Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants water hyacinth

Did I just make a big mistake? I have a ten acre pond which I use for fishing. A friend just gave me about a hundred water hyacinth plants and a put the at the shallow edge of my lake, without thinking of consulting you first. I did it yesterday afternoon, and I can still rake them out if this was an error. There isn't much plant cover where I put them and I thought I was doing the right thing, but then the idea hit me tnat it might be a bad idea. If it helps, I live in northern California where the temperatures drop to freezing for a short time every winter. Your advice...

Hi gd and welcome to the forum.

I don't think water hyacinth is problem in northern climates, but I'm half guessing.

I wouldn't take a chance. If you should have a couple of warm winters in a row, it could really clog up your pond.

Don't want to scare you, but...

Goodness gracious!

George, welcome to the forum!

Water Hyacyinths probably will never be a problem for you. Mine start to die when the temps hit the 50's. In your climate, it will be considered/used as an annual. Seems as over-the-top stupid as Ca. is about the enviornment, that if a Hyacinth is legal to even possess in the state, it MUST be safe!

Hi George and welcome to Pond Boss.

Where are you in Northern California?

Hyacinth is considered an invasive species in California and grows very prolifically in lower elevations. Personally I would be cautious about introducing it especially if you have a spill way that could allow it to travel down stream. There has been serious problems with Hyacinth in the delta and in the Consumes river near Folsom. According to what I have read, during the warm months of growth it can double in size (area covered) every 18 days. It if were me I'd probably get rid of it. With your colder temperatures you might not have a problem with it as it should die back in the winter. Still I'd be concerned about it going downstream.

Several forum members are in Northern California. Welcome to Pond Boss!

welcome to pondboss gd.

i'd lean towards not having it unless you plan on some strict management.

I have Hyacyinths in my ponds and I can not get rid of them .How can I get ried of them . I take all the big plants out and the cows wont even eat them , just a alot of little ones ,I even drained my ponds but they come back. I would tell any body NO No Hyacyinths, bad plants , I live in central CA.

Interesting that George Domb never respond and has never posted again, Hmmm, perhaps the Hyacyinth ate him.

As I said in my previous post, Water Hyacyinth in lower elevations is BAD BAD stuff. Unfortunately Joe it sounds like you have found that out already. You probably will have to resort to chemical treatment. I know Reward is listed as being effective against Hyacyinth. Perhaps one of the folks that specialize in pond chemicals can better address this question.

Can you prevent the cows from accessing the pond for several days if you treat it Joe?

I take them out of the ponds and throw them to the cows, But the concern would be the fish in the pond.

Reward won't hurt the fish in your pond or any other pond wildlife and the water is safe for livestock consumption after 24 hours. I used it to treat Elodea and was very pleased with the results. It is a contact herbicide so you may have to use several treatments as the weeds emerge. I'm no expert but I can tell you that I was very happy with the use of Reward.

Were can I buy Reward?

Your local feed and see store should have it or be able to get it. If not go to the Resource link on pond boss.

Very few people ship chemicals into California, so as Jsand13 suggested, try looking at your local feed or agricultural chemical outlet. If they don't have it in stock they can probably order it. Up in our neck of the woods I get it at the Fruit Growers Association store.