Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants parrot feather take over

How do I get rid of parrot feather problem in my pond?

I'd get rid of the moulting parrots first.

Then to get rid of the feathers, you could use diquat, Hydrothol 191, or Fluridone (Sonar or Whitecap).

Kelly??

I have to do something about this parrot feather quick. I have procrastinated long enough. Esshup mentioned diquat, Hydrothol 191, or Fluridone (Sonar or Whitecap)...so do I apply this in the water by pouring it in, do I apply by spraying it on...should i draw down the water before applying the herbicide? What about 2,4 D? I have read great things about 2,4 D. Someone said to use generic round up with a surfactant after a draw down. Even heard a nursery owner eradicated parrot feather from a pond by draw down alone in the winter.

I am thinking draw down the first week of January. Mechanical removal with a water rake, then apply effective herbicide on the remaining vegetation that is still evident on pond floor. Also, mother nature's assistance with cold temps in January and February. Then mother nature's assistance in spring filling the pond back up.

I want to be as cost effective as possible.

Thus far this winter in central Virginia has been extremely mild, feels like April to be honest. Any comments are appreciated. This pond is about 1 to 1 1/2 acres.

x

It is definitely parrots feather. And I am not sure if the Indian summer is to blame, but the plant is thriving, fragmenting, colonizing, right now as we speak...it is well above the water's surface and i just don't think waiting until spring helps my cause. Seems to me, applying herbicide in the spring is risky since it is our rainy season.

It is frustrating as hell. I wish someone would tell me the best herbicide I could use to kill this stuff. And to think this stuff is sold in stores for koi ponds is a crime. This stuff should be BANNED.

x

Kelly thanks so much. Interestingly, it appears the next few weeks in the Richmond,VA area will be like April. Lets say I draw down in a week, mechanically remove, spray area, and after pond refills in the spring apply aqua shade to prevent sun light from reaching the bottom. Does this make sense. I swear it appears this stuff has gone nuts in the past 2 months. February 2011 hardly any, now its 30 plus percent taken over.

Should drawdowns only be done in the winter and never during the summer. The extreme temperatures during Virginia summers, coupled with the increased metabolism of fish and reduced oxygen levels in warm water, would prove disastrous in most farm pond situations-or am I wrong???

x

old-rockfish, if I have a weed question, Kelly is my answer guy. He's a specialist in the weed control business.

OK, so I should wait until spring...when exactly, March 21st or earlier?

Is diquat the best chemical to use? Which one do you suggest?

How do I apply? Do I slap on some chest waders and a back pack full of chemical and spray the green exposed leaves peaking from the top of the water?

Any advice greatly appreciated. This is really disturbing. This pond is becoming a head ache!

...oh and do you recommend a draw down in the spring prior to first application???

x

How do I know when it is fully mature? I feel like it already is...I will post pics tomorrow.

x

Hey Kelly, just had a couple more questions and thanks so much for your great advice!

I have read 2,4 D and Imazapyr are excellent for controlling PF. Do you recommend one over the other?

I also came across something called Aquacide pellets. what do you think of aquacide pellets?

Any name brands you recommend?

Would you spray or use pellets? Would you add a surfactant when you spray?

I want a cost effective herbicide that does a great job. I truly appreciate all advice because this is definitely not my area of expertise. Thanks so much and love the site.