Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Cutting cattails

We came across a story that suggested if cattails are cut below the water in summer and then recut several times it will starve the roots. I've cut a bunch, over multiple weekends and it seems to be working but wondering if it works over years not just in that summer. The article noted cutting in spring promotes growth but later in the year the roots get nutrition from the fronds so cutting them cuts off nutrition.

Has anyone else done this? What is the longterm success?

I've heard this before but I don't know if I believe it. The cattail's are in the grass family it looks like they would grow just like your lawn when cut.

We had major cattail growth in one of our ponds and were told to keep the top of the cattails below the water surface at all times. We were skeptical, too, about it working, but we were desperate. It was difficult at times cutting below the water level, but it worked. We have been cattail-free for about 8 years.

I've heard the same about Lily pads but never tried it. It's much easier to spray with the correct chemical and be done with it...long term.

Trying to be chemical free so I guess I'll keep cutting....

Ponds are tough without that dihydro-oxygen chemical:)

I'm having good luck controlling cattails on our pond by cutting. In spring I've cut the newly emergent growth in areas where I want heavy cattail cover for wildlife nesting. The sparse plants in spots like that then produce many, many leaves and later there is great cover.

In spots where I don't want cattails, like say around my dock or at specific fishing access points, I cut the leaves below the water line during the summer. The plants brown up and the roots eventually die and pull free from the pond bottom.

In a few years more cattails will invade these bare spots, but cutting the invaders is easy. I haven't resorted to chemical treatments, as manual cutting solves my problems.

I've cut with a knife, hedge pruners, weed whacker, and even a small chain saw. Hey, I'm a retired timber feller and a practicing arborist, so why not run the Stihl or Husqvarna?

Good luck.

I inherited a corn knife from my wife's grandfather...10" long curved blade on a 16" wood handle. Historically used to hand harvest sweetcorn. Works great for cutting cattails....I don't have to see what I'm cutting just reach down deep and pull it through. The only challenge is when cutting in deep water to not pull it against my legs....:O