Tool is re-usable
Cons:
- Requires physical cutting and removal
- May require more than one cut
BENTHIC BARRIERS
An underwater “blanket” that is placed over the sediment layer and held down with anchors. Serves to prevent sunlight from reaching plants beneath.
Pros:
- Very effective at eliminating all aquatic plant life
- One time only installation in water with no current
Cons:
- Not as effective in water with a current (i.e. rivers, streams, waterways), requires re-adjustment
- Cuts off sunlight from ALL plants, native and non-native which therefore impacts fish populations
- Undesirable swimming/boating environment due to texture
- Holes can form and render the whole process ineffective
- Labor intensive to install
DREDGING
A machine that displaces (and depending on the type, can remove) sediment layers.
Pros:
- Moves the sediment thereby removing seeds, roots, and plants
- Removes a mucky bottom
- Can increase water depth
Cons:
- Can be very expensive
- Displaces all plants, native or non-native
- Can be detrimental to fish due to habitat disruption
If you have any questions, or would like any clarification, contact us on social media or at support@jenlisinc.com.
For further reading:
Weed Razer: Best Way to Remove Weeds From Lake?
