Hello, My pond has an earthen levy/dam at one end. There is currently alot of vegetation growing out of it along the waterline. Mostly pussy-willow (sp?) and now some sumac is cropping up.

Is it better for the dam to cut the vegetation down, or should I just let it grow. Will the roots damage the dam causing a leak, or are they beneficial? The dam is about 5 years old and is covered in grass on top.

any input is appreciated.