Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Got it identified (I think) - now what to do...

That is what I try to do, a long term biological fix. Otherwise you are just retreating symptoms over and over, reloading nutrients and possibly trading one weed for another.

For example, in one pond I had total Eur Milfoil infestation. It was unfishable, and the LMB were starving from no line of sight feeding. The shorelines were pristine. I eradicated that milfoil and introduced creeping primrose to the shoreline. I benefitted in four ways minimum.

Although I still have milfoil fragments and an occaisional small plant, the primrose has taken over the abundance of nutrients. It has not grown back to any nuisance levels in 5 years and counting, where the primrose is going where I want it, along the shore and easy to eradicate manually where I don't want it.

I have opened up the water. LMB now have access to food, and more important it is almost 100% fishable, even the primrose provides some nice fishing opportunites.

I have created shade and forage cover. The primrose not only inhales nutrients, it covers a lot of surface area, but not much underneath, so unlike milfoil, fish can swim and hide underneath in the shade. Lilies, and pondweed are even better for that. I have introduced both of them as well.

I have also reduced the bad seasonal fa. Between the nutrient uptake from my floaters and the shade they provide, cooler water temps as well, less evaporation. But the plants to transpire, so that is probably a wash.

This was a 5+ acre pond that was poorly planned, mismanaged and ruined when I got the call. It was properly planted. First step was eradication of unwanted vegetation. Second step was addressing what was causing that and how to neutralize that if not benefit the fishery. Tinkering with the fish balance at that juncture was pointless. I needed to address there cover, feeding and the ability for people to fish first.

I had several constaints in this pond. No chemicals, a very low budget and zero help from the HOA. My compensation was total control, full access to entire gated community in richest area of my region. Side jobs, working with state for water body compliance, and more side jobs. Ended up being my #1 customer base.

My last but not least task is shorelines and beautification. 50% of shoreline blocked by junk willows and cattails. Down to 25%. Soon to be less. I just chip away at that in cooler weather. 360 degree access and a horsetrail around the pond. One easy catch kiddie pond. I'd say target date 2011 Oct.

But as far as finding something else I would term a little more fish and pond or customer friendly for nutrient uptake, I fully endorse and use that strategy for long term results. Sometimes I actually increase the planktonic blooms as well. Then I have it all.