Forums36
Topics40,963
Posts557,988
Members18,503
|
Most Online3,612 Jan 10th, 2023
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220 |
I have no idea what the true name for this plant is. As long as I can remember we've always called it alligator grass. It's more of a vine than grass. The root system can take hold either in damp soil or below water and the vine itself floats on top, creating thick floating mats along the shoreline.
My wife had some wild iris gave to her and this stuff was growing in the same buckets. I pulled as much of it as I could before transplanting the iris at the waterline but apparently didn't get it all as I'm starting to see vines growing from around the bases of each plant as well as out in the water around the water willow.
I know if not managed, this stuff can grow around the entire perimeter of the pond, and I guess if left alone could possibly completely cover a pond. There's a pond close by that has it growing all the way around it, but it doesn't appear to be growing very fast.
I'm not opposed to letting it take off a little and let it provide some much needed shade and cover in some select areas. I'm sure others with southern ponds have had to deal with this plant and I'm wondering what your opinion is of it and how you manage it.
Last edited by Mike Whatley; 07/01/18 12:13 PM.
.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 39 Likes: 1
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 39 Likes: 1 |
It sound's like what I call alligator weed. A handful of species I believe and I'm well acquainted with it. When we renovated our pond we removed truck loads of the stuff with a trackhoe but some came back into pond. Personally, I get rid or every sprig I see in or out of the water. The Emergent weed stuff from Aquavet is what I use to kill it. I allow the stuff to die and sit for some time before using a sturdy rake to dig out the roots and remove. Snakes and eels love to take up residence in the stuff.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220 |
I've been pulling it up when I see it. Don't want to use chemicals if I can avoid it as most of what I'm finding is mingled in with water willow. Gonna try to keep that. I usually hit the willow just above the waterline with the weedeater so it doesn't get tall. Makes for good cover for fry, YOY and minnows. Bout all they've got right now. I was thinking the alligator grass would provide some shade and cooler water.
.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298 |
Mike, you are so right about the importance of weed shelter for the little 'uns. This year I have a LOT more weeds, and a LOT more YOY success.
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,220 |
I may just let the alligator grass have one deep corner of the pond where there isn't any cover. Well away from the spawning area, but still close enough for newbies to migrate to. No bigger than my BOW is, and having full access to it, I think I can keep it under control.
.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!
|
|
|
Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|