Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Does this sound right?

When the experts above say to manually "remove the FA", they mean to remove it entirely from the watershed of the pond!

If you let it decay on the bank of the pond, then those nutrients will go right back into the pond over the course of the next year - and the algae will continue the growth cycle.

I only rake small amounts from my ponds, but our expert rakers have given advice to first get it on the bank. (Preferably some place that your wife will not castigate you for making an eyesore at the pond!) Then let that heavy, water-logged mass of algae dry in the sun to lose a lot of weight. After some period (depending upon your location and weather conditions), you can then scoop it into your available transport and move it out of the area of your property where rainwater runs into your pond.

There is an optimal time to move it. When it is still a tiny bit damp, the mats still stick together (mostly) and are easier to scoop up again. If you let it get too dry and sun-beaten, sometimes it falls apart partially into dust. (It is hard to move dust with a pitchfork!)

Good luck on battling your FA! Even if you are winning the battle for the first year or two, the results might not be easily observable. However, best practices PLUS patience will certainly improve the look of your pond.