I have a 2 acre pond that has weeping willows all around it. From what I understand they take up a ton of water expecially in numbers. Is this true and if so does any one have a good suggestion on how to get rid of them? I have a very large and long dam. The willows are all along the dam ,but down along the water not on the dam. I am pretty sure the roots dont go through the dam to the other side because it is very thick. Every mid- summer my water level goes way down and I would hate to lose my fish. The pond is around 10-15 years old and is well established ,but as I mentioned above the water level goes down several feet in the summer, enough to cause my coves to completely dry up that normally would be around 5-8 foot deep. This also causes the underwater grass to really grow and makes it impossible to fish for my wonderful Bass without getting grass all tangled in my hook. I have several 13-15 pound LMB and would like to keep them alive along with my 5-10 pound channel cats and others. Please Help!!!!!!
Several rambling thoughts (I know, JHAP has rambling thoughts - nothing new there)....
First off - 13 to 15 lb bass and 5 to 10 lb cats??? You sir make me sick.
- just kidding but dang, I'm hoping to grow a 3 lb bass.
Second related to the vegetation on the damn - you and I have very similar situations. My pond is 2.5 to 3 acres (depends upon the season) and is old enough to be eligible for the senior citizens discount at Dennys. As DIED can testify I have lots of trees along my damn. Based upon their size they have been there for years. So far (knock on wood) they have not caused a problem. Like you my damn is fairly large and it seems as though no roots have penetrated the damn. I say ifn it ain't broke don't fix it. But that's just my opinion.
I wonder how much of your water loss is due just to evaporation versus the willow water consumption? Have you checked into evaporation rates in your area? Heck my pond and DIEDs both drop several feet (5 feet is not unusual) between spring and the end of summer.
Anyway, welcome to Pond Boss - glad you found us.
