Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Grass and Weed removal

I am just starting to manage a pond on some property and need some advice on how to clear out the brush and sticker bushes that surround the pond.I was thinking about burning the old brush completley around it, the pond is just under three ac. in size, sitting at the end of a corn field.There is hardly any trees around the pond but after tring to walk around it this past fall, it was almost impossible to move from all the growth. So my question is... Is there a better way to remove the weeds? should I leave some of it alone?

You should probably get someone that knows the difference between exotic/nuisance weeds and beneficial native vegetation to look at the pond before you do anything. The approach to clearing the weeds depends on what types of weeds they are and what you want to achieve. Probably the worst thing you could do is to remove all the weeds and either leave it or plant grass down to the water line. This destroys wildlife habitat and diversity, and it destabilizes the banks, which causes erosion. By getting someone in there that knows what they are doing, you can develop a plan that may save you a lot of aggravation. I'd recommend that you either contact a local pond/lake company or the local DNR for a contact person.

Mike Robinson
Keystone Hatcheries

I agree with Mike. Some is good, having none is bad. Keep some native plants. If access is your main goal, open several areas around the pond for access.
If fishing is your main goal, open several areas, then enhance the pond with structure, to congregate fish near your cleared areas.
But, first, find out what types of plants you have and evaluate their role around your pond. You'll be surprised to find out some of your plants improve the pond, rather than detract.