Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Flowering rush control?

I planted some flowering rush in my pond not really knowing how aggressive it is. It is spreading like crazy. Looks nice so I thought I could keep it under control with a Round up like product. Sprayed a bunch of it last weekend and it didn't phase it. Should I try to get rid of it entirely or how can I control it? I have the same question about lily pads, I have some white ones that are spreading pretty good.

Did you Use a good quality surfactant with the glyphosate? ? It will kill it without but it does seem to take forever mine took about month 6 weeks.. I sprayed then burned it's back with a vengeance after just 2 years now I just let it go pretty much..

Rushes are hard to control. An 8% glyphosate solution with 2 fl. oz. per gallon of tank mix of a known pond rated surfactant should work. It might take 2-3 weeks to see results. No, mixing a stronger solution won't help.....

Habitat works pretty well on the lilies. Apply according to the label. Again, add a surfactant to the mix.

KENZ, I've had very good luck on the Lilies/American Lotus using Rodeo. The wildcard to me is the surfactant. From my experience, most lilies are very waxy, and herbicides can just roll off the leaves if you don't use a good properly mixed surfactant.

I completely agree with esshup. More than the recommended solution isn't better. I've gone that route, and have actually burned the plants so fast, proper absorption never happens.

Kenz- Let us know what and how much works in your pond.

I will try a surfactant next time. Do you think I can try to control them with it or will I end up killing all of them? They do look nice, same with the lily pads. I would like to keep them at a manageable size if that is possible?

Kenz, yes you can selectively control both rush and lilies. Personally, I like them in my pond, but they can spread quickly if not controlled. The rushes are easier for me to control because I can treat them from the bank, but lilies can also be controlled if treated correctly.

I've had mixed results with permanent removal, as these plants can come back, but the areas that I treat the second time seem to be much easier to get under control. After spraying Lilies/Lotus, the decision is yours if you want to get a weed razor and remove the browned stalks.

As with any aquatic plant removal, I'd take it slow and easy so there are not too many dead and decaying plants in the water at any given time.