Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Willow help

We have a 2-1/2 acre pond with 5 acre adjacent wetlands. I drained them both down in late April to plant with waterfowl forage, chufa grass and some sorghum right around the duck hunting blinds.

As everything began emerging I was shocked to see the zillions (seems like it) of willow tree saplings all around the shoreline areas. I don't know where they could have come from in that quantity snce the closest growing mature willows are more than 400 plus yards away.

I don't want to poison or weed eat if it can be avoided as these willows are adjacent to the other crops coming up so nicely. I've pulled at least a half zillion (also seems like it) by hand and it's more than an exhausting job, especially in 100 deg temps and high humidity.

I'm assuming that cutting will not kill the 18" to 24" or so tall plants since they already have a substantial root system. In fact, the taller ones sometimes cannot be pulled by hand in areas not real moist. Anyone have experience with this problem and suggestions for a cure?

The only "cure" I have ever found is a chemical called Remedy.

Dave :

Just last mth. I tried Habitat on willows and it wiped them out in a week. It goes down to the roots also. I have made several posts about it recently. See report below . I note that it can be mixed and sprayed or painted on the willows. From the label it will kill a lot of plants and trees and I believe it. ewest

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=001889

Thanks Ewest. I'll add it to my arsenal. I've been trying Diquat on pondweed and it works somewhat. I have a bunch of small willows around one pond and pondweed or something in it also. One surviving huge grass carp keeps the weed knocked back a little bit.

Dave :

I agree to control plants first use manual removal { equipment and manpower and if proper draw downs} , and/or use fish to eat the problem weeds , and as a last resort use chemicals. ewest