Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Willow Trees?

Hey guys, I live in cincinnati ohio and have a 3 acr lake that is currently filling. My question is, I have these small trees growing in front of my dam. A friend said they are a willow tree. I figure my lake will be filled in about a week and the trees should be completly submerged. Will these trees still grow and cause problems under water? If so how can I get red of them? I also see this same tree around the banks of the rivers in cincinnati. I will try and get a pic up for you guys to identify and see. Thanks, for any input, Lance

Black willow tree

Ok guys I found it. Hopefully that will link you to the pic and information. Any input would be great. Thanks, Again Lance

Lance, join the crowd. I'm in SW Ontario a few miles north of you and willow is a real concern for me. It spreads by tap root and can spread around your pond. If a piece is broken off and floats across your pond it can reroot in that location. For me, I let it grow in specific locations and in the areas I didn't want it to grow I cleared up the area down to the waters edge and used landscape fabric and rip rap the shoreline in rock to help stop this willow from establishing itself. However, my lake is bigger so you may be able to spray and respray this willow over time to kill it. Many of the chemical guys can tell you the type to use to eradicate this fast spreading shrub/tree.

Rowly

I and probably most use a chemical called 2,4-D specifically to eliminate willow trees. It is safe to use on/near water. I've found it works best new young trees or new growth up to around 6 or 7 feet. It seems to move the chemical down into the root system better in these cases. For larger full size trees, you can cut them down, let new growth start to shoot up to around 3 or 4 feet and then apply. You may need to apply twice withing a 2 week period. I only have one stump from a large tree that has sprouted back so far from earlier treatment this year. Thats out of about 20 or so young new trees and about 10 larger cut trees treated as mentioned.

Once you have them you will probably have to treat for them each year or every other year.

Good Luck!

Lance, check out this thread:
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000015

Lance, Under no conditions allow a willow to grow anywhere near your dam. There is no upside and a scary downside.

Thanks for all the input guys. I called my local fish hatchery and they told me the same.
One last question, if these trees are completly submerged with they still surive?
When I get a chance I will try and get some pic's of my place posted. I have been really busy with getting my dock posts in and other touch up's around the lake before it fills.

Thanks, Lance

Thanks for all the input guys. If these things are completely submerged will they still survive?
I aslo called my local fish hatchery and they told me the same.

When I get a chance I will get some pic's up of my place for you guys to see. I've been really busy with getting my dock post in and some other touch ups around the lake.

Thanks, Lance

Lance,
There is a good chance that this willow will continue to grow under the surface. It all depends on how much light the tree will get under water. If enough light gets to it, there is a good chance you will see it emerge from under the water.