I read down through your threads and did not notice any mention of lilly pads. I have a 4 ac natural pond in the upper part of lower peninsula of mich. The pond has a couple of 8' deep spots 20'x 40' that remain mostly free of pads but the remainder of the pond has a really thick matte of pads through the summer. I know the lillies have an extensive root system, but would trying to cut these off as they develope help, or will aeration and eventual deepening of pond help? I really want to stay away from chemicals, so does anybody have any ideas as to pad control or eradication. Picture was taken in late fall and pads have started dissapearing.